Oh how time flies; I've not had an entry in here since August. A lot has happened in these past few months and one I'd like to share briefly, although my intent is to elaborate at a later time. It's late, and my pillow is beckoning me to come and rest.
I would like to preface by acknowledging a dear sister, Luiza S., who blessed me with this book, "Facing Grief." In August, I had an opportunity to visit my parents, not to mention pick up my daughter who had been visiting my parents. And in that short time, I was able to visit my home church, Community Bible Church in Vallejo. In their bookstore, as I perused in their "new arrival" section, I came upon this book. I briefly read the description on the back and knew I needed to buy it, but I don't think I intended to read it right away. (I was thinking in a year or two.) As I began paying for it, Luiza, who happened to be the cashier that morning, reached into her purse, pulled out her own money and told me she would like me to have it as a gift. Little did she know that that "small" act of generosity, love and kindness, has helped me in my journey in facing my own grief.
I must confess, although it's been a little over a year, the hurt and pain of losing my daughter is as strong and real as the day she passed away in my arms, I've just been so good at not facing my grief; if I don't acknowledge it, I don't have to face or deal with it. Oh but what folly!! God calls us to deal with areas in our life where we need to be dealt with. And so, last week, I finally picked up the book to read and oh, what joy and tears flooded each page as God spoke to me in the verses that Flavel (the author) shared, along with his own experience in grief.
One thing I didn't realize was that Flavel was born in the 17th century so the tone of his writing is old English. A bit difficult, at first, if you are not use to reading old English but his exhortations, encouragements, and testimony makes this book hard to put down.
My desire is to share with you a bit of each chapter and testify of God's grace and gentleness in my life as I'm "facing grief." Until then, God bless and good night!
