There is so much tragedy and calamity in the world. I have never seen so much death and sickness at one time, in my lifetime. But God is still in control!
I lost my father, March 16, 2020 to pancreatic cancer, he was the only biological parent I had left. I was devastated after he passed. My dad was one of my biggest and loudest supporters. He would have been so proud of me, doing something I wanted to do for awhile and that is create blogs that inspire people and glorify God. For my own selfish reasons, I wish my dad was here but I am glad my dad is not suffering anymore and is at peace. I praise God for blessing me with a loving and supporting father throughout my life.
My father passed at the height of the pandemic last year and my brother and I did the best we could to plan a funeral with all of the restrictions stacked against us, due to the pandemic. My brother and I were only allowed to invite a very limited number of guests but God made a way and we made it through one of the hardest days of our lives.
A couple months after my dad passed, in May of 2020, one of the doctors that I worked with for almost 20 years, passed away of melanoma cancer. I was devastated once again. Months after the passing of this wonderful doctor I worked with; there were several members of the church I attend, who passed away as well.
While I was grieving, I realized so many people around me were grieving and going through something. I was convinced the whole world was going through something.
I kept moving and attempted to ignore the grief and pain I was feeling due to so many losses. I know that God makes no mistakes but I was still sad, hurt and I felt lonely, especially because my dad was no longer with me. I was still determined to not allow grief to take over my mind, heart and spirit but grief crept in on me. The grief was getting heavier. I kept praying and talking to God. I actually remember begging God to not leave me because while I was grieving all of these losses, I couldn't bear the thought of loosing God too. I knew God wouldn't leave me but I just felt like he had to hear me say, please don't leave me Lord. God put on my heart and spirit to read and meditate on certain scriptures and allow His word and promises to uplift and inspire me. I have to admit at one point, I put my bible to the side and left it there for awhile. I started to notice that when I did that I felt like something was missing, something was not right and I was looking for other books to read. While there is nothing wrong with reading other books, there is something comforting in reading the bible.
At a time when we can find so much to complain about, there is always something to be grateful for. I know a lot of you may be in the center of darkness right now but I want to encourage and inspire you to read some scriptures from the bible. Pick a scripture that speaks to you and let it sink into your spirit and soul. Carry that scripture in your mind and heart. When you feel yourself sinking into a dark place, pull that scripture out and know, this is God's message to you, personalize it. Allow God's word to be your light when you are in darkness.
I would like to share four scriptures that always help me but definitely helped me from last year until now, they are as follows:
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding-Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path-Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
For His anger lasts but only a moment but His favor lasts a lifetime; Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning-Psalm 30:5 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand-Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
