Were the holidays hard for you? Are you currently grieving or going through a loss? Yeah, me too.

Christmas Day 2017, I received a devastating blow. I won’t go into detail here, but I will say that all I wanted to do was to crawl into a corner and sob.

Loss is hard, to say the least. It’s difficult for outsiders looking in to understand. Some, more so than others, are able to empathize, but no one truly knows the road you walk until they are there.

Why am I writing this post that seems to be such a downer? Because I want others to know they are not alone. (And it’s a way for me to express my emotions.)

The holidays are not always a joyous occasion. Today, I remember those who have recently lost a family member, who have an estranged relationship with a family member, who desperately want a family, who are far away from family, etc. You are not alone.

I also remember those who have recently lost their job, their home, their health, their pet, etc. You are not alone.

The past 5 days have been difficult. I’m so very thankful for family members who have come over to check on me, friends who have been there to be an ear, and a “bonus” (step) daughter who has written me the sweetest notes. Most importantly, I am thankful for my Heavenly Father. Through the pain and heartache, He whispers hope and love into my life.

I still choose to hold firmly to Jeremiah 29:11-13. It says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Recently, I read a post by Esther Fleece and learned that “the original word for plans in Hebrew is machashabah; a more literal translation is “thoughts.” God knows the thoughts He has toward me. And His thoughts toward me are good.”

God has a plan for my life. He has a plan for your life. He plans to give us hope and a future. When we look for Him with all our heart, we’ll find him.

Although I am currently in the grieving process, I rest in the fact that my life is in His hands. He knows the desires of my heart. He knows what is best for my life. His thoughts toward me are good. Does all of this make it hurt less? No. Does all of this cause me not to cry at odd times? No. I am still human. I still feel pain and I still cry.

Life experience tells me I’m probably not alone.

What are you currently going through? Were the holidays difficult for you this year? Comment below or send me an email at runstephstrongrun@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you. I’d love to pray for you and with you.

Until next time,

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