Yesterday was a difficult day as I attended my Aunt Edith’s funeral. Last night, I learned a dear friend died from COVID-19 complications.  I’m heartbroken for his family. Both of these special people proclaimed faith in Jesus Christ, so I have the hope of being reunited with them in heaven.

Many of you know little about me as you recently subscribed to my newsletter when you downloaded A Sassy Creek Christmas or Weldon’s Secret Santa. I’d like to share a little bit about me and another time in my life when things were not going well.

I’ve lived in the same small town most of my life and for twenty-plus years, I pursued a career in human resources. I felt like I’d made it to the top when I was appointed Director of Training at one of the largest employee-owned companies in the nation.

My mother died unexpectedly in 2003, and her funeral was the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. I attended Daddy’s funeral on that same holiday in 2004. He was laughing one day, gone the next. That same year, all three of my siblings experienced severe health issues, and I was terrified I would lose them too. My days were filled with anger, bitterness, and fear.

On the weekend preceding Memorial Day in 2005, I sat with my sister. She was still recovering from breast cancer, and I remember saying, “If no one I love dies this week, I’m going to say, ‘Thank you, Jesus!’” Two days later, the CEO informed me the training department would be outsourced, and my services were no longer needed. I was numb, crushed, and heartbroken. The words, Thank you, Jesus, would not come out of my mouth.

The summer of 2005 was a turning point. With no career, I was available to help with Vacation Bible School (VBS) for the first time in years. The VBS theme was Deuteronomy 6:5, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. It was embedded in every story and song, and I probably read it or said it a hundred times. On the Friday following VBS, we loaded our car and headed for the beach. On Sunday morning, we rushed into an unfamiliar church, and I gasped as I read the words on the projection screen, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

A chill covered me, and every hair stood on end. The words of the scripture played through my mind all week.  When I returned home, I spoke to my minister and asked, “What do you think God is trying to tell me?”

He frowned. “Sometimes scripture is difficult to understand, but this verse is clear.”

“I still don’t get it,” I said.

My pastor gave me a long look. “God wants you to love him with all your heart…”

“But I do love him.” And then I remembered my anger and bitterness over losing my parents, the worry for my siblings, and my disappointment in losing my job. I finally understood God wants me to love Him unconditionally, no matter what happens.

My personal relationship with God was shallow. I’d counted on Mom to be my prayer warrior instead of hammering out my own relationship with Him. I’d failed to spend time in Bible study and prayer as I was too busy. It’s hard to love God if you don’t spend time with him and I think it’s impossible to have a deep relationship with him without time in scripture and prayer.

Since then, I spend more time with God and I have a deeper relationship, but I still have work to do. All three siblings recovered from their illnesses. He provided me with a fantastic position as the director of a small-town library. Many business associates were shocked at my career change, but close friends know how much I love to read. Since changing professions, I have more time to spend with family, more time to write stories, and I’ve joined eight short-term mission teams to Africa. What a journey it’s been since I started spending more time with God. The more I trust him, the more He continues to push me outside of my comfort zone, but He also blesses me more than I could ever deserve.

Today, I’m grieving over the loss of my aunt and my friend, but I know they are rejoicing in heaven. No matter what happens, I can trust Jesus and His perfect plan. I pray you can say the same. I will continue to pray for our front-line workers, our leaders, those suffering from illness, and those in mourning. I hope you will join me. If you have a prayer request, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Thank you for stopping by my little blog, and may God bless you and keep you and those you love safe.

Blessings and hugs,

Shelia