Thoughts for Life: The Painful Lie

Veneal Williams shares this with us:

"Loss is crushing, especially the loss of our first love from birth. Melody lost her mother and I wanted to comfort her.

But I couldn't tell her time heals.

Anyone who has lost a loved one or experienced a tragedy, knows these words are a painful lie. Just time, alone, can be far more harmful and destructive than healing.

When I lost my mother, I was devastated, shocked, and angry. She was snatched from my life without a goodbye.

We didn’t get to share a memorable last conversation – confessing the blessings of our life together and hopes for the future.

Thinking her recovery from surgery was assured, I returned to work ... only to learn later she woke asking for me. Did she want to tell me something? Ask me a question?

Before I could return, she was in a coma. I missed her final words to me, not knowing she was being called home.

And they say time heals.

How and with whom we spend our time determines our healing.

Through prayer with God and reading His Word, we can find direction, strength, and hope in dealing with hardships. Sharing and talking with others who have experienced similar pain also brings comfort.

Thanks to God and His angels in my life, time has healed a deep wound. I have found living my life in a way to honor my mother helpful and meaningful.

It didn't bring her back physically, but emotionally it put her in a healthy, wonderful place in my heart.

There is comfort in God. He has made this provision for us through His love and power. Even in times of trial and hardship, God teaches us, refines us, and then protects.

Through His might and plan we are able to rest in His palm.

When you are hurting, it's easy to stay in the pit of anger or bitterness, but you don't have to. I pray that in spending time with God, you allow Him to fill your heart with healing, peace, and comfort as only He can.

Time does not heal; Truth heals. Thank You, Father.

Bring your heartache to the one who heals."

"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again... You will increase my honor and comfort me once again." Psalm 71:20-21

The Painful Lie - Veneal Williams

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net and FrameAngel.

Veneal Williams is a contributing writer to The Upper Room.

A group of her devotions were selected to conclude each chapter in Christian Teachers in Public Schools: 13 Essentials for the Classroom, by Dalene Parker and published by Beacon Hill Press.

Some of her devotions have also been used in church newsletters and for Sunday school lessons.

While working in an elementary school library, Veneal has been writing and e-mailing devotions to teachers for over eleven years. God planted a seed and passion in her to uplift, inspire and encourage teachers by sharing His Word with those entrusted in the molding and nurturing of our most precious gems…our children.

Working in the hub of the school, she has the opportunity to watch, listen, and minister to students, teachers, and parents in all walks of life.

She attended the University of Florida and received a B.S. in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing. Veneal is married to Don and has three grown children, Craig, Ben, and Anna.

Email Veneal at vswilliams56@charter.net or follow her blog www.saltshakersforhim.blogspot.com.

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Used by permission www.christiandevotions.us

ODB (Our Daily Bread) quote 10/18/13: "Thankfully, Jesus steps into the fray of terminal disappointments, and, through His death and resurrection, He interjects hope for us.

In Him 'the end' is a prelude to a death-free eternity, and words like 'it's over' are replaced by a joy-filled 'forever.'

Since our bodies are not an eternal reality, Paul assures us that "we shall all be changed" (1 Cor. 15:51) and reminds us that because of Christ's conquering work we can confidently say, "O Death,...where is your victory?" (v. 55)."

Thank You, Father, for Your creation!

Let’s pray:

Father, help us be sensitive to someone's heartache of losing a love one. We want to show Your compassion, and share what Your Word has to say, not give pat answers that hurt them. May we be slow to speak, and ready to hear what Your Spirit would have us say, please. In the Holy Name of Christ we pray, amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 9:10 "And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."

Another quote:

“A troubled heart, a wearied mind

Are burdens hard to bear;

A lack of peace, a heavy load

Are lifted by God’s care. – Fitzhugh

People are at the heart of God’s heart.”

Our Daily Bread

3/5/13

Some thoughts today: - When you find yourself in a "pit", call on God to show you what to do.

- Find Scripture to pray for someone’s life.

- The call from God to walk in our new Life in Christ, is to be worked out in daily living.

Tomorrow’s post: Choose Joy Diana Derringer (cancer survivor story)

Tuesday's post: #33 Pastors Are More Subject to Temptation C. Peter Wagner

Thursday's post: #34 Pastors Are More Targeted by Spiritual Warfare C. Peter Wagner

Saturday's post: Mysterious Ways: Biblically Guided to a Place of Comfort Patricia Hurtmann

Sunday's post: House On a Rock (unknown author speaks to us as Jesus)

A popular post: Practicing Gratitude "Giving thanks awakens your senses to see God, to hear God, to taste and see that He is good"