It May Be Fall, But Things Are Heating Up.
With hurricanes, floods, fires, wars and rumors of wars, along with elections around the corner, it’s getting hot! My own family members have endured falls resulting in fractured bones , illness, and other minor challenges and catastrophes as well. I must apologize for my absence; truth be told, I’ve been in a ‘blue funk’. I wish I could say I’ve been busy writing, or traveling somewhere exciting, but the reality is that we’ve been wrestling with a few new challenges that hopefully will be resolved soon. The grief of loss and stress of living can show up and shut you down when you least expect it.
What To Do When You Can’t Seem To Do Anything?
I wish I had all the answers but I can only tell you what helps me to keep on keeping on. I immerse myself in reading books and blogs, spent way too much time on social media when I should be sleeping, and I let the tears flow in the solitude of my room. I also dedicate time to pray. I allow myself to have time for introspection, and time to grapple with the emotions that come with loss.
How Is Your Heart?
My heart is divided. I long to be with my son, my mother, my father, and so many beloved souls who have passed on and now rest in heaven. Yet, here I remain on earth, missing them dearly. Don’t misunderstand me; I cherish my life here. I am blessed with a kind and compassionate husband, a loving daughter, two beautiful granddaughters, and three delightful great-grandbabies. I have family and friends who give my life purpose, and close family members who need me. And I know that the hurricane season isn’t over yet, and many are still wrestling with the damage and the loss of loved ones so I spend time in prayer for them and find ways to help.
Yet, when I contemplate heaven, I feel a deep longing to go home. That is where my heart is even while I love being alive here on earth. The Holy Bible says;
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”—Matthew 6:19-21 KJV
My Call to Write —God’s Not Done With Me
With the upcoming election and the daily deceptions in the news, I find myself waiting on the Lord’s guidance. God used a donkey to speak, so I believe He can use me too! I love writing and sharing stories about life. With God’s grace I pray every word is valuable and glorifies Him. I pray for God’s guidance with my writing and the calling that Jesus has placed on my heart. In my youth, I wanted to be a writer for the wrong reasons—seeking fame, admiration, and the allure of a bestseller. But now, with God guiding my dreams, I believe His plans for me are far greater than anything I could envision.
“For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and lose his soul?”—Mark 8:36 KJV
Honoring My Son And Telling Stories
I write for many reasons—some serious, some humorous, and sometimes I write stories just for fun. Currently, I feel a strong calling to write a book in honor of my son. He left behind a legacy of stories about his ancestors, and I feel led to share stories about his life, filled with struggles and blessings. He deserves to be remembered. He faced so many challenges, and still, he was a good man, always seeking the best in life. I want to share his story, to ensure that he is not forgotten. Though I may never fully understand the circumstances of his death, I know from the Lord that he is worthy to be remembered.
“But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, And his righteousness unto children’s children; To such as keep his covenant, And to those that remember his commandments to do them.”
Psalm 103:17-18 KJV
Looking Beyond and Toward Eternity
Perhaps I’ve been allowing the ‘blue funk monster’ to keep me in a state of limbo because I am looking through an earthly lens, and forgetting that this is not the end. Our lives here on earth are brief, like a vapor, while our lives in heaven are eternal. God is preparing a kingdom, and those who are with Him will reign forever. I must remind myself that there is more to this story, and I may only uncover the rest when I reach the gates of heaven.
In the meantime, there’s work to be done here on earth. God desires that none should perish. Help me, Lord, to live my life for Your glory. My prayer for you, dear reader, and for all who are struggling, is to find solace in the following scripture;
“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 KJV
