God is so good to give us friends. I would be lost without them. Some have been in my life for a season while others have adopted me as their sister. Let’s face it—women need women.
Three very important friendships in my life were my grandmother, my mother, and my daughter. All three are now in Heaven and because of their great love for Jesus I can safely say they are also my Sisters-in-Christ. Even though our next meeting may be different…we will see each other again and pick up where we left off.
Losing my grandmother in 1968 suddenly left this 13-year old very confused about how people can be alive one minute and gone the next. I asked God on many occasions why He decided to take such a fun-loving friend, like her, when I could have grown so much in wisdom had Granny remained in my earthly life as an adult.
In 2008 God chose to take my daughter home, then two and a half years later He took my mother too. Why would God decide it best to take such spiritual mentors from me? The question is almost enough grounds to never trust a relationship again. They were so much a part of me as a part of me died with each of them. But perhaps dying could become Heaven’s gain.
Death can lead to victory for I have learned God alone is all I need. All other relationships are just icing on the huge life cake. The Lord has been so faithful to be my painkiller when times of hurt and fear come. My desires have changed with the force of taking a good hard look at how I want to live the rest of my life. I want to tell others of His glorious love for those who mourn. He hurts when we do. Now…that’s a good friend.
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:5-6
What is your hurt today? Will you allow yourself to find love in God alone first, then love others in the same way He loves you?
Debbie, awesome article!!!!!!! You need to submit this to a magazine. I love how you said, "God alone is all I need," and "He is our painkiller." I forget that sometimes. We can face anything as long as he is in our lives. I know your grandmother, mother, and daughter are having a ball together. Won't it be wonderful when we can join our loved ones? But first, we have work to do.