I’ve tried to start this post so many times. I’m not sure how many of you meet me here and also on Facebook where I’ve been sharing updates. But for those who might be wondering, I wanted to stop in to say hi and let you know where I’ve been.
Our family is going through some hard stuff, and I’ve needed to pull back and pull in close to the ones who need me most.
Three weeks ago, my father was hospitalized with kidney failure, we drove 20 hours round trip to Florida to be with him, and my newborn nephew was hospitalized and had emergency surgery while we were there. Two days after we returned home, Aster, our almost 3 year old daughter was diagnosed with a speech disorder.
School started, speech therapy started and my dad was transferred to hospice last week. A day later my mom started having severe breathing problems and we ended up in the Dr.’s office. She’s not been married to my dad for 43 years so this is all unrelated. We’re still waiting to figure out the cause of her health concerns.
Then, this Monday afternoon, my father took two deep breaths and was gone. His life ended and our walking through the valley of the shadow of death began.
We’re in Florida now. And the first thing I want to tell you is this: God keeps His promises. He’s been with us. His goodness and mercy is following us, His rod and staff are guiding and comforting us.
He’s met us here in our place of sadness and sorrow in ways I could not imagine. I’ve been asking Him to wrap His mercy around my heart and the hearts of my brothers as we grieve our loss – not only for the future we won’t have with Dad, but also the past we longed for but never had with him either.
But oh how our Heavenly Father has met us here… rushing to our sides and comforting our hurts, giving us courage to let go and perseverance to hold on – to Him and each other.
Dad’s memorial service is Friday so we’ll be here all week. But when life settles down and words come more easy, I’ll be back. To write and to announce the winners of my last two give-aways. Until then, let’s stay in touch on Facebook. Love you so!
Ps. I also wanted to let you know my friend Samantha has a Confident Heart give-away and Melissa Taylor with Proverbs 31 Ministries is leading an online Bible/Book study of A Confident Heart. We wanted to make sure you know that you are invited! For more information, click here.
Renee, this is such a difficult time for you and your whole family. I’m so thankful that already you’re seeing and feeling God’s presence. You will still most certainly grieve the loss of your dad, but like my mom said before she passed away, “When you cry, remember that it’s not me you’re crying for. I’ll be happy, celebrating my new home with Jesus!” I certainly did cry when she died, but not as one who had no hope. I’ll be praying for you as God brings you to my mind.
My sweet friend,
I am so sorry that you are in the middle of so many different emtional journeys right now. Know that you are being covered in prayer today and everyday. I love you.
My give-away for your book was posted today! I sent you a note on Facebook. I hope that many new women hear of your words and are drawn closer to God by reading them.
Praying,
Tammy
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am joining this Bible Study because I am in a new place and I am finding my value and identity in God and God alone.
Praying for you and your family!
Renee, when I read this, I thought of you.
When Facing Loss
Lord, I have such grief over what I have lost. You promised to comfort me as I mourn. Comfort me during this time and give me strength to navigate life through this time. Give me courage to do the difficult things that are ahead. Help me to remember that Your mercy is new every morning. Help me to take the time I need to step back and allow you to put the pieces of my heart back together again.
Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. Psalm 34:17-18
You and your family are in my prayers.
Renee-I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s death and the other trials you are facing right now! May you feel the love of friends, and the love and comfort and peace of God at this time.
Good morning Renee, My name is Nicole and I just wanted to thank you for opening your heart to the Lord and being willing to share it with us as we study A Confident Heart.
Lord, please bless Renee with wisdom, love and guidance as we do this study. Bless her spiritually, emotionally, and physically and meet her needs and the women doing this study all over the world. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen
Praying for you right now! May the LORD wrap His loving arms around you and your family.
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Renee,
I pray that God of all comfort, comfort yours and your family’s heart. For God promises that He is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a crushed spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers [you and your family] out of them all (Psalm 34:18-19 NJKV).
You are in HIS care.
