Chris, one of my friends, was in a seminary class when someone raised his hand and asked the professor: What is your best advice on how to be a good pastor?”
“Empathy,” the professor replied. “Have empathy.”
Then Chris raised his hand. “How do you get empathy?
With a trace of sad knowing in his eyes, the wise older man replied, “Suffer.”
Chris now understood. Empathy isn’t something you learn; empathy is something you live.
One of the greatest ways God puts to use what He puts us through is by creating in us a deeper sense of compassion than we would have ever known without the trauma. The word compassion is derived from the Latin words pati and cum, meaning “to suffer with.” Compassion for brokenness comes from brokenness. There’s really no other way.
When we hold the hands of weary friends, not as people who can fix their problems, but as people who understand their pain and “suffer with” them, it gives them comfort.It’s saying… I’ll walk through this with you. I get it. I may not understand the particulars of your struggle, but I do understand disappointment and heart-wrenching pain.
Only when we have experienced our own disappointment can we sympathize with the disappointment of others.
One of my greatest gifts from the loss of our second child was a deeper compassion for women who struggle with infertility and loss. No one in my family had ever died before in my lifetime except my grandmother, but her death was expected because she was old. However, when my baby died, that was not expected.
When she died, something else was born in me—a deep-seated compassion for those who have prayed for years but not received the hoped-for reply, for the women whose dreams became nightmares, and for women who wanted answers but got none.
Paul wrote, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4, emphasis added).
The word translated “comfort” in this verse is the Greek word parakalōn. It comes from the root words para and kaleo, which mean “to call near, to invite, invoke.” When we tell our stories to someone who is hurting, we come near to them and our words comfort them in a way that empty platitudes and easily recited Bible verses cannot.
When we say, “Let me tell you what I’ve gone through,” or “Let me tell you how I’ve failed,” the hearer no longer feels isolated and alone in her struggle. Suppose there is someone who understands. Suppose you are that someone, and you need to tell your story. When you share the comfort that you have experienced in your struggles, when you’re honest and vulnerable with the facts, it lets the hearer believe there is hope for a better story.
God doesn’t comfort us just to make us comfortable. He comforts us in order to make us comfort-able—able to comfort others. When we keep our stories to ourselves, we deny others the comfort that is ours to give.
No one can comfort a woman with cancer like a woman who has also heard the word malignant from a doctor’s diagnosis.
No one can comfort the mother of a prodigal like a mother who has also worn her knees raw praying for her child to come home.
No one can comfort an abandoned wife like another woman who has also watched her husband walk out the door.
No one can comfort a woman who’s struggling with the shame of an abortion like a woman who has experienced forgiveness and grace for her own.
When you tell your story, you give your listener the gift of knowing that she is not alone. She will breathe a sigh of relief that says, “I thought I was the only one. Finally, someone who understands.”
Father, thank You for the hard times because they have made me stronger, wiser, and more compassionate toward others. Help me not to waste what I’ve been through, but to use what I’ve learned about You through the struggles to help someone else get through theirs. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
What is one struggle you’ve gone through that you now use to help others? Leave a comment and let’s share!
Digging Deeper
One of the most valuable treasures you have to invest in others is your story. Someone needs to hear how God got you through rivers of difficulty, over mountainous problems and then made you better for it. You can be a hope giver. But maybe you’re not sure if you’re ready, or maybe you’re not sure how to begin. When You Don’t Like Your Story: What if Your Worst Chapters Could Become Your Greatest Victories walks you through the steps to healing and on to using what you’ve gone through for good. You can do it! I know you can. It also includes a Bible Study guide in the back.
© 2024 by Sharon Jaynes. All rights reserved.
Comments 62
I’ve dealt with a strained marriage for the past 21/2 years. Not real confident that we are past it but trusting God’s timing. Many of my ladies in my circle know my story and God has used it a little with them but I long to use it for young couples who may find their self in the same predicament we found ourself in. My husband is not as open or willing to share, not sure he is real aware of what the evil one has managed to do in our marriage.
