For those newer to this blog, let me give you a brief history that led to the post title.
Within six months of my husband’s death in 2017, God clearly called me into a grief ministry that I entitled, “Be a Blessing to Your Grieving Friend.” I know – it’s a little long and clunky, but very descriptive!
Initially the call was to help the support system of those grieving a loss to do it well, and with confidence. Within a few years, the mission also included helping those grieving that loss to do it biblically and in a healthy way.
That ministry has included blog posts, speaking engagements, several books, a Christian widow Facebook group, radio and TV interviews, and countless conversations with those who are hurting.
Honestly, it’s an overwhelming list for someone who didn’t want to do this! But, it’s only by God’s guiding hand and his ideas and words that I’ve been able to have any impact over these years.
A little under two years ago, I received another calling. This one from my home church. I was asked to consider chairing a non-profit organization now known as New Hope Care Community. Not only did my closest friends consider it a great match, but I felt God’s call to say “yes.”
(You can learn more here: https://www.newhopecares.org/)
I didn’t completely abandon my grief ministry as I continued to write these posts and stay engaged with my Facebook group. But most of the other activities were put on hold.
It has been a challenging time with months of unrest, change, and loads of stress. And yet, it has also been a season where I saw God working so visibly and where he answered so many of our collective prayers in ways we couldn’t have imagined.
It cemented what I’ve known about God for many years – he puts us in difficult situations, so we learn the lessons needed to grow our faith. I had to rely on him in deeper and more diverse ways than I’ve ever been called to in the past.
And ultimately, he uses us for his purposes. While not having the gravity or impact of Queen Esther in the Old Testament (you should check that out!), these months have definitely felt like an Esther moment. God’s call to use me “for such a time as this.”
I’m grateful for that, and humbled by it.
A few months ago, when the Care Community seemed to be on more stable ground, I sat down to have a conversation with God as to where he wanted me to serve. I said yes to this chair position with the intention of staying long term. But it’s always wise to check in occasionally to see if God has something else in mind.
So that day, I asked God to show me where he wanted me, and I asked him to be absolutely clear. I’m sure we’ve all prayed prayers where we just weren’t sure what direction he was pointing.
Not the case after this prayer! As soon as I finished my short plea about being clear, I was silent (yes, I can do that from time to time) and waited for God’s voice.
Within moments, God filled my mind with a barrage of ideas and tasks he wanted me to do back in my grief ministry!
I won’t list everything that God impressed upon me, but be assured there’s even another book in the mix!
Immediately I felt that “peace that passes all understanding.” I was excited about what lay ahead, knowing that God was still in the details of what would be on that agenda.
He had an assignment for me for a season, and then he essentially said he wanted me back to my original ministry calling. Both were from him; both were worthy undertakings, and surprisingly, I was obedient to both!
As of this Tuesday evening, I will chair my last board meeting with a group that has been in the trenches with me! They’ve been prayer warriors and truth tellers who have a heart for this ministry.
I have no doubt that God’s hand will continue to guide their decisions and their vision. As with everything, he sees the end from the beginning.
My main takeaway for you in this post is to learn to listen well to God. For far too long, I prayed my prayers and then shut down the conversation. I’ve learned the divine value of adding that quiet time where we wait expectantly for his voice.
Has he always answered me immediately? Of course not. However, the more I practice this two-way conversation, the more frequently and clearly I hear his guidance.
I’m grateful for the time I was involved with the powerful mission of New Hope Care Community, but I’m also incredibly excited for what God has in store for me.
I’m sure you’ll all have a front row seat to that, whether you want it or not! Thank you for sharing this journey with me, and for your continued support.
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105