Don’t Waste the Pain excerpt from A Time to Heal, a grief journal
“I thank God today for my dear friend and sister in Christ, Patti. Three years ago, Patti’s beautiful twenty six year old daughter, Anne was the victim of an unthinkably violent crime that took her life. Anne was Patti’s only child. For most of us it would seem that we might never be able to move forward after such a devastating tragedy. Is Patti’s world since Anne’s death forever changed? Absolutely. Patti’s heart has been shattered in a way she could never have imagined. What I have seen, though in the past three years is a life that is fully dependent upon the Lord every day for His grace and strength. Patti’s story is far from over…“
Reaching Out in Love, three years later
The local news story was something no one was prepared to hear. This time it was the untimely death of Amanda, an ambitious twenty-four year old whose life had been tragically cut short, killed by a violent ex-boyfriend. As Patti heard the all-too-familiar scenario, she could imagine the family’s intense shock, disbelief and pain. Her initial instinct was to find a way to reach out in love to Amanda’s family. Patti was an invited guest to a gathering of Amanda’s close friends and family, coming together to seek comfort. After a time of reflection and sharing stories of Amanda’s life, Patti was introduced. Without going into painful details, the pastor gently communicated the parallel stories of Amanda and Patti’s daughter, Anne. The room was very quiet as Patti began to speak. Through Patti’s strength and her loving words, Amanda’s friends and family were reminded that there is still hope; and that they, too could survive this kind of unimaginable heartbreak. As three long years have passed, Patti has found new purpose through telling Anne’s story, and sharing the reason for her hope.
How about you? Maybe your story is just what someone needs to hear as their journey of healing begins. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5