Surviving Together In Loss And Love

Recently I went to what our Youth Pastor calls ‘Fields of Faith.’  The event was held at a local High School football field and many teens, and adults come to support the young people who share their testimony of their personal journey with Christ. 

These teenagers shared not only their salvation experience, but their subsequent walk as believers.  They shared their failures and struggles, and offered encouragement to others, that there is a way back, when a person stumbles.  

Everyone sang; the teens offered up special music; and we all worshipped!  Speakers, leaders from the school system shared their stories, as well as pastors.  At the end an invitation was given with a line of adults ready to pray with any student who wanted to pray and/or accept Christ.  Music softly played while several teens led a worship song.

A few young people rose and went to the football field, a moment later, more rose and joined them.  Within just a few more moments, the bleachers seemed to empty!  Every teen was on the field.  Many were in circles, arm and arm, praying.  Others were one on one with the adults who were waiting.  It was incredibly inspiring.

Each of these young people now has a completely different perspective on life.  They may not even be aware of it yet.  But God has a plan.  God provides every single one of his children a purpose.  This purpose provides meaning, which feeds hope; and hope is as important as breathing and fresh water!

As widows, we are in a similar situation.  We are dealing with pain, and often living with a loss of direction.  Yet when we come to God, He gently reintroduces us to our new ‘normal’ and the direction He has for us.  He doesn’t rush us, but he does walk with us.  He’s not asking us to know the whole path, but simply trust Him with the next step, just as He walks with the new believer.

Purposeful living invites hope back into a wounded heart.  Joy is not betrayal, and hope is not forgetfulness.  Honoring what was, while embracing the new direction for our lives from a God who loves us, is healing.

Our world constantly pulls not only youth but adults, toward empty substitutes for meaning, connection, and fulfillment.  Advertising encourages ‘self-absorption’ and selfishness; while encouraging shallow and meaningless relationships. 

As lonely widows, we too are faced with temptations.  We long for connectivity.  We want some kind of companionship to fill the hole that was left by the loss of our loved one.  While our temptations may be different from our younger counterparts, they nonetheless can cause us, to make less than godly decisions.

Having a purpose given by God focuses our lives and ultimately even simplifies it.  We have goals which keeps us focused and helps us use our time wisely.  Our purpose directs our path which shifts us from doing things that are irrelevant and often harmful, to our spiritual relationship with Christ.

God’s plans are sure, right, and stand firm.  He is all knowing from the past, to the present and into the future.  He knows the purpose he has for your life. He wants to heal your heart, and remind you, —you were created for a purpose and while your life has changed, it still belongs to him.  

As we move from isolation to connection with community, we can know that our story matters!  While our story is marked with loss, it’s also a bridge to others walking a similar path. Widows can have a unique ministry of compassion in ways others may not understand.  We have a purpose that walks with grief.  Choose to use the gifts He’s given you, to fully praise, with your whole heart, and fill your life with Him.