Blessings,
Berlinda
Satan was hoping to have a field day with you. Not a chance.Too much Jesus in you… Too many prayers surrounding you. Corrie TemBoon said “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still” (She was digging in a Nazi prison camp at the time). Proud of you for putting first things first.
Love and prayers
<Kelly
You have been had some hard times lately and I am sorry for your loss. I want you to know that you are reaching all the way to South St Paul, Minnesota and are helping me with your wonderful words. I hope that can give you some comfort to know you are reaching all this way and you are wonderful and God is using you do great things and I know he will be with you and your family through these hard times. Thanks for everything and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
blessings to you and your family. My heart breaks for the pain you must be feeling, but God is faithful and will see you thru this time.
May God continue to hold you & give you comfort in this difficult time.
Many prayers are going up for you & your family.
Renee, I am praying for you and your family. It sounds like Satan is trying to bring you down…I think he’s afraid of all the wonderful ways you are touching women’s lives with your new book and all of your hard work with P31 Ministries.
Stay strong and continue to rely on the strength, love and comfort of God.
Renee, So sorry for the waves of sorrow coming so closely, and I am so thankful that God is near you, holding and carrying you revealing His strength in your time of need.
Bless you as you walk through this…holding His hand.
Love, Kathy
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Janet
[email protected]
Live Oak, Florida
My heart goes out to you and your family. I’ve been praying for you. You are correct about the faithful love of our Father God. Continue to hold fast to Him and He will see you through. Much love to you and yours. Php 1:2 “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.”
My home group is studying your book and last night we prayed for you and your family.
I want to let you know that I am praying for you and your family. You are so right that God meets us right where we are. He alone knows every need and is capable of meeting them.
So very sorry for the loss of your father. Praying for you and your family as you all grieve and heal. Also, praying for your sweet baby nephew, his parents, and for your daughter and her speech issue. My son has a speech issue and just “graduated” from speech class. He is 12 years old. Prayers all around.
I am so sorry for your loss, and at the same time so encouraged by your testimony of how lovingly present God has been for you all. I am praying for all of you as you face today and for God’s comfort and peace to sustain you as you move forward from today and deal with the other issues that you spoke of. May His comfort and peace wash over you like rain.
I am so sorry for your loss and I feel your pain. My Father was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer April 1st and we lost him May 8th of this year. My Mom struggled with coming to be with my brother or I in different states or remaining in Florida. She chose to stay in Florida – but the road has been a very hard one……
Pryaing that the Lord will comfort you and your family through all that you are facing and that you come out ok on the other side.
I am so sorry for the loss of your father and that you are having to deal with so much all at once. It is good to know that you sense God’s comforting presence through it all. My prayers are going up for you.
Renee,
My prayers are with you and your family during this time. I feel your pain for your loss as I still feel the pain of the loss of my Mother and re live over andover things I should have done differently during her illness, but God was with me as I know He will be for you. Praying for your Mom as well. Love to you and your family. Kelly
Renee, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father and all the other challenges you have been facing. I know you don’t know me. I met you at She Speaks and I am reading your book. Your talk was life changing to me.
I am a speech pathologist and my son was also diagnosed with a speech disorder at age 3. I just want to encourage you that he is now 6 and doing great. I understand how hard that was as a mom, to not understand your son. Praying for you, for the Lord to comfort you and be your strength. Believing the Lord for good reports and health and healing for your family. -Sue
May God bless you and your family throughout your time of need. I am so sorry for your loss.
Warmest wishes from Nova Scotia.
Renee – I’m so sorry about the loss of your dad. It is a hard thing to lose a parent. Plus all the other health troubles in your family. You are in my prayers. May God bless you.
Wrapping my arms around you in the Spirit and keeping you in my prayers.
p
Renee,
I know we have never met in person, but following your trials and triumphs via your blog and Facebook have made my heart overflow with love for you, my Christian Sister. That is why my heart breaks for you, as I read about your recent loss. May God continue to wrap His loving arms around you, and take your hand as you walk through this time.