God helped me through the unexpected suicide of my beautiful daughter, She was ill with horrible migraines for 10 years and became addicted to prescribed meds. She was a beautiful woman of God! She loved Him! She just plain loved humanity. She was a Martha of the Bible, always tending to the needs of others. Always a champion of the underdog. She was selfless. Needless to say, I was completely broken. This wasn’t supposed to happen to me! This was the spring of 2011, and in my grief, I went out into my yard and dug up every flower and scrub that I could find and replanted, daily for 3 months, morning until night. I prayed and I prayed! Only a mother’s heart can know the agony of losing a child. I know that we do not bargain with God, but I simply asked Him, please help me through this and I promise I will help other mothers going through the same. God taught me a lot during the three months that I “gardened”, and when it was finished, I had a beautiful yard. I have kept my word to God and it has been an incredible journey of countless mothers who have crossed my path. My son built an arbor and swing for my back yard where I now have Jasmine growing. I invite women over to sit in what I call the Healing Place. Complete serenity. Complete silence it that is what they want. Talking. Praying. But I always let them know that I speak their language. It has been an amazing 13 years of when and how God sends them across my path. It has become my ministry. Not one I would have chosen, but God knows best!
God bless you for using your brokenness!
Millie,
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful daughter.
She sounded like a wonderful person. Your garden sounds amazing, and so glad to hear it’s brought peace to others in their storms of life. Your daughter would be proud of you for turning your pain into something that’s sparking hope into other’s lives. God bless you and God bless this ministry in your garden.
Connie
Love you❤️
So very sorry for the incomprehensible pain you’ve gone through but what a beautiful way God has used your experience to work with Him in creating a beautiful space to heal you as well as offer comfort and peace to others. Thank you for sharing your story. My heart is encouraged ♥️
Cancer and Divorce after the devastation paled, my faith grew . I have been able to help by sharing just as you said.💕🙏💕
We have and continue to walk through adoption trauma. I never imagined the things we have walked through: the pain, hurt, and loss. But my God has been so good to provide me “comfort-able” sisters in Christ to walk this journey with me, because they are on the same road. Just recently, the Lord brought and old friend who shared her story. I was able to listen, feel, understand, and empathize- because the Lord has gone before to give me empathy through suffering.
I had an abortion in 1980. When I later got married (not to the father of my baby, he never knew) and became pregnant the horror and sin of what I’d done came crashing down on me. I’d confessed to my husband what I’d done. I cried so many times while he would just hold me. I asked God for forgiveness and even though I knew I was forgiven I could never forgive myself. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about it. A couple years ago I was in an abortion healing group with the local Pregnancy Resource Center with 4 other ladies who are also healing. Very painful stories. It’s no less painful now but I knew I can’t keep hating myself knowing God has forgiven me so I have no right to hold onto it. I also now know forgiveness isn’t a feeling but an action. I have a wonderful group of Christian sisters that I’ve confessed to. Not once no matter how angry my husband has been has he ever thrown my sin of abortion in my face which I’ve heard other men doing. My husband is a good man and I praise God for him.
Melissa.. good for you to talk about the abortion and work through the pain in a Christian post-abortion support group! I’ve had the same experience. Many suffering women in the church who’ve never told a soul for fear of being judged and thinking they’ve committed an unforgivable sin. Blessings to you!! 💗
Melissa, I know how you feel. I had an abortion in 1980 also. I later married my husband, had a son and within 6 months my husband was cheating on me. For years, I blamed the abortion. My son later got schizophrenia. I blamed the abortion. I find it hard to forgive myself. I’m happy you found peace.
linda
We thank God for your story, we have indeed a God who is merciful and compassionate
I truly believe in what is written in this article, we really do go through similar tough times, so we can learn and be there for others who are experiencing the same. God does not want us to suffer alone, he wants us to be comforted as well as comfort others, I have had mental health problems since I was fifteen, so when I speak about it, I find others speak up and tell me about their struggles, or the loss of a parent, I have been through that as well, so I do try and show empathy, I may not always be good at it, but I try.
I have gone through domestic violence and divorce, and I now encourage and empower others through the Holy Spirit going through these same challenges.
I have so much to share now that I’ve been through a lot, especially as of late. But, I don’t know where to begin to share my stories with others.
Anissa,
I believe God will urge you when the time is right to share with others. It may not be for awhile, but trust me a time will come when you will be able to share and help others.
Find a Bible study to attend.
