I Strive to Remind You that for those Tears I Died~Peace in Community

 Trust, fear not, turn your hands up to let go of what you cannot control. God knows that we have anxiety about the possibility of loss, death, illness and betrayal. He knows that each of us will face. the hard things life most definitely will throw at us. The truth is none of us lives a life free of heart crushing circumstances. What He also promises that not a one of us has to walk through life’s storms alone. We have community to lean in and comfort us with their embraces and their love. Jesus promises to be only a whisper away in the dark of night when our mind spirals to the worst case scenario. We can be sure that even when things are not as we hoped for or even what we feared, there is hope that each step is toward His light. 

And Jesus said come to the water stand by my side. I know you are thirsty, you won’t be denied. I felt every teardrop when in darkness you cried. And I strive to remind you that for those tears I died. This song has been a comfort throughout my life. It is His promise that I don’t grieve alone. That He is ever present in my story and provides others to share my journey. 

Step close if you or someone you love is going through uncertainty. Wrap your love and support around others and let others wrap you in their arms. We were made to live life in community not alone in our bed. Fear is real but so is the comfort that comes with openly sharing our fears with others. Don’t make the mistake of telling yourself that everything is going to be alright. It will be what it will be but the good thing is that we will walk through the even if together. Then celebrate and rejoice that God knows our steps and will lead us by the hand through even the most difficult situations. 

I would never choose to lose my son to suicide or have a son who is homeless in Los Angeles but here I am worrying about the son who still lives and at peace with the fact that one of my sons is safely in Jesus’ arms. The blessings that have come over the past fifteen years since losing Ryan don’t change the fact that I would change it if I could. But because it is my reality, I embrace the ways God has allowed me to touch others because of my walk through loss. Life is going to have hills and valleys, sunny days and stormy ones but I know that I am never alone. I have the opportunity to rejoice and grieve with those in my life who never miss a moment to reach out. For this I am grateful and this gives me peace.

In Him,

Joyful

11-11-25