Grief Bites: Finding Treasure In HardshipsSample

Melody* has been through much grief and loss in life. As a child, her parents almost divorced. Nine years after she was married, her husband was killed, leaving her with four small children to raise by herself. A few years later, her mother passed away. She went through trials with her in-laws after remarrying the year after her mother