Friend, You Are Not Alone

My mother spent much of her adolescent years alone.

Her mother, my grandmother, passed away when Mom was twelve years old. I can’t imagine walking through that experience at such a young age. I was 37 when Mom passed away, and the pain of losing her was excruciating. Twelve years old would have been nearly unbearable.

Mom’s father, my grandfather, must have struggled with Grandma’s death, as he would disappear for days and leave Mom and her older brother to tend to the home and farm. Grandpa would eventually return home. No questions were asked, and no answers were offered.

Alone was what Mom knew.

It’s no wonder she involved herself in extra activities. She could have turned to trouble, but instead she turned to singing and sports. In school she excelled in both. Clearly, God had His hand on her.

Life moved on. Mom met Dad when she was 19, they married and eventually began a family. She was a wonderful mom and wife, and a tremendous role model for me.

After Dad passed away in 1999, Mom found herself alone again. Except this time, alone was even more lonely.

But God met her in her loneliness again. He was with her just as much as a widow, as He was during her teenage years. We’d talk often of the many ways God was providing for her and caring for her.

Knowing God was with her always comforted Mom, and friend, it can comfort us today, as well.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

And,

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

God took Mom home nine years ago.

After her death, alone was what I knew, too.

Losing her left a painful void in my life. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve hung on to the verses above. God’s Words always find a way to cut through the darkness and shed light into my aching heart.

Maybe this is where you’re at today. Feeling alone. Abandoned. Solo. By yourself.

Maybe you’re grieving loss, or you long for companionship.

Or maybe you’re surrounded by many, but still feel isolated.

Friend, you are not alone.

God is with you. He says (above) He’ll never leave you, and He’ll be with you wherever you go. I pray this gives you great comfort and encouragement today. And may you be reminded of it in future days.

And I pray it’s a truth you’ll cling to.

Jesus also said in Matthew 28:20b,

“…And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

You’ll always have Jesus as your companion, too.

And… I’m here as well. (But Jesus is better!)

God bless you!

Julie

 

 
It’s Day 4 of #CelebratingWhoYouAre, and it’s a great day to celebrate God’s presence in your life!

Soak in this truth, and pass it on to someone else who could use a reminder he/she isn’t alone. Thanks for stopping by for a few minutes today!