*Hugs.*
Rhea
Renee,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. My extended weekend was stressful, too. My mother had to make the decision to move from assisted living to nursing home care, my sister needs to have heart surgery, one of my daughters is headed to a stomach specialist, and I had my last check-up with my neuro surgeon after having spine surgery earlier this summer (that appointment was good). My siblings and I did not all agree on what was best for mom. My brother-in-law wemt back to Rochester for his cancer and other health issues…. God has been good through all the stress and uncertainty. I am able to look at it all and count all of our blessings because of the stress. I hope God and time will grant you the same.
Beth
May God wrap his loving arms around you and your family and hold you close. As my Pastor always says…”It is not good-bye but until we meet again!” Praying for all that you have going on in your life right now. Thank you for taking time to update us…it means a lot.
God’s Blessings,
Nicole
My best friend has just learned, with her family, that her mom has terminal cancer. Hearing of your struggles, really makes one wonder about what God is doing. At the same time, we acknowledge that God is good and is in control! Prayers for your family during this trial! Request you pray for my friend as well! Thanks!
Praying for you and your family during this difficult time. I’m praying for God’s peace and comfort as you have the memorial service for your Dad on Friday. Asking for God’s guidance with the other issues you are also facing. You are a blessing to me and I look forward to your return.
God Bless You!
Praying for God’s comfort and strength to surround you and your family during this time.
I will be seeing you in a few weeks at the RefresHER conference in Effingham, IL. I will have a huge hug waiting for you.
My heart is so heavy for you, but I am also smiling because you just refuse to stop giving God the glory. Your Dad, your Mom, your nephew, Aster. This world is so ugly and sick and flawed, and yet the glory and beauty of God will just not be overshadowed, as long as you choose to look for it. And you are making the right choice.
Hang in there. God has you. All of you.
Shannon
Renee, I’ll be praying for you. Know that you are loved and there isn’t anything too hard for God. He’ll never put more on you than you can bear.
Renee,
My heart is with you and your family right now. I am so dearly sorry for your loss. And even as you face your challenges, you still minister…sweet sister, may God show you and your family grand favor and blessings as you face today and the many days ahead.
Hugs and Love in Christ Jesus, our LORD,
Kim
I am sorry it sounds so overwhelming. praying for a calm heart for you in the midst of your sorrow and a peace that passes all understanding.
Love floods my heart for you at this time! Renee just look at all of this love as a huge bank account in which you have been pouring into for years!I You’re now receiving the love you have shared with all of us multiplied by the number of people that God has helped in someway through the ministry HE has given you!! And even with that number of people just because HE loves you HE is multiplying each of us by 10 in what HE is pouring back into you at this time.
I know our GOD is going to show out in how HE blesses you at this time.
Please be sure to share some of those nuggets with us as time passes:-)
Oh Dear Renee—I am so very sorry for your loss–wish I could give you a big hug. My prayers are with your Daddy and you and your whole family–Many Blessings, Barb wall
I am so sorry Renee. I am glad you are finding comfort from God. I know a lot of ladies are praying that for you and your family. For your mom we will pray also. Hope the new baby is doing well now after that surgery. Lots of love from all of us.
I am so sorry for your loss and send prayers for you through these difficult times.
Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss, and about all of the stressful things that are going on in this season of your life, Renee. May God be with you and your family in your time of need and place of rest. Please, know that I’ll be sending thoughts of love and many prayers your way.
Just wanted you to know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Just joined your page lately, and had been wondering where you were. Then decided to go to your website and read you letter. I’m very sorry about the loss of your father, just know there are people praying for you. I pray the rest of your week is peaceful. Love and Prayers, Teresa
I was wondering just last night about where you were. God’s timing is always perfect. I am sorry to hear about all your difficulties and pray that you and your family feel God’s presence, love, and comfort during your time of mourning, the days ahead of working through your mom’s health issue and Aster’s speech therapy. Blessings.
Renee,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family! When the times get too hard and you need to feel the arms of your Heavenly Father around you, remember to “Be Still and Know He Is God!”
In His Calm ~ Mary