Hello, friends! It's that time of year! I wanted to take a few minutes to share this year's Christmas story, "Even in the Dark." I'm praying for those of you who are struggling in a dark season. God sees you and is with you! Merry Christmas and God bless you! https://youtu.be/zYRPzc2PX3k
Tag: grief
I Hear the Laughter
I've been "away" for so long. Not myself. Grief can do that. But today is a new day. A day of hope. A day not to dwell on loss but on eternal life that Jesus promised. It's been three years since my mom ran into her Savior's arms and experienced more joy than any of …
There Will Be Dancing This Mother’s Day
I will not let Mother’s Day be consumed with sadness because you’re not here, Mom. Why should I? You were tired of the fight, tired of dealing with cancer, and looking forward to your heavenly home. “Either way, I win,” you said. “God will either heal me, and I can work for Him here, or …
“Flowers in February” – a short story
If you're struggling to move on after a devastating loss and feel as if you've lost hope, I pray this story brings you comfort as God restores your soul. Flowers in February I met Walter after his wife died in February. It was a week after the funeral, and I arrived right on time with …
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
Revisiting the 2018 Christmas story of a grieving dad who learns about Heaven from his little girl. Hey, friends! Thanks for taking this journey with me as we reflect on my past Christmas stories. This year's story is still to come. Stay tuned, and thanks for reading! I’ll Be Home for Christmas I hid in …
Calming the Waves of Grief
Over the past nine months, I've learned grief can come in gentle waves, lapping at my toes and tricking me into thinking, "I can do this. This isn't so bad." Other times, the waves hit me so hard that they knocked me down, threatening to drown me. Sometimes, I even wished they would. I carried …
God Knows Our Hearts
With dirt caked under my nails from working in the garden, I answered my sister-in-law's phone call and walked around our backyard while we talked. Suddenly, a butterfly floated in front of my face and around my head, its wings grazing my forehead. It landed on my right hand, the same hand I used to …
Snapshot
"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago." Psalm 77:11 NIV. Sometimes you only need a mental snapshot of a chair, a room, an airport, or a sidewalk to remind you of the place where your heart was wounded and your life was forever changed. Where …
Knocked Down
"If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath." Psalm 34:18 MSG. Sometimes life hurts. It can be devastating at times. You'll get the news, and you'll feel as if you've been kicked in the gut. It's so painful, so unexpected that …
When Christmas Hurts
It's no secret that life can be painful even during the Christmas season. Illness can strike when you should be celebrating with family and friends. Tragedies still devastate during the season. It's as if the ugliness of the world tries to mar Christmas, tries to steal it from your heart. Oh precious soul, that's when …
Joey Rudder 