How can a spouse survive the loss of a life partner? By taking it slowly, learning from God and leaning on Him.
Read moreCategory: Death and Grief
A Present Silence
The necessary distance to grieve death together. by Jason Overman I had a recurring nightmare as a child. From about five years of age to 12, I dreamed about my mother drowning and being unable to reach or rescue her. I’d wake in a sweat, or in tears, and run to her bedside, only…
Read moreRedefining Myself
Coping with loss often means discovering a “new you.” by Becky LeRud The paperwork looked routine until the words marital status leaped off the page. I paused, tears streaming down my cheeks. This was the first time I had to mark that dreaded word: widow. I was facing an identity crisis: no longer a…
Read moreThe Baby I Never Held
The God of all comfort knows how to soothe our grief. by Eva C. Maddox A wave of nausea swept over me as I prepared breakfast. Simultaneously, a troubling thought soared through my brain. I couldn’t be pregnant! Not now — when my toddler is finally into big boy underwear. No! I had spent…
Read moreNo Easy Answers
A teacher’s toughest lesson. by Diane Stark “Diane, Michael’s mom is here to see you,” the school secretary said, interrupting my kindergarten classroom one Monday morning. I turned and looked at the secretary. “I’m teaching right now. Can it wait?” “She really needs to see you,” she insisted. Interruption I left my students in…
Read moreDriftwood
The long path to peace and healing. by Pat Voyce Life so far had gone as we’d planned. We had a cozy little home, satisfying careers, and an amiable network of family and friends. Anchored in a calm joy of plans achieved, we looked forward to the next phase: the ease of retirement and…
Read moreHow to Avoid Foot in Mouth Syndrome
When someone is grieving, it’s bestto think before we speak. by Courtney Newbery As the woman walked into the room, eyes puffy from crying, my normally chatty group of friends fell into a deafening silence. Glances were averted, and hands began busying themselves with any available distraction. An elephant was definitely in the room,…
Read moreWhen God Says No
Finding a way through the darkness of doubt. by Pastor Bob Leitton as told to Penny Smith Shoving my sermon notes aside, I reached for the phone with a sigh. Seems like its cue to ring is linked to my quiet time. “Bob, come — pray for me.” Ruth’s voice trembled with the words…
Read moreWake-Up Call
Sometimes God goes to great lengths to get our attention. by Cindy Adams “First stop, Mississippi!” I adjusted my rear-view mirror and backed out of my driveway. “Let’s listen to Harps and Halos first.” I handed Jessica the CD pack and then opened the map between us. Jessica’s seniority of being seven years old…
Read moreA Royal Inheritance
Because of Whose we are, death is a time to party. by Kathleen R. Ruckman Stars didn’t sparkle in the night, and a limousine didn’t pick us up, but Eileen and I were dressed as though we were on our way to the Academy Awards! It all began earlier that day when we had…
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