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: mourning
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 …
“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 …
“A Broken Christmas Bulb”
Revisiting the 2016 Christmas story of a mom struggling with loss and brokenness. It's that time of year, friends! Before I reveal this year's Christmas story, I thought I'd go back to revisit a few others I've written. Enjoy! And stay tuned for more...and this year's story! A Broken Christmas Bulb After my husband Ted …
When Christmas Hurts
If you're struggling with tragedy or loss during this time of year when most seem joyful, I pray this older post brings you comfort and reminds you of the hope that is yours. https://joeyrudder.com/2021/12/23/when-christmas-hurts/?page_id=757
“The Thanksgiving Table” – a fictional story
The Thanksgiving Table As I started the coffee early Thanksgiving morning, I remembered this day last year when Mom had relinquished the meal to me. It had been a morning much like this one – the house quiet, the view from the window dark with only a sliver of light emerging on the horizon. I’d …
Continue reading “The Thanksgiving Table” – a fictional story
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 …
The Empty Table
When my mom passed away from cancer seven months ago, the pain was unbearable. I'd hold my breath as I listened to her voicemail messages just to hear her voice and scroll through my phone to see pictures I'd taken while visiting her last year. Anything I could do to hold on to her a …
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 …
Joey Rudder 