I'm used to being the one asking the hard questions but my friend Lois has gently turned the tables on me. We're both hitting the publish button on our conversation today.
Wow, thank you for sharing such a beautiful and thoughtful message about change, loss and grief. It really speaks to me. I wasn’t part of the Substack community when this was first posted, so there is great value in revisiting some of the older posts. This one will never lose its value and impact. Thanks again, Linda. I’m so sorry for the losses you’ve experienced. Yours is a story we can all relate to and also a testament to how faithful God is.
You're right, Lisa. I do a lot of revisiting because community always shifts and changes and it's good to give new friends a fuller picture of who we are and why we do life the way we do. Thanks for letting me know this works for you.
And I'm so grateful that you're with us in this season and going forward. Yes, God is faithful. Where would we be without Jesus.
Linda, This post is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, your life experiences and your sage advice for navigating grief, whether large (death) or small (being sick). God has truly given you a gift for ministry 🤍
By the time Lois was done with me, my eyes were leaking, too. But it was a good thing because there were some memories that came up for that were worthy of those tears. Grief is love, isn't it ...
May the scents of Christmas be a delicious tonic to your soul, Paula. I hope this weekend is a precious gift to you.
Oh Holley Gerth is such a wise woman. Let's hear it for not gaslighting ourselves ... or allow anyone else to try to minimize what we are suffering. This is a hard season, your grief is so raw. Please know I'm praying for you ...
I had forgotten that you experienced the loss of EIGHT dear ones in the span of eight years. I can imagine the heavy burden of grief that must have piled up. Your sincere openness and the wealth of your experiences shared in this post are appreciated. It's an uplifting source of inspiration for all of us.
Thank you for this honest, vulnerable dialog about grief, encouragement, and peace, Lois and Linda. You both have such caring blog ministries, and I am blessed to "know" you both. Love and blessings of God's special comfort and peace in your hearts as you think of the empty places in this Christmas season! Linda, I knew you had 8 losses in 8 years and my heart aches for you, but I didn't know how and when your dad passed on. Thank you for being so open to Lois' searching questions.
Yes, 'searching' is an apt word, friend. I'm used to dishing it out but not being on the receiving end. It was a stretching, reflective experience that I've not experienced too often.
Linda, thank you so much for sharing your heart with me, and also for not balking at any of my questions. As usual, God's timing was perfect. I needed each answer, just when it came. Praying your words will encourage others too, as they always do.
I believe you're right, friend. This was God's timing. I'm not sure why but I know it to be true. Thank you for inviting me into your online home and asking me the hard questions. Let's see what He has in the days ahead ...
Oh Linda. I did not remember that you lost EIGHT loved ones in eight years. I cannot imagine such accumulated weight of grief. But I'm praising God that after such a long and difficult season God has brought you to a place of restoration and joy. Precious encouragement for us all!
Dear Nancy, yes it was the accumulation that almost did me in. I guess we never know how much we can take until we're actually living it out. But God knew ...
Linda, I am with my husband who is in the hospital with a severe infection. Your words are so helpful. It has been a very hard year, but God hears and knows. Thank you, my friend!
Dear Lord, please bring Your loving powerful presence into Butch's room even as we speak. Encourage him and Pam, calm their hearts and minds, and strengthen and heal his body. Thank You for those who care for him - may they be tender and wise as they treat this infection.
Praying for you and Butch right now, Pam! I'm so sorry you've endured a hard year. Lord, may the cloud of trouble over these precious saints be lifted, by the power of your name, God Almighty!
Jeff and I are both recovering from covid right now too, so this is especially good timing for me to read. I appreciate your gentle words of encouragement here as usual, Linda!
Oh Lisa, I'm so sorry. I hope it hasn't hit you guys too hard and that you are resting as comfortably as you can. Sending my love to you this evening, friend.
Wow, thank you for sharing such a beautiful and thoughtful message about change, loss and grief. It really speaks to me. I wasn’t part of the Substack community when this was first posted, so there is great value in revisiting some of the older posts. This one will never lose its value and impact. Thanks again, Linda. I’m so sorry for the losses you’ve experienced. Yours is a story we can all relate to and also a testament to how faithful God is.
You're right, Lisa. I do a lot of revisiting because community always shifts and changes and it's good to give new friends a fuller picture of who we are and why we do life the way we do. Thanks for letting me know this works for you.
And I'm so grateful that you're with us in this season and going forward. Yes, God is faithful. Where would we be without Jesus.
Bless you.
Linda, This post is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, your life experiences and your sage advice for navigating grief, whether large (death) or small (being sick). God has truly given you a gift for ministry 🤍
Lisa, I'm so grateful we've connected today. Welcome. I know you'll add much to our conversations around here. Bless you, girl ...
Thank you Linda. It’s an honor to be here.
Linda & Lois, my eyes are leaking. Your conversation was so warming for me. I had CoVid Nov of 2021 and my smell is just now starting to come back.
Linda my heartfelt thanks for sharing this blessed message with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.
By the time Lois was done with me, my eyes were leaking, too. But it was a good thing because there were some memories that came up for that were worthy of those tears. Grief is love, isn't it ...
May the scents of Christmas be a delicious tonic to your soul, Paula. I hope this weekend is a precious gift to you.
