Everything on earth
has its own time
and its own season.
A time to be born,
and a time to die;
As we wait for the birth of a “grand” new life...
We say good bye to a life that left “grand” impressions on everyone...
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
Emotions gush in a tsunami of anguish as tears fall...
Grief
Anger
Bitterness
Things tangible and intangible bring promises of hope and healing...
Recollections
Anecdotes
Photographs
Memoirs
and then -
a word...
an awesome word...
a word from a wanderer...
a word from a man of God...
a word from a life beyond the grave...
FREEDOM
Let’s dance...
“Even when we cannot see the why and wherefore of God's dealings,
we know that there is love in and behind them, and so we can
rejoice always.”
-- J. I. Packer
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27 thoughts:
:)
Karen this is beautiful!!
I am so glad you posted because you have been on my heart. I was hoping you are ok.
Love and hugs
Amanda
Welcome back....this is very profound. I hope you're doing ok. ☺
Karen, I am sorry for the loss in your family, but you have so beautifully spoken the essence of our faith.
May the God of all comfort continue to speak peace and grace to your hearts, and may you continue to dance because His faithfulness is great.
Much love,
Andrea
You are in my thoughts and prayers, sweet friend. Love and Hugs ~
What a great quote from J.I. Packer! It all boils down to whether we really believe He loves us ... no matter what.
I'm glad to see you posting again!
I have no words, just...beautiful.
Sis, I love you so much, praying for you always.
So good to have you back, Karen.
I have missed you. I take it from
your post you have had a death in
your family and a new grandchild
is on the way. If so, I wish you
His comfort in the passing of the
one you loved and know you look
forward to the joy to come in this
child.
Love,
Sandy
Beautiful. Sorry for your loss. Always in my prayers.
My heartfelt sympathy. As you go through this valley of grief may you feel the comfort that only the Lord gives. You've written it so beautifully.
Beautiful written, Karen.
Karen - So glad to have you back. May God make His presence known to you in a very REAL and COMFORTING way.
Great quote from Packer. His Love is what allows us to have joy in ALL things...
GOD BLESS!
Karen - you've been in my thoughts. Praying for you and your family. You have been missed.
Hi Karen,
You've been in my thoughts and prayers; I've missed your writing.
I never feel adequate to say a word that helps when someone shares news of death.
Though I know death isn't the end, it is the end of what has been. I cannot know your grief, but I know what it means to grieve.
Please know you remain in my thoughts and prayers. May our LORD who gives grace and peace abundantly shower you and those around you during this time.
Blessings and peace.
MTJ
Very powerful, Karen.
With love, Jan
Karen, glad to see you again. This post touched me, thank you. Blessings.
This is so well written! So Sorry for your pain. You do have hope in Dancing
Karen,
I'm not sure where to begin so will start here: I loved and was moved by MTJ's honest comment, "I cannot know your grief, but I know what it means to grieve." Amen. As brothers and sisters, we do what we can, we come alongside as best we know how. Yet wonderous grace, we have a Savior who does know our grief.
Using your sanctified talent and imagination, the Holy Spirit has helped you create a lovely post that will bring comfort to many. While I don't know whom it is you have lost, I—like so many others—have grieved a loss of people as well as precious bits and pieces. Your progress through the anger, to hope, to an embracing of the dance is spot on. It is a good post to bookmark and revisit as needed.
May hope continue to abound,
Judith
Blessings my dear Karen... What a season this is... a heavy time and also a joyous time... definitely an Ecclesiastes time. My own emotion and grief at times like these makes my words seem so inadequate.
A loved one, gone suddenly without warning is so difficult on all. My deepest sympathies for your husband and your brother-in law's family.
Your words shine your strong faith without ever mentioning him specifically, it is a tribute. Your loved one's a treasure of your heart and the loss is like loosing part of yourself but the love your "bil" brought you and the family did not leave for that very reason... in the memories you wrote. The essence of his soul lingers and will not escape your heart and thoughts! You will hold him dearly there until you all are rejoined of this we are assured.
Cling to those memories and let them find their way to heal you so you can help the others heal too1
The love & laughter, the joy in the togetherness you all shared will make you strong! You'll realize that your time together, no matter how long was meant to be and you were blessed to have such a precious gift of his life to enjoy & love him. Keep your heart beating
with these loving recollections, photos, etc. of memories made and continue to trust in that precious faith you've shared so beautifully
here to guide you through these difficult moments and to strengthen those around you also hurting and grieving yet waiting to rejoice!!!
He remains in your heart forever to hold and treasure and has not left you really at all... the beauty of love stays behind to surround and embrace you... truly there are "grand" impressions... and new impressions to become yet "grand".
I grieve with you and send my deepest condolences for the loss, and I'm so thankful there is a sweet new life to bring you new hope and joy (though bittersweet)
...what a beautiful quote from Packer... for I still cannot see the why... we must rejoice in God's love in and behind them...WOW!!! May you all find COMFORT as you mourn together, may the Lord's favor provide for your grief, a crown oil beauty, an oil of gladness and a garment of praise!
Thinking of you often and always praying... it is as many have written so good to see you back even if it's momentarily to share with us... my emotions are gushing with yours... thanks for the honest Truth in your Words...
Love & peace, (big spiritual hug)
Peggy
Hi Karen,
Missing you!
I have tagged you with some questions on my blog.
I hope you play along. Thanks
My heart and prayers a with you and your family sweetie. Words of comfort are precious, I just lost my Daddy a week and a half ago. You words are just perfect sweetie.
My God grant you the peace that passes all understanding.
It's good to have ya back! :o)
Precious sister, just want you to know I'm continuing to pray for your family during this very tender time.
I love you.
Karen, this is beautiful. I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you all. I know you are strong in the Lord and your faith will sustain you.
I'm praying.
You are loved.
Beautiful, Karen!
You are in my prayers!
HE IS FAITHFUL!
Love and Hugs!
Jackie
May the peace of God that passes all understanding guard your hear and your mind in this time. A lovely post. I was touched by the quote at the end. I miss seeing you daily in cyber space. One day there will be no more missing. I look forward to that day. Prayers and and comfort to you sister.
Karen, I'm so sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers.
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