“One, two, three, green!” my dad pointed to the stoplight. My sisters and I, probably seven, eight, and nine at the time, were awestruck. Dad made the light turn green!

Today is the ten-year anniversary of his home-going. Some people can’t find joy on days like today. They’re trapped in their pain of loss and heartache. I remember those feelings all too well. Like something inside is permanently broken, and you can’t breathe or feel anything but hurt. I was trapped there for three years.

Waking up day after day, crying, and worshipping through tears led to my healing. Choosing to believe that God was still good, and His Word was true allowed me to displace everything I thought I knew about God. For example, I used to think I would never have to go through pain and suffering because I had Jesus. Only, Jesus flat out said in John 16:33 that in this world we would have trouble, but to take heart because He had overcome the World. I learned that it rains on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:46), but that didn’t mean God loved me any less. I’ve witnessed Him working all things out for my good (Romans 8:28), and the pain brought me closer to Him than I’ve ever been.

If you’re still in a season of heartache, press in to the Lord through worship and not just reading the Word but speaking it. Allow the Lord to mend your heart by spending time in His presence.

Rather than wallowing in pain today, I was able to recall a beautiful memory of my dad with zero hurt attached. If He can do it for me, He can do it for you.

Love and hugs,

Cristy