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.
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I pray that God will wrap His arms around you and your family especially you. May His grace, mercies and comfort abound in your life as you walk through this season.
Thanks for today’s devotion. So practical.
First and foremost, I send you and your family my sypathy and prayers for the loss of your father. I want to thank you for todays devotion. It was as if God was speaking directly to me. ( I am sure He was ). You are truely gifted in and through the Holy Spirit. Thank you for sharing, I truely needed it ! You reminded me of the hope and peace of the future.
I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers this day.
Renee,
I am so sorry for all you are going through right now.
I just wanted to thank you for the Encouragement for Today Devotion. I sometimes struggle with feelings of hopelessness and today’s devotion has given me renewed hope.
A little over 2 years ago, my husband of 14 years left me. He left me with 3 adopted children and over $600,000 of debt. For the last 2 years, we get by 1 day at a time. We have been though so much and we are still struggling, some days are so very hard. I know that God has a plan for us in the middle of this horrible mess, but some days are harder than others and this week has been very hard.
Again, thank you for today’s encouragement.. “God works all things together for good.” “I was created for a purpose” “God has a plan for our lives.”
I know that we will get through this dark valley and God has something so much better waiting for us on the other side.
Blessings..Karen
Renee,
Just a month ago I lost my father under similar circumstances. It was such a powerful loss in the midst of two other medical crisis by people close to my heart while I had just welcomed a newborn daughter. My father and I were sadly estranged for the last six years of his life and had a rocky relationship at best while I was growing up. But in those final days Jesus gave me the sweet peace of knowing my dad loved me and would see me in heaven. It is so hard to process the finality of his life here but I know our story isn’t over and we will have all the hugs, dances and laughter I longed for on earth together in God’s kindgom. I pray you and your family can find comfort and peace as well. I will be saying prayers for you! Michelle
I pray that you and your family will experience more of God at this time in your life.
Hello Renee and all my new friends who are sharing in A Confident Heart. First of all I would like to tell
Renee that I am so sorry about the loss of your Dad. I lost both parents many years ago, so I know where you are, girlfiend. I did have the wonderful blessing of Christian, but dysfuntional parents, so I was never without a parent to go to, and now am I blessed with Christian In Laws. So know that I feel your pain. I am so looking forward to the online study right NOW because I am being robbed of my joy for life by letting other strip away my confidence and self esteem. I am standing firm in the Lord and have told Satan to get behind me, I have NO use for him. That’s all for now. By the way, I live in Denham Springs, Louisiana and will welcome any feedback as we share this study together. I am still tring to get a copy of th book, so pray that one will come available to me in a timely manner. In His Love, Lynda
My heart is breaking for you and your family.Im sorry for your loss. I know the Holy Spirit will give you all you need in this time. Im praying for you and your family.I love you Renee!Your sister in Christ.
Dear Renee,
Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Know that through our Lord Jesus Christ he will carry you. Please know I will be praying while you are in a time of need.
Carolyn from Lake McQueeney, TX
I joined A Confident Heart b/c I have always struggled with self-confidence and don’t have time to physically join a Bible Study right now so I joined this one on-line.
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.