I came across this amazing article over the weekend and I wanted to share it.
https://www.incourage.me/2023/12/why-grief-is-a-sacred-emotion-too.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-grief-is-a-sacred-emotion-too&utm_term=%28in%29courage%20daily%20devotion
Oh Holley Gerth is such a wise woman. Let's hear it for not gaslighting ourselves ... or allow anyone else to try to minimize what we are suffering. This is a hard season, your grief is so raw. Please know I'm praying for you ...
I had forgotten that you experienced the loss of EIGHT dear ones in the span of eight years. I can imagine the heavy burden of grief that must have piled up. Your sincere openness and the wealth of your experiences shared in this post are appreciated. It's an uplifting source of inspiration for all of us.
Hugs and blessings, Linda
Veronica, thanks for those encouraging words. These past few days have been difficult. Just seeing other people in pain can easily kick up my own.
So glad you visited my blog...What a journey you've had so far. God Bless you and keep you.
Will be looking forward to walking in this life, with you.
Merry Christmas dear lady!
hugs
Donna
Yes, I'm looking forward to getting to know you better in '24. Have a beautiful Christmas.
Thank you for this honest, vulnerable dialog about grief, encouragement, and peace, Lois and Linda. You both have such caring blog ministries, and I am blessed to "know" you both. Love and blessings of God's special comfort and peace in your hearts as you think of the empty places in this Christmas season! Linda, I knew you had 8 losses in 8 years and my heart aches for you, but I didn't know how and when your dad passed on. Thank you for being so open to Lois' searching questions.
Yes, 'searching' is an apt word, friend. I'm used to dishing it out but not being on the receiving end. It was a stretching, reflective experience that I've not experienced too often.
Linda, thank you so much for sharing your heart with me, and also for not balking at any of my questions. As usual, God's timing was perfect. I needed each answer, just when it came. Praying your words will encourage others too, as they always do.
I believe you're right, friend. This was God's timing. I'm not sure why but I know it to be true. Thank you for inviting me into your online home and asking me the hard questions. Let's see what He has in the days ahead ...
ox
Some will think I am a heel,
that I go on, just a-snappin',
but that's the way I really feel,
that death is gonna happen,
and mourning is as mourning does,
but it does nothing for me.
Things can't be the way they was,
so those I love must set me free
as they travel 'round the bend,
and climb the high road out of sight.
I figure that at journey's end,
we'll meet, and then get pretty tight,
and do what hooligans live to do,
wreck pubs while drunk on Heaven's brew.
Barb says that God sends special angels to protect children, drunks, and dumb animals, and that I qualify in at least two of those categories.
Well you're up early this morning speading your own unique brand of good cheer and charm. I hooe it's a good day for you. Barb, and the gang.
It's always a good day, Linda. I live for the fun of it. Well, and for beer.
Oh Linda. I did not remember that you lost EIGHT loved ones in eight years. I cannot imagine such accumulated weight of grief. But I'm praising God that after such a long and difficult season God has brought you to a place of restoration and joy. Precious encouragement for us all!
Dear Nancy, yes it was the accumulation that almost did me in. I guess we never know how much we can take until we're actually living it out. But God knew ...
Linda, I am with my husband who is in the hospital with a severe infection. Your words are so helpful. It has been a very hard year, but God hears and knows. Thank you, my friend!
Pam @Everyday Living
Pam, this is for you and your husband, with love and prayers.
There is that quiet nightime roar
in hospital, a grimly kind of grace
as danger lurks behind the door,
a monster you don't want to face,
for you've been there for far too long,
and the smell is in your clothes.
Those who see you think you strong,
but there's not a one who knows
how your soul and heart do shake,
how tears and fears are kept inside
to cause that black abyssal ache
from which no man can ever hide,
but know this, ere the brave mask falls,
that Christ, too, walks those white-tile halls.
Thank you, Andrew. He has not and will not forsake us.
Amen. The Lover of our souls is in the hallways, in the room, in our hearts, always at work.
Thank you. sweet Linda.
Dear Lord, please bring Your loving powerful presence into Butch's room even as we speak. Encourage him and Pam, calm their hearts and minds, and strengthen and heal his body. Thank You for those who care for him - may they be tender and wise as they treat this infection.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.
Linda, what a precious prayer and thank you. We need them!
Lots of people will be joining me in lifting you both up to the Lord. Please keep us posted, dear one.
ox
Praying for you and Butch right now, Pam! I'm so sorry you've endured a hard year. Lord, may the cloud of trouble over these precious saints be lifted, by the power of your name, God Almighty!
Amen and amen. Bless you, Nancy.
Thank you, Nancy for your precious prayers!
Jeff and I are both recovering from covid right now too, so this is especially good timing for me to read. I appreciate your gentle words of encouragement here as usual, Linda!
Oh Lisa, I'm so sorry. I hope it hasn't hit you guys too hard and that you are resting as comfortably as you can. Sending my love to you this evening, friend.
ox
How are you doing today, friend?
Reading it again here! So good!
Lois asks the best questions, doesn't she.
:-)
Linda, I so appreciate your gentle truths and hard-won wisdom shared in this post. Sending you a hug, friend.
Your email meant the world ... thank you for reaching out, friend.
ox