You will not only meet other sisters in Christ but also be able to share your story.
When I lost my mom in 1998 I knew there was a God that watched over me. I did not grasp the revelation of having a personal relationship with Jesus until I was at a tent revival service in 2003. I joined my first Bible Study and only God knew how much I was going to need those women in the years to come. We walked with each other through some tough stuff. We each knew we were not alone.
I feel the same. I have many years of diffucult life situations I’ve walked through (and in more recent years, felt like I’ve crawled through) In the past 4 years I am forging within another difficult season of life. It is also too much to share. I was in a christian based “Divorce Care Group” and a very helpful counselor/therapy sessions 4 years ago. Through all of the years of the various hard difficulties I’ve moved through, I see how God has been with me through it all. I don’t understand it all, but he does. Even though, as broken pottery is reshaped, he is continually building me for his will.
Losing my husband,then a grandson 32 yrs old ( my only granddaughter’s husband) with a 14 month old son( they had tried 3 years to get pregnant); then my only son & first child( 61 yrs- a beautiful Christian) 6 yrs ago this April & then June 30 2022 my oldest daughter met Jesus ; plus my only sister left us Dec 15 2021! I have no siblings 1 daughter in NY city with a grandson & my only granddaughter ( whose husband was one that died) lives in NC with my great grandson! Friends say “ You’ve continued to live ( 87 Jan 15) with a smile plus always helping others because of your FAITH!! Yes, my precious Lord walks with me each step & I know WHO holds my hand & I pray daily that I can serve Him with the gift of another day that He has loving given me! Pray for my granddaughter-Brittney as she is very angry with/at God for taking her child’s Daddy & her husband/friend at the beginning of their life! Thank you & yes, I open to tell my “story” & tell those who are going through any pain or hurt the love of Gid & that His faithfulness is always with them!
Marge Henson
Last year, I had to let go of my marriage of 38 years. It has been very traumatic for me, and I’m still going through it, but God has been with me guided, held and carried me through it all. How else could I have made it?
Sharon,
I read this book about a year ago, and God used you and your words to plant a seed that He would cultivate in me for then next several months. Largely because of this book, God spoke to me to tell me to tell my story, and begin a divorce recovery ministry for women. So now, that ministry begins next month! Thank you for allowing God to use you and be a godly role model for women. I admire, respect and love you as a sister in Christ. Blessings.
I needed this devotion this morning
Thank you
Our son and daughter-in-law lost their first child who was born premature, he only lived for a few hours. It was heart breaking and so hard to not be able to ease their pain.
We had never had such a loss in our lives and it helped all of our family to be far more aware and sensitive to those who struggle with loss and in fertility like you. Our oldest daughter started working with Hope Boxes in our area and bringing infant loss awareness to our area.
I too found people would open up to me when I shared about the loss of our sweet little Levi. God had a plan and it is an honour to share in that ministry.
Author
So proud of you both.
When my husband was unfaithful, God’s people and even those who had also experienced the same surrounded me!! It was the best part of my healing. I can do the same for others in that same situation. Thank you for this post.
Author
Yes you can!
This is the part I am missing. I have reached out to my pastor and to my small group leader – and I am doing Biblical counseling. If i don’t reach out to those – no one checks to see how things are going – I just feel like a burden – maybe it is because none of the ones I have asked for prayer and guidance have gone through what I have – 3 years of a failed marriage – betrayal – deceitfulness – so much pain. I am part as well in that I enabled it by keeping it covered up for a couple of years and not letting anyone know what was going on. However, where do I go from here. I am so discouraged and overwhelmed. My husband is a prominent figure in the city so I tried to protect him.
Adult child estrangement, which also blocks any access to my grandchildren.
I have also been estranged from 2 of my 3 children and therefore my 3 grandchildren for almost 15 years now. It’s heart breaking and only God gets me through each day . Keep looking up and praying for reconciliation. God listens, understands and cares.
Estrangement is one of the most painful things, I know I have been there.
I would not be here except for God’s grace and forgiveness.
I have not shared this with anyone but my husband for fear of judgment.
I will pray that you find a measure of peace.
At 65 I have had quite a few struggles.
