Life is full of contradictions, isn’t it? This week has been one where I have experienced joy as well as sorrow. So often that is how life works. We are up one minute and down the next; happy one moment and sad the next.
Earlier this week, the Lord sent two opportunities for me to serve ladies in the coming months. (See http://www.thepoint-leah.blogspot.com for my speaking schedule.) The first is a ladies retreat at a local church in March, while the second is a widow’s brunch the weekend before Valentine’s Day. I was ecstatic!! Immediately I sought the Lord’s heart. Is it your will for me to speak to these groups? After much prayer, I believe that these opportunities were ones that the Lord wanted me to take and so I called the two different organizers of the events and told them, “Yes, I would be thrilled to serve their ladies at the events.” I am so excited about these opportunities that the Lord has sent and I am diligently seeking His will for the words I speak. I know that He already knows who will be present at each event and what those precious hearts need to hear. I desire to have an open heart to receive whatever message He wants me to bring to the ladies.
As I celebrated what I believe is the official beginning of the speaking and teaching ministry the Lord has called me into, I received an email from a former co-worker at Emory Clinic telling me of a tragedy among the ranks of those with whom I worked several years ago. One of my co-workers was a delightful woman, several years younger than me, named Nancy. She was a young wife and mother and an excellent dietitian. She and I became friends over the three years I worked in the cardiology department.
On Monday of this week, her husband of 14 years took his own life, leaving Nancy to care for and raise their three children, ages 12, 9 and 3 years. Apparently, he had struggled with depression for several years which contributed to his tragic end. I was stunned and saddened. I immediately called Nancy and my heart broke as she and I talked. She is obviously still in shock and very much grieving the loss of her husband and the father of her children. She is concerned about the financial future of her family and has requested a fund be established to help with the college costs for her children.
My heart is broken for Nancy and she has been greatly on my mind and in my prayers since I heard of Matt’s death. As I spoke with her, I thought, “What in the world can one say at a time like this?” Immediately, I knew that the only thing and the best thing to say is, “I’m so sorry and I love you.”
I was reminded of Psalm 34: 18 where David comforts us with these words, “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart.” That has been my prayer for Nancy and her family. I am so glad that when we hurt, the Lord is already near. We don’t have to call Him, go looking for Him or make an appointment with Him. He is nearby, standing ready to minister peace and comfort into our lives.
The joy and the sorrow that I have felt this week serve to remind me that although our lives are unpredictable, we have a God Who never changes and Who is in perfect control of all that occurs.
Lord, thank you that nothing ever causes you to say, “Wow, I didn’t know that was going to happen”. Thank you that whatever you allow into our lives, has purpose and meaning, even when it hurts very badly. Thank you for opportunities to minister to ladies in your name. I ask you to blanket Nancy with unspeakable peace and comfort in her time of grief. Provide for Nancy and her children emotionally, spiritually, physically and financially in an amazing way. Thank you that Matt is at home in heaven with You today. I thank you that you understand when we hurt and that you hurt with us. We love you. Amen.
