For days I have struggled - trying to decide whether or not I would ever write another. Part of my heart wanted to quietly walk away - the other part desperately needed to find words. Not just any words - true words - so that blessing might somehow be birthed from the pain.
I have wanted, always, to be honest and transparent in this little place - to give to those who may happen by, something from the gift of encouragement He has crafted into my heart. I have found that there are some things that cannot be spoken - things that are too deeply personal and meant only for one. The story can be told; the details may need to be kept close to the heart.
My heart quickened a bit when I saw that Lisa-Jo had chosen "broken" for today's Five Minute Friday word. It was, I think, a gentle nudge to quietly write the words I feel free to share:
Broken
start:
I hardly know where to begin. Our hearts are broken. Grief bears down and it is difficult to walk through the days.
On the day of my husband's back surgery - the one we've been waiting for for months - our son-in-law Nicolas passed away. Our daughter, Lisa, waited until the following day to call from their apartment in France - so very far away. She was concerned about her Dad - didn't want to upset him.
So we are here, and she is there - an ocean and thousands of miles separate us. There are so many there to love and support her, but how we long to be with her.
Soon. She will come home soon.
We are numb and hurting and sometimes wonder if perhaps it was all just a bad dream.
It is in these moments, these heart wrenching moments, when we lean into the truth of all God is. He is our peace and comfort. He is faithful and good - a loving God who never leaves or forsakes. Everything that comes to us passes through His hands - hands of grace and mercy.
So we trust, and He comes gently - His tears mingled with ours - to make all things good in His time.
stop
Linking with Lisa-Jo today on her FB page
Blessings,
Linda
Oh, dear Linda, my heart aches for your aching heart and the grief that you and those you love are going through. May peace wash over all of you in the midst of this time and pain.
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers,
Sarah
Oh sweet friend. This is so awful. I don't have words, just a heart that breaks with your shattered one. Lifting all of you up before the Father and so wishing I could just sit with you. Much love.
ReplyDeleteSo, so sorry, Linda.
ReplyDeleteSitting quietly with you.
Praying for you all, and trusting the promises of Isaiah 43- even through the deepest waters, He will be with you, and with those you love xx
ReplyDeleteOh such a sad, sad thing..so young..God bless you and your grieving family. I know you will be of much comfort to your daughter when she comes to be with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte.
Deleteoh , Linda. I am in tears. So so very sorry. Peace be with you . All of you xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Deb.
DeleteI'm so very sorry. And standing with you - may you all know His comfort and loving arms around you. You are not alone, that is a certainty.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your sweet, comforting words. It means so much to me.
DeleteI'm so sorry for your family's loss. You all will be close to my heart. May God strengthen you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carrie. I am so grateful for your loving concern.
DeleteHugs would be yours if I could reach through this screen to you. I am so sorry for your heartbreak. Through your loss you have indeed given an encouraging gift today. God bless you all through this time of healing.
ReplyDeleteAmy
DeleteYour words are like a gentle hug. Thank you so much.
Hugs would be yours if I could reach through this screen to you. I am so sorry for your heartbreak. Through your loss you have indeed given an encouraging gift today. God bless you all through this time of healing.
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for you and your family. There are no words, I know. So I will lift you up in prayer and sit quietly with you. Know in your grief you are not alone.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a comfort to know others are praying. Thank you for your gentle grace Kelly.
DeleteOh, sweet Linda...I am so sorry for your loss. I'm praying for you, your daughter, and your family. May God wrap each of you in His arms and hold you close during this time.
ReplyDeleteSweet, sweet broken momma. Jesus, be near.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear Melissa.
DeleteMy heart is breaking for you. Praying deep knee bending prayers!
ReplyDeleteTonya, your prayers are a gift. Thank you so much.
DeleteLinda - my heart aches for you in this moment. Praying for peace and rest for you and your family at this time. I pray that you feel His presence near you in the quiet.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rebekah. It is such a comfort to know others are praying. We know He is very near - He is a loving Father.
DeleteOh, Linda, I imagine there are no words for the pain. You will be in my prayers in the days ahead.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Jody. It is such a comfort to know there are sweet sisters praying.
DeleteSo very sorry to hear. My heart goes out and prayers for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for your loss. Sending all of you healing prayers. Joining from 5 Minute Friday.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Oh that you feel His all-surpassing peace and love. May your precious daughter feel it too. ANd, more so, may you both not only 'feel' it, but KNOW it, well into the depths of your souls. He is good. He can be trusted. Thank you for sharing -- for trusting us. May He receive the glory as you live out 2 Cor. 1:3-4. Bless you.
ReplyDeletePraying that the God of comfort will hold you and your daughter so close right now...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Gretchen.
DeleteOh Linda, I am speak less....please know I am lifting your family before the Throne of Grace and Mercy....that the God of all comfort will hold your family ever so tight ....thanks for being so brave in your brokenness.
ReplyDeleteOh Linda, I am speak less....please know I am lifting your family before the Throne of Grace and Mercy....that the God of all comfort will hold your family ever so tight ....thanks for being so brave in your brokenness.
ReplyDeleteOh my dear Linda, there are no words that will ease your pain, just the sweet comfort and strength of our Lord. My heart goes out to you and your family. Please you know you will be in my prayers and if there is anything I can do don't hesitate to ask!
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine wrote a wonderful post on her blog today and maybe you might be blessed by reading it. Here is the link: http://littlebirdieblessings.blogspot.com/2013/07/gods-grace-is-sufficient.html
Love and hugs to you!
What grief! So sad to read this tonight. So heartbroken for you and your daughter, all who are hurting...and the distance. it is so much. I am so very sorry. Praying for comfort from the Holy Spirit.
ReplyDeleteOh LInda, I am so very sorry. And although we've never met, I know you are a friend of many I do know and your name has become so familiar to me. What a shock and how powerless you must feel to not be able to go to her. I love your words here..."Everything that comes to us passes through His hands - hands of grace and mercy.." And they remind me how right you are, He is in control and may we come to know the beauty He can bring of even this. Know I am praying for you, comfort and peace, as you've never known. You are loved! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you for this sweet note Jacque and for your prayers. I am so grateful.
Delete(((((Linda)))) You know I'm praying, my dear sweet friend. Much love, Patricia
ReplyDeleteOh my heart aches for you and yours, dear Linda. I am so very saddened to hear such news. You are all in my prayers, especially your sweet daughter. I pray your husband's recovery is quick and without complications.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Sandy
Thank you so much Sandy. Your prayers are a gift to us at this time.
DeleteLinda! I am broken with you, speechless, in tears. Oh, friend, what to say? If only I could be there with you and hold your hand. I'm so, so sorry. Holding you close over the miles.
ReplyDeleteI am sooooo sorry, praying. xoox
ReplyDeleteas much as i love you
ReplyDeleteHe loves you more
Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying you will all feel God's hand upholding you and that you may be with your daughter as soon as possible!
ReplyDeleteLinda, I am reeling from reading this and my heart aches or all of you. I cannot imagine being so far away from your daughter in a time like this. I pray she has support there in France until y'all are reunited.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for all of y'all.
Love you.
I'm so sorry for your loss! I saw Lisajo Baker's note on Twitter and I cant reach out my arms to you, but I can pray. Praying for your peace and comfort, and for bright memories to bring you joy in the very dark time.
ReplyDelete