Grieving is hard but needful. Family, friends and the household of faith coming alongside helps the process. God's word also helps.
Saturday morning before hubby and I left to drive to Kentucky for the funeral of a dear friend's mother, the verse from my morning devotional was so apropos.
In the midst of the sorrow of losing her mom, Cheryl and her family were able to rejoice because their mom (grandmother and great grandmother) was with the Lord. As the family shared about her life as a WWII widow with 2 young girls, (Cheryl and Sylvia) I was so aware that her life of hardship personified the rest of the verse. She might have struggled as a single mom getting her college education but her children were rich in their handmade clothes, fun times and good, and often funny, memories which they shared. Her legacy of diligence and determination continued through a second marriage and a son to add to this BIG family mix. The pews were filled with family---all of whom, possessing a strong faith, were celebrating Mrs. Gresham's life well-lived.
as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing,
yet possessing everything. (2 Corinthians 6:10)
Loss brings grief. Grief can lead to mourning and sorrow.
But God showed me once again-----
Sorrow and joy are not mutually exclusive.
God's Word and the August 20th celebration of Nancy Jane Terry Gresham's life proved that!
