Psalm 120:1

In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and He heard me.

A dear friend lost her mother last Thursday, suddenly and unexpectedly. It is times these this verse from Psalms rings so true to my heart.

From the time I found out until I saw her, I pondered what I could possibly say, after all, it has been almost ten years since my own mother went to be with the Lord and not a day passes without the enormous void so clear and ever-present.

There are always things I want to pick up the phone or drive over and tell Mom, jokes I want to crack that only she would get. Oh to see that sweet smile or hear her answer the phone, “Roll Tide” after a ball game, just one more time.

In the years she has been gone, the Lord has used her absence to draw me closer to Himself.

Knowing that the Lord and our saved loved ones are all there waiting for us in Glory is a comfort. This verse was never so real until after I lost Mom: Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Yes, there are still times I don’t know how I am going to take another step or I just don’t want to move forward another day without Mom. It is then the Lord gives me these verses and reminds me of those He has given me to be loved by and love. I know this, even the most tragic and devastating situations will be used for His glory. I don’t know when or how, but He wastes nothing. I don’t have to understand, just trust.

Other than my Aunt Lou, rarely would I say someone reminds me of my mother. Mrs. Joan did, however, in her kindness, hard work, devotion to her marriage, love for her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.

She was so sincere and caring. No one saw her without getting a hug and being asked about and their family. Not expecting a quick “fine”, she sat there and really listened to how everyone was and what was going on with them.

In times of deepest heartache and mourning, know only the Father can motivate and give peace found nowhere else but in and through Him.

Isn’t our King amazing! The Truth of the Scriptures is so sweet and beautiful. Our Redeemer brings comfort in times we need it most.

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Prayer

Almighty God

Thanks for the day You have made

For the rising to the setting sun

For holding us closely

Letting us know You are with us

We ask for peace, comfort and strength for our precious sister and brothers in Christ who have faced such a great loss

Thank You for the life of a beautiful, loving woman

Who gave of herself to You, her family, friends and strangers

How blessed to have had someone who prayed sincerely

She saw a need and in faith, reached to You to provide

We give You glory for her life

For the time spent with her and the promise of eternity

Please bring comfort and precious memories to those she loved so freely and deeply

Please be with others among us, Master

For those who celebrate victories

Please hear the prayers for the sick

Direct the gratitude of the healed to the Great Physician

For those rejoicing, please let them turn their victory over to You

We give You praise for all You do

For being Who You Are, Merciful Lord

Your Word says in John 14:26″ But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

We cling to the promises You have made to us and give praise for them, because we know they will be kept far better and beyond anything our limited imaginations are able to fathom.

Our hope, trust and faith is in You, our Righteous and Precious Savior.

In the Name of Jesus Christ

By Whose blood we were rescued

We pray with hearts, sometimes over-joyed, other times broken

But never forsaken nor forgotten by our Creator

AMEN

songs

Blessed Be Your Name (This is one song they sang at the church when we returned back to SC after Mom’s funeral. It just proved to me how very personal our relationship is with Jesus Christ and how He loves us so deeply. As the words flowed through the cracks of my broken heart, I knew it was no coincidence. In my darkest hour, He calls me to choose to say “Blessed be the Name!”)

Because He Lives

You Are My All In All

Anchor Holds (not Ray Boltz)

Credits FATHER, JESUS, HOLY SPIRIT, SCRIPTURE

FRIENDS, FAMILY

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