By the grace of God I am a revered alcoholic since 2016. I also lost a child. I’ve had health issues….. Through it all God has been there. I couldn’t have done it otherwise. These struggles do make you stronger and bring empathy towards others. Thanks for that reminder.
One of my on going struggles was my finances. Now I am a certified financial coach and I am able to tell my story and from what I learned I have changed my life. My goal is to help others with their finances.,
Author
Wow! That’s wonderful!
So so true.
God has used my story of losing my little brother to suicide to now lead grief support groups for other siblings across the country. 🫶🏻
Always a word in due season.
I went through infertility for a few years, although eventually was able to conceive with medication.
I went through a “gray divorce” (after 32 years of marriage, my spouse said that he “no longer loves me.”) I discovered he had been having an affair for years. I had to prep our house for a sale, move out of the this home we had built, find new housing, and try to rebuild my shattered self-esteem.
I have a child who is a drug addict, and I am raising my grandchild. I have had custody of this grandchild for 8 years now, I was a “single grandmother” which is challenging to be doing homework and finding babysitters. God has provided everything for this child, from beautiful clothing hand-me-downs, to private Christian school.
I remarried a wonderful widower and Christian man, who married me with a bonus grandchild in tow. I have been redeemed.
Author
What a wonderful example that Gods pen is still moving even when we don’t see it.
Our daughter, a single mother, passed away after a six-year fight with a rare form of Lupus at the age of 29, leaving a 10-year old son. I struggled with this for 6 months, trying to understand what I was supposed to learn. Finally, I learned that I was to “. . . thank God in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:17)”. This devotional really helped me and I will be telling my story as we read the book, The Gift of Empathy by Joel P. Bretscher and Kenneth C. Hauck.
Sharon,
Thank you for this message. I really needed to hear it. My elderly ill parents passed away after years of caring for them- mom in 2016 and dad 3 months ago. I have been comforted by my church members and friends and am grateful. God has caught my tears and lifted me up. I listened to the story of a coworker whose journey was different but difficult all the same. We shared stories and I could see her uplifting. I experienced a new perspective through my grief- to heal others through God’s will.
Thank you and God bless you!
Charnell
Author
Thank you for sharing.
I am going through a divorce right now. I struggle horribly with the feeling that I failed God and feel unclean. I know I am forgiven but still focus on what I could have done differently. Or if I could have been more godly maybe I could have helped him know Christ. Thank you for this post and all the comments as well. It makes me feel like I am not alone. I am looking forward to the day that the pain is gone, my heart is healed and I can use this to help others. I pray I learn what the Good Lord wants me to learn from this !
Where I work we are not often backed up by the managers by doing the right thing. Many employees are frustrated with no support. I was just called into the office again for doing the right thing, and felt like I was in the wrong. I feel God wants me to listen to others as they struggle with this too. Sometimes it’s better to listen so they can let it go.
Thank you
The Lord Bless you
After losing my 50 year old daughter due to addiction to alcohol I often have able to comfort others with similar situations. Now I have a situation where I was asked to co-sign for a grandson’s apartment. He is 24 and does not have a good track record. Plus he has anxiety and depression which affects his life. At 88 years old I was reticent about doing this; then I was denied even with excellent credit, but am on a fixed income. I have been cut off by my 2 grandsons and called a lyer by all three. We have been a close family before. I have helped all three of them often. This hurts deeply.
In 2018, We lost my brother in law and my sister. He passed away in April and she passed away in December. He had melanoma cancer that had returned, and she died of non alcoholic liver disease. My middle sister and myself made many trips back to St. Louis from Arkansas to take her to bond Jewish hospital wowhile. He was sick and even after he passed away. We would take terms with pronounced. Son and with her in saint louis or taking her. After she died on december first, We did not have much of a break before. I think in two thousand twenty and you’re in covid, We started having one death after another with my first cousins, 3 under the age of 60. Then, in March of 2021, we had some bad flooding in March of 2021. My middle sister and her husband helet’s pack up the old office and clean up from the flood, And we had to find a new office to move to because the owners didn’t want to keep going through that mass in the flood zone so they were selling. In may, the same sister and BIL plus men from church helped us move into my new office. Within 12 hours of that move, she died of a massive coronary event. She was gone immediately. We also had several other deaths in my sister-in-law and brother in laws families as well as an uncle who was killed in a motorcycle accident, and a cousin who accidentally stepped into traffic and was hit and killed in April 2022. Praise God they are all with Jesus now, but we miss them. My brother in law and myself started a GriefShare Group at our church out of our need and the needs of others. We also have had many deaths in our church family over the past 5 years. I also am a social worker/therapist In private practice and had to keep working during all of this. God has definitely used our grief to give me more understanding of how zapped your reserves can become. I don’t know how those without the Lord and a strong church family can handle such loss.
