When the Unexpected Happens

#theunexpected #grief #appreciatinglife #God #newblog

"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." - Psalm 34:18

Today, I was feeling a little lonely, a little down in the dumps. It wasn't until I started scrolling on Facebook and a memory popped up of an old blog site I created. I looked through it and instantly smiled and marveled at what I had created almost nine years ago. Then, as I further scrolled on my timeline, I saw that someone I grew up with, a very close friend of mine, just lost her grandmother a few days ago. I could not believe it. I feel like I met her when I was in high school. Then I received another phone call from someone close to me who lost a loved one and I was in complete shock. The unexpected has arrived at the doors to the people who are around me. My heart is saddened for them.

As we get older, more unexpected deaths of elders, parents and friends are ahead of us and there is no way to prepare for it. Where does the shock go? Where does the disappointment and the heartache lay? How do friends show up when things like this happen? This shakes up everyone's world and their routines. And in the end you ask the question, "Well, where do we go from here?"

Where do broken souls and broken hearts go when unexpected death shows up at the door? I think of the scripture in Psalms 34. It says, "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." The Lord is with us when we experience tragedies that completely knock us out of our comfort zone. And I can admit, it is hard to hear it and believe it when you are in the beginning stages of pain. Everyone always has more questions to this statement than answers. But I have learned that God is close to us but He does understand that we are grieving. He loves you beyond measure and He will walk with you and stand by you through all of your pain.

So when the unexpected happens, here are some things that can help along the way:

1.) Please allow yourself time to feel what you are feeling

2.) Always make sure you have a friend to talk to during these difficult times

3.) Allow a sincere support system to walk in and carry you with grace and love because you will need it

4.) When you are ready, open up those feelings to God

5.) Continue to pray, even when you don't want to

As I am getting older, tragedies are more frequent along with heartbreak. It is important to seek The Lord through it all. He is close to you and desires to be there for you. I learned this with many unexpected deaths in my life. As I know that tomorrow is not promised, these occurrences forced me to sit back and appreciate the folks who love on me and pour into me. You never know when someone's last hour on Earth and that is the scary part. It makes you realize how important it is to do the right thing than the wrong thing. It helps you to understand how to do the brave thing than to sit in fear. And it helps you appreciate life more abundantly and the One who gives it, especially everlasting life, than the ones who abuse their time.

Unexpected tragedies......it led me to call my great aunt tonight to see what she was doing and to say I love you and good night.

*May The Lord be with you all who are broken hearted. May He restore your strength and your faith in Him.

Love always,

Chevy