Joy comes in the morning...

This is long ... So I'm sorry ... But I kinda am not ... it's been on my heart. Will you take 5 minutes though and humor me? ;o) Thank you~

We all grieve. Each in our own ways & in our own time & each through various difficulties...but we all do it. As adults, we know the "stages" & can work through it in our minds over time. But as children, the effects of a loss can be very confusing.

My parents sheltered me from a lot & I'm grateful for that. They also let me see things that were a part of God's master plan, even when they hurt. Every time we moved, I suffered a loss. I remember my mother's sister dying & while I was too young to really understand it all, I knew she was gone & I saw the pain surrounding me. We had to give my dog away before we moved once. My dad's best friend suddenly passed away. One of my surrogate grandparents passed away. I got my first D. My best friend no longer wanted to be my best friend. They were all gut-wrenching to me...at that time...at that point in my life.

So how do you as a parent help your child as they grieve? ...Well, that's kind-of a tricky subject. And honestly, everyone has their own opinions. And, rightfully so! I like to copy my dearest friend's statement of "Everyone gets their own child to screw up in their own way" because in this profession, I get asked ~ "What's your opinion of...." a lot. So, "To each his own" I say.

Can I offer up a suggestion though? Don't hide them from the tragedy of life. The scriptures tell us that, "In this life, you will have struggles. But take heart, I have overcome the world!" Letting your child know that life is a battle but there IS a greater hope reaches far into the depth of their soul & lasts far longer than you might imagine. With even one scripture, you can talk for hours about how it relates to their personal life & what they are going through at any given moment. Some of my favorites which have spoken to me through many trials & tribulations are below...They also have some topics which you might choose to discuss with your sweet cherub.

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all of our days." Ps. 90:14 Perhaps your child struggles with bullying. Don't you want them to know God loves them with an UNFAILING love? What about the child who has just been rejected from a team sport? Or the one who sits & waits on a phone call from the "friend" who said they'd call. His love NEVER fails. Lamentations 3:22-23 is also a great reference for these topics. His mercies are new EVERY morning. ... EVERY morning!

"I love you O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my Rock, my fortress and deliverer. My God is my rock in whom I take refuge." Ps. 18:1-2. Does your child have nightmares? Do they become fearful before they take a test? Does he/she come to you with questions about what to do when they can't shake the fears of tomorrow because of what "that girl" or "that boy" might say? Verse 3 says, "I call to the Lord who is worthy to be praised and I am saved from my enemies." I mean, go ahead God...set the record straight why don't you?!!!!! ;)

"Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn." Rom. 12:15. What about when your child says they "just don't know what to say" when someone is hurting? Or, have they ever been so excited for someone & want to do something for this person out of excitement? A hand-written note of encouragement ~ whether it is of congratulations or sorrow ~ is always nice to receive. As a body of believers, we are called to minister to one another & when someone is overjoyed, be overjoyed with them! On the flip side, when someone is weeping ~ even in their heart ~ we not only grieve with them (in a sense) but we should encourage them to persevere. Sometimes that might be with a cupcake in hand...I'm jus' sayin!

Do you ever think of how the disciples & other believers felt the day our Lord was crucified? Scripture tells us they didn't really understand all of the implications dealing with His death. They didn't understand when He said, "In a little while you will see me no more & then after a little while you will see me again." He also said, "I tell you the truth that you will weep & mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy." Could you imagine how their understanding changed on the 3rd day when they finally understood the LIVING JOY?!!!

(((((Is ANYONE standing up shouting at this point????? Just askin'!)))))

Your child will go through many ups & downs during grieving periods. I sit here practically pleading with you to open up God's Word & allow His Word to spread through them at these points. A sweet friend read something to me today referencing all of the many "boxes" we put God into...Yet never really let Him spread through us like wild fire, trusting Him to be our J O Y! Will you not only let Him be your joy...but will you share this joy with your precious child?


This posting is in memory of my sweet niece, Sydney Caroline Murphy. She lived only a mere 61 minutes but forever changed our hearts & lives. We pray fervently that she continues to shape lives for the cause of Christ. ...For this I know..."For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel & with the trumpet call of God, & the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive & are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air & so we will be with the Lord forever." ...I shall meet her One Day...& what a glorious day it shall be! I love you sweet Princess...Enjoy spending today at the feet of our King! Happy Birthday!


Aunt ShaSha