Turning Point

I remember my counselor telling me that one day I would realize a turning point in my grieving process.  Even though she would remind me of that, I was doubtful. In the midst of such despair, it is practically impossible to see any light at the end of the tunnel. Remember, that everyone's grief is different, how they grieve and how long they grieve.  I was about two and a half years into grieving the loss of my son when that turning point came. 

I had been faithful to attend worship services over this two year period. We have a wonderful worship team, wonderful staff, wonderful pastors, wonderful fellow members.  I was sitting in church this particular Sunday, along with my two older girls and my husband.  For the life of me, I cannot remember the exact day, nor can I remember the exact message that Pastor Bryan shared. But every word he spoke, was a word from the Lord, directed straight at my heart, mind and soul.  I tried so hard to keep the tears at bay during the message, but toward the end of the message there was a steady but quiet stream making it's way down my cheeks.

At the end of the message, Pastor Bryan invited us to participate in the Lord's Supper.  At our church, we go forward to receive the elements and come back to our seat to partake of them.  We were sitting in the back, as we sometimes do, because with six children to get ready, we are sometimes running late.  I remember feeling overwhelmed with a tsunami of tears.  I was at that point unable to move from my seat.  My family went forward (unaware of my emotional condition), along with others in the congregation and the sobs came.  They were deep sobs and there was no stopping them.  

And suddenly, there were strong arms around me, just holding me and letting me sob.  It honestly felt like I was in the arms of Jesus.  It was the most comforted that I had felt since this ordeal began.  This man of God, allowed himself to be used by God to minister to me during this critical turning point. For that time that he held me, his arms became the arms of Jesus.  It was the touch I so desperately needed.  I will forever be thankful and grateful for this fellow Christian and the love he showed to me that day.  That moment, was indeed, my turning point in the grieving process.  Not to say that it was over, but I began to look at everything in a different light. It's when I started to catch glimpses of the sunshine after the storm. 

As Christians, we are here to be the hands and feet of Jesus to minister to others. We should never, ever under estimate the power that we have through Jesus to make a difference in the lives of others.  We just have to be willing to keep our eyes open for the opportunities and listen to the prompting of the Lord.  

Who can you be a blessing to today?  You might just be the turning point that someone is waiting for!  Keep your eyes open to see the 

Sunshine After the Storm
Blessings!
Betsy