I was the one to leave my husband, he was not a good man and while I struggled with the decision to leave as never wanted to be divorced I could not stay any longer. I have two step children, now adults, who are still in my life but sadly their father still berates them for it. It is hard for me to forgive him completely for both his unkind words to me while married and his continued narcissistic ways to his adult children now because I am still in their lives.
6 years after my divorce I remarried a kind Christian man and never knew marriage could be like this. We have a solid partnership with God in our daily lives. I am grateful for my second chance at happiness.
Our son was born without a portion of his brain called the Corpus Callosum. We found out when he was 3 years old. He is now 25. We have struggled to see him educated, manage his various health problems, make friends, make good decisions now that he’s an adult. It has been a struggle. But, we’ve also seen God working in our lives. A few years ago, I really felt led to write a book about our experiences with God at the core of it, since we would not be where we are today without God’s unfailing love. God has equipped us to be successful in this journey. Now I have to write the book to reach others that are experiencing some of the same difficulties.
Like so many others, i too have a story to tell. Its the birth, the trauma of a burn accident, the healing and then suddenly the death of my sixteen yr old son.
I just don’t know where to start to share it here. It’s a long and complicated story that God knows the beginning and the end, the purpose for which it serves. I have shared parts of it to others going through trauma as I know its important to do.
I appreciate the post where the healing garden was made and God helped to turn ashes to beauty, His sole purpose according to His word. PtL
Thank you for sharing your story Sharon. It has helped me through the pain and loss in my life. God uses all our suffering for His good when we share with others hurting with similar things we have suffered through. After losing my Mom to suicide I was comforted by those who had been through it. Jesus continues to heal as I have been able to help others in their pain. He uses all our suffering for His good and for that I am thankful. I have learned to rejoice in my suffering like Paul knowing God gives us strength and endurance to share hope with others. I am a cancer survivor, a fire that burnt down my home survivor, … I have, we all have Victory in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior who is with and for us, helping us in our times of need. Praise and Worship in and through the suffering is key to overcoming this world. Giving God all the Glory!
“The joy of the Lord is your strength “ Neh.8:10
Thank you all for sharing. I am grateful to have found this post this morning and will get the book. I have struggled with an abortion I had at 16 under my mother’s supervision. I then had my son at 29, married. I am now divorced from his father after 28 years. He is an alcoholic. My son was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 18, he’s now 31. After years of him choosing to be homeless and refusing treatment, I was finally made conservator through the court. He has been in lock down care for 4 years now. The social worker is pressing for him to be released. He wants to come live with me. I am 60 years old and have moved to a small town in another state without the services he will need for the rest of his life. I also fear of his fate when I pass. I am praying for the Lord to guide me. I want to help my son, but I’m not sure taking him in is the help he needs. I do not feel I am enough. I failed him as a mother already. I pray everyday for my son. I pray for God’s answer and peace. Thank you
God must have big plans for me. When I get short times free from debilitating depression and anxiety and all the physical problems that go with that, I leap for joy and leap at the opportunity to help others. Spinal surgery and body cast for a year, abusive marriage with alcoholholic, breast cancer 2x, many other physical health issues, and the most difficult of all- severe depression and anxiety! You are right Sharon, I also have a deep compassion and empathy for anyone who has ever attempted suicide and anyone with lots of health issues. I have been told by some that I have the patience of a saint. My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11. It is quite the challenge to have any compassion when I am at my worst places in depression though, which is more often than when am free of it. I keep reminding God that if He wants me to show that love for others, it would be easier if He kept me well for longer than a couple months. 😂 Maybe there is a way I have just not discovered yet.🙏 I sure do know a lot of hurting people that could use my understanding ear.❤️
I looking forward to the study my group is doing soon of your book -Enough.❤️ Thank you for your ministry 😊
Dear Diane
I also have suffered from depression and anxiety especially lately since my husband passed about a year ago after being married close to 60 years. I can only share what has helped me thru the last 48yrs. I have had a low blood sugar problem which gets out of control if I eat more sugar than I should. Having said all that, Depression and anxiety can be caused by other factors, however, our diet has a lot to do with how we feel. I also suffered from dehydration and lack of electrolytes since my husband passed. It has taken me almost a year after his passing that I realized that was my problem. I really had to watch my diet of eating good healthy foods and my water intake plus electrolytes, not the cheap stuff you get at the market. This has helped me enormously. I hope this might make a difference, Pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance! God bless you! He definitely has big plans for your life!!
