In April of 2013 I submitted a mediation to The Upper Room for possible publication. Tomorrow it is the September 11th reading. It has been published in their September – October 2015 devotional booklet. They graciously asked me to submit a blog for tomorrow as well. The meditation will be available tomorrow at http://devotional.upperroom.org/ and the blog at http://devotional.upperroom.org/blog.
I am speaking at Norwin Church of the Nazarene on Sunday September 13 at 10:40am. 110 Clay Pike
North Huntingdon, PA 15642.
My story “Unexpected Blessings” is in Chicken Soup for the Soul Volunteering & Giving Back. My friend Sonia Agron also has a story in the same book.
A friend sent me your devotional this morning, and I am in tears because I too can understand collective grief…grief of many others who have lost loved ones…grief and loss which affects family members. I should do a blog too I think. It would be therapy for me. I lost my husband to prostate cancer last year on 15th Sept with secondary bone cancer. The year 2014 was a shocking year with other disasters too. He was a pastor for 41 years and we had a great marriage. So thank you for reminding me that God is a God of surprises and ” all things do work together for good ” . I am still struggling on my brief and loss journey, but my faith in a risen Lord gives me hope. I live with eternity in view! May Gid bless and conti use to keep you.
Love
Barbara from Australia.
Barbara, thank you for sharing part of your story with me. I am saddened by your loss. God is faithful and he will see you through this journey. I shared with a widow friend earlier today that the journey is long and we look too far ahead – next year, next month, next week or even tomorrow but the Bible tells us to choose this day who we serve and I truly believe that sometimes we can only do a day 10 minutes at a time and God is fine with that. Take care. Be kind to yourself. sending you a big hug and prayers. Ann
Thank you Ann for your heartfelt words, your story, and your strong faith in God. Many congratulations for being published in The Upper Room. Your story is so deserving of that.