The Widow's & Widower's WalkSample

DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK

There is something about sorrow that grows us gently.  I think because it is a process.  It is a daily thing. We have to live it, whether we want to or not.

One of my first hurdles was getting through the night hours.  I know most of you will get that.  Wow, did it challenge me!  I had to sell our home because it was not only too big for one person, but it was nowhere near family.  I had to downsize and get rid of many items we shared as a couple.  

My first night alone in my new condo was so challenging and rough.  I remember tears and more tears and bitter loneliness.  I felt like I was on a planet all by myself with only a pillow to hug to receive my tears.  

It was then I told myself to pull up my big girl panties and not be afraid.  Do you realize there are some 365 scriptures in the Bible that tell us not to fear? If it was that important to God, it should be important to us! We should be repeating "Do not fear!" to ourselves daily, Fear paralyzes the spirit, and it is not what God wants for us. Repeat aloud:  "Do Not Fear! I will not be afraid!"

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  —2 Timothy 1:7

Whenever there was a thunderstorm, Dan and I would cuddle.  I had been traumatized by the aftershock of lightning, and cuddling always gave me comfort.   I feel more women can relate to this than men, yet I know men long for the comfort their wives brought them.   No matter the gender, we all need that emotional support during our lives.  

There are dark times that happen in life. (I am not speaking of night hours only.)  I had to face the deaths of two siblings within a two-month time frame last year. I so wanted the same comfort that once consoled me.  That comfort I longed for was my husband, who is no longer able to give me comfort. And then this scripture dawned on me: 

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light!  —Ephesians 5:8

Oh, my goodness, it was like an awakening in my head!  I discovered that I needed to walk as a child of the light!  I needed to bring the light into the dark times of my life!  Is it easy?  No, but it is an answer and a new perspective on how to get through the rough days and issues thrown at us.  We are to walk in the image of God, and HE is Light!

CAN YOU RELATE?

You and I have all had dark times in our lives.  Darkness cannot exist where there is light.  If we strike a tiny match in a very dark room, we no longer focus on it being dark, but we focus on being able to see!  I think you get the picture!  Please join me tomorrow as we learn that life has wind and rain, but at some point, there will be blue skies and sun again!