I have been experiencing long Covid symptoms for 2 years. At this point there are not many remedies for the fatigue, brain fog, and muscle pain.
Praise God for His strength that is great in my weakness. And I’m praying for God to use my story to help others!
Thank God I went through all these people experiences, struggles, and lessons learned. May God Almighty continue to strengthen us all to cope with any serious issues, problems , or experiences we might have encountered in life, God of all things, mercy, grace,joy and peace be upon us in Jesus Mighty name Amen 🙏
My thanks also goes to Ms Sharon for sharing her story with us all.
I have lived and married to a narcissist for 18 years. I experience gaslighting, mental and emotional abuse, so much you can imagine. My depression has been so bad. But through pandemic my depression has cured, I learned more about narcissist abuse and now am growing to be a better mother and woman. Unfortunately we are still together and I’m trying to find a way to get my family and myself out of this relationship. And away from him because I now know, nothing will change and it’s left to me to make them
What a timely word. I am in the process of beginning to share my testimony with the world. It’s one of SA and DV, and overcoming them through forgiveness and personal healing The Lord commissioned me to write my story. After 15 years of going through the process of writing and getting healing, my book was released December 20th. May the Lord guide my steps and may this book reach those in whom the Lord intended!
If you know anyone who was experienced SA or DV and believe they could benefit from a story of hope, please refer them to my book, “Better Than I Should Be”.
Juselda
January 9, 2024 At 5;33 pm
I Thank God for the Strength that he gave to me each day to face the Struggle that I am going true
Thank you Sharon for your words of Encouragement each week
Wow your book sounds amazing and yes we need to love our story no matter how painful it is as we were put here by Yeshua to help others to find the healing they need physically and emotionally. I have been through a lot over my 54 years of life but I know it’s too be used in a positive way to help others. I truly believe beauty for ashes that is what I receive when I help other people through their pain. Our Alohim is so mighty and powerful the holy spirit is our comfort and help in our very time of need over and over again. I love helping others and listening to their stories. I hate injustice through all that I have been through personally I have learnt to help and support others because of it. I always believe something good comes from something bad. To all you lovely ladies that have shared thank you for sharing your stories and blessing others through your pain and devastation. To you personally Sharon thank you for sharing your story, be blessed ladies of the most high Alohim he has us in the palm of his hand
One struggle that I have is my illness. I believe that the reason I got this infirmity is because of my pride and secret sin. I share with my family and friends that I was like King Nebuchadnezzer. Because of his pride he became an animal. Then I found a church that believes in the trinity. Their motto is To Know Christ and To Make Him Known. They also believe that Jesus is the Messiah and that He’s 100% Man and 100% God. That He came to earth as a baby and died and rose again in 3 days. Anyways, I am almost healed. I would share not to be like me because of my pride. Also, of God’s grace and mercy I’ve been given 2nd chance and redeemed. I share of God’s unconditional love for me.
