It’s hard to believe that it has been eight years since Tom passed away.
In these past years, I have learned more than I ever imagined I would.
I was married at such a young age that I never really lived on my own. There were so
many things I took for granted—things I had always depended on him to handle.
Then suddenly, I was left to manage everything by myself
Most days felt overwhelming, frustrating, scary, and exhausting.
There were decisions that had to be made in the days and weeks after his passing that
felt incredibly daunting. Yet, I knew they had to be handled. Preparing the house to
sell, arranging to ship my SUV across the ocean, and navigating countless
responsibilities—it all felt like too much.
In those first few months, I moved through life almost like a robot.
I did what needed to be done, one task at a time, without really stopping to process
anything. I was surviving… just getting through.
But somewhere along the way, something began to change.
I began to see the truth in what God tells us:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” — Ecclesiastes
3:1
This season of loss, though painful, has shaped me.
Over the years, I have become a stronger version of myself. Not because the journey
was easy—but because God was faithful through it all. My faith has deepened. My
relationship with Jesus Christ has grown stronger and more personal.
I have learned that I truly can do all things—with Him at my side.
Keeping my focus on Christ has carried me through the storms. Not because the
storms disappeared, but because I came to understand something greater:
He is with me in them.
He is my strength when I feel weak.
He is my guide when I feel lost.
He is my protection when I feel afraid.
And even now, eight years later, that truth continues to sustain me.
A Gentle Encouragement
If you are walking through a season of loss or transition, you are not alone.
You may feel overwhelmed. You may feel like you’re just going through the motions.
But even in that place, God is working. He is strengthening you in ways you cannot
yet see.
Hold on to Him.
One step at a time. One day at a time.
He will carry you through
Reflection
Take a quiet moment to reflect on your own journey.
What is one way you have grown through a difficult season?
Where have you seen God’s presence, even in the pain?
What is one small step you can take today to trust Him more?
You don’t have to have all the answers.
Sometimes, simply recognizing how far you’ve come is enough.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for being present in every season of our lives.
Even in our deepest grief, You do not leave us.
Strengthen those who feel overwhelmed today.
Remind them that they are not alone in their struggles.
Help them to trust You in the storm and to find peace in Your presence.
Draw them closer to You and fill them with Your strength.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
