Unexpected Loss
"He is not here anymore but he continues to make an impact on peoples lives."
- Steve Kowalewski
Steve and Alicia Kowalewski were going about normal life, as parents of three adult children and grandparents of two boys when a knock on their door rocked their world. A policeman came by to inform them that their son, Steven had been killed in a tragic car accident. In utter shock, they clung not only to one another but to God, knowing that somehow God would get them through this.
Fresh hope began to emerge after watching the video, “I am Free,” where their son Steven shared his faith in Christ, several months before his death. This new hope birthed a dream leading to a new purpose for them. They established a memorial scholarship and today, the Steven Kyle Kowalewski scholarship is used to train Christian leaders.
Some Thoughts to Consider:
1. Be rooted in your faith. Alicia shared that being a Christian doesn’t guarantee bad things won’t happen. Being rooted in God’s word helps you stand strong during the storms of life.
2. Cling to God. Don’t allow your grief to put distance you from God, stay close. He is faithful and will be with you every step of the way.
3. Trust God. There will be times when you feel hopeless and can’t understand “why”, but trust God.
4. Allow God to use you with a new purpose. Steve and Alicia listened to God and established the Stephen Kyle Kowalewski Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is training Christian leaders who will be able to touch countless people throughout their lives.
Words to Live By:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28 (NIV).
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed” Psalm 34:18 (NLT).
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, ”declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV).
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28 (KJV).
Dr. Ron’s Perspective:
One moment life can be rolling along smoothly and suddenly, a traumatic life event occurs. It catches you off guard and shakes the foundation of your world. Anxiety, fear, and depression are common emotional reactions. You might experience sleepless nights and a prevailing sense that life will never be the same. This can also be a time of uncertainty and insecurity. You may wonder, “Why me? Why now? What does the future hold?” This can be a powerful opportunity where one’s faith can be challenged and the purpose of life contemplated, perhaps for the very first time. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of your life, strengthening your faith by putting your trust in God. Talk to him, the One who already understands your fear and wants to comfort you. He is waiting and ready to listen. You are never truly alone!
Grace Notes by Philip Yancey
“I believe in the resurrection primarily because I have gotten to know God. I know that God is love, and I also know that we human beings want to keep alive those whom we love. I do not let my friends die; they live on in my memory and my heart long after I have stopped seeing them” (113).
https://saginawfoundation.thankyou4caring.org/kowalewski
Recommended Resources:
The Problem of Pain -C.S. Lewis
The Gift of Pain -Philip Yancey
The Reason for God -Tim Keller
