minister5writes

As I reflect on this sensitive time of the year, the 17th of December is the first anniversary of my mother’s death. I realise how fast the year has gone; it has been tough, but God has brought me through.

‘He has never left nor forsaken‘ (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Christmas time is a time for family, as the psalmist says, ‘God setteth the solitary in families‘ (Psalm 68:6).

Many have lost loved ones,

Since the passing of my sister Luisha in 2013 at Christmas time, this time of year has always been a challenge for me.

Though painful, I am blessed with the memories of my mum & Lu that I cherish.

With my grief, only through prayer and encounter with God does it numb the pain. People have marvelled at my strength, but I give all the honour to Him.

‘So that He sets on high those who are lowly, And those who mourn are lifted to safety‘ (Job 5:11).

Yes, sometimes I do feel lonely, but through the word, there is assurance:

Isaiah 41:10

‘Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand‘.

We must continue to show love and mercy to all. Don’t keep grudges, and continue to forgive.

Tomorrow is not promised, ‘Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave us‘ (Ephesians 4:32).

I have come to learn not to rush this healing time but to be reminded to take things ‘step by step‘.

Counselling has benefited me; it is a safe space, I encourage all to get support.

As I look to the New Year, I question what may come of it.

My confidence is in my God, not in man, and I lean on God, not my own understanding.

I continue to trust in the Lord, who will make my paths straight (Proverbs 3:5,6).

A reminder: no matter what you are going through, GOD IS ABLE!

Prayer does change things; I constantly feel the impact of prayer in my life and am grateful for all interceding for me.

Even though my time with my mother was short, I’m not resentful as God does everything well; Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, ‘There is an appointed time for everything’.

I appreciate all she did for me, the lessons I learned from her, the wisdom she showed and the knowledge she passed on to me, which I now cling to.

I admire the lives she touched, her heart for others and her passion for Jesus. Her faith and resilience, despite her hardship, continue to make me in awe of her life.

I am blessed to have had a mother like her; it has been a pleasure to have been her daughter.

She was with me from my beginning on Earth, and I was with her till her end.

I am convinced she is amongst the saints rejoicing.

Always missed and never forgotten.

I will see her again,

Written By Jaeger. V

17/12/23