Widowed With Small Children
In my experience, God's grace was there and was very real."
-Carol
During her quiet time one day, the Lord spoke to Carol regarding her relationship with a man she had been seeing and having questions about. Carol listened to the Lord, and eventually, they were married.
During her quiet time one day, the Lord spoke to Carol regarding her relationship with a man she had been seeing and having questions about. Carol listened to the Lord, and eventually, they were married.
Not long after the wedding, Michael’s health was hit hard by a debilitating disease that saw him slowly worsen, causing his kidneys to fail. After some time, he was diagnosed with Wegener’s Granulomatosis. At this point, the young family had three small children.
Throughout his illness, Carol and her husband struggled to maintain normalcy in their home, teaching the children to trust God and look for joy in every situation. They played a game, called “I spy God at work.” Through it all, the Lord was with them.
Their routine consisted of frequent hospital visits until the time came when he no longer could come home. After Michael’s death, Carol found that God’s grace carried and sustained her.
If you have experienced the death of a loved one, here are some thoughts to consider:
- Talk to God: He can handle your emotions. Even if you don’t know how to pray, just keep talking to God.
- Be honest and open: Let others know how you’re feeling. It’s okay to accept help.
- Share your story: People who have experienced the loss of a loved one may have feelings of anger, depression, or isolation. If you have experienced a loss like this, we encourage you to share your story. There is someone who needs to hear it!
Words to Live By:
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (KJV).
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV).
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).
Recommended Resources:
The Problem of Pain -C.S. Lewis
The Gift of Pain -Philip Yancey
The Reason for God -Tim Keller
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis- Mayo Clinic