Well, this is really hard to share, my journey started back in 2015, when my grandson and his wife were dealing with drugs, they lost both their children to DSS, which I was able to get thru the courts and still have them today, the mom passed away in June 2018. The children were then 8 and 4. In December 2018 my husband and I adopted both Khloe and Bentley. The grandson met someone else, and we thought she was clean and a good one for him, turned out we were wrong. They were together 2 years and she got pregnant with a baby girl, when the child was born in June 2021, I was called from the hospital to come get the child that the mother had tested positive for cocaine. I brought the child home from the hospital, went to court and got legal and physical courtesy of my sweet baby girl Kylie. The mom and dad have been in an out of jail several times for different things. I still have the child today. The father contacted a very serious infection, that caused him to go on dialogist for 2 months. He was in the hospital for 2 1/2 months during this time he had a collapsed lung and heart value surgery the infection attached his heart, so they had to remove a value from his heart this was March of 2023. his recovery has been nothing short of a miracle. We went into his hospital room and posted Bible verses on the wall about God’s healing prayed with him every day and played gospel music in his room. The day before his surgery he asks my son, who is a wonderful Christian man, to come pray with him before his surgery, knowing how serious the surgery would be with all the infection in his body, he wanted to know that everything was ok between him and God. Praise the Lord for that. He was saved at the age of 13 but wondered away from God as a young adult. his recovery is still happening, he will be going back to replace the value sometimes this year. Please pray that it will be sooner than later, he has a 13-year-old daughter 10-year-old son and this 2-year-old little girl. it has been a very hard journey, but God has seen us thru every step of the way. By the way I am 70 years old and still working, praise the Lord. But my husband who is 7, had to retire last year for health reasons, he is a heart patient and diabetic. But we all know that God has great plans for each of us, just praying my grandson and the mother of the 2-year-old will soon open their hearts to the Lord and surrender everything to him, and raise these children in the ways of the Lord, not only watch them go to church with me and my husband all the time, but to go with them and grow as a family of God.. This is just a short summary of the things that have been my journey for the last 9 years. But I thank God for his faithfulness and blessings everyday.
I have a few miracles and a few losses that I could help people with!
First when I was 15 (25 years ago) my dad was in a terrible car accident with my mom and he suffered a TBI. He was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and is living in an assisted living home because he cannot care for himself (he’s 70).
5-1/2 years later I was in a terrible car accident and I got a TBI! I was a sophomore in college and was in therapy for 2-1/2 years. My brain surgeon told me because I was right handed and had a left temporal brain injury that I would not be able to complete my degree (drafting for interior design). He told my mom that I would not be able to retain the information so college would not be possible for me to complete. 2-1/2 years later (I’m a fighter) I mailed the hospital a graduation invitation with a BS in interior design and a certificate of business administration!
Fast forward 8 year’s and I was married to my college sweetheart (before and after my accident!) we decided to have a baby!
10 week ultrasound and it was devastating. They told us the baby wouldn’t make it to 2nd trimester and we needed to terminate. We went to another doctor for second opinion and got the same results. We decided to have faith and trust that if God’s plan was for a miscarriage, then we’d be okay. We went to second trimester appointment and they said baby had a genetic mutation and would have trisomy 13, 18 or 42 if she made it to 40 weeks she would be a stillborn. We continued to pray and have faith that God had a plan even though they tried to convince us that termination was our best option.
Finally we made it to 41 weeks my OB told me that she was going to be a stillborn. We planned our induction and kept praying! That Thursday was the most terrifying day and when I delivered she came out screaming and ready to eat! My OB cried and said, “wow, this baby is a miracle”! 7-1/2 years later I have a perfectly healthy, very sassy little girl!
Great message Sharon of reflection and insight,
This is a very deep message, and good reminder, to spear ahead even in our downturn season. So many times, it takes courage to keep pressing and showing up in life to pursue our functioning abilities.
Every day we can choose to activate the lord’s powerful spirit and let the lord take the reigns. Life experience is the best teacher to look inward and find our sensitive heart.
We are so Blessed!! God has our steps, we are here for the joyful dance.
I am still walkng on this long journey of widowhood, after my husband collapsed suddenly from a stroke last March. We were married 46 years, almost 47 (in April). I have a tremendous amount of empathy for my friends who have lost their spouses (every month in 2023 someone passed away). We keep in contact with each other by calling and texting to see how we are doing.
I sent this card to a few of them, “Five Things God Wants You To Remember in Trying Times”: 1. You are never, ever alone; 2. Nothing takes Him by surprise; 3. He is the God of new beginnings; 4. When you are weak, He is strong; 5. His love never gives up on us.
I have trusted Him to carry me through as He has carried my friends through this seemingly endless road.