not in despair

Up to that point, I had experienced very little in the way of grief and sorrow. Yes, I had known family, friends and acquaintances who had died, some young and very unexpectedly, some older and more expectantly, but none that had brought shock and sorrow such as this.

Now in the subsequent years, I have lost my dear friend, Euri and our mutual dear friend’s baby girl, Erica Faith and have grieved with another very dear friend over the loss of her beautiful mother. The list could go on.

Grief and sorrow are no longer strangers, but companions that walk along the way. Blurry tears and lumpy throats come unbidden at times, wondering what life would be like without these moments. But there is thankfulness for parents, family and friends who do not give into despair, but clearly point to the One who gives the strength to continue life’s journey and who say with the apostle Paul:

…we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair. ~ 2 Cor. 4:7,8

I continue to pray for you, my dear friends and family who know such grief and sorrow. May you know His comfort and be encouraged to know that you are not alone, not ever. You are not forgotten and are loved beyond words.

*For previous posts about Tim or Euri, please click on the labels/tags with their names found directly below, in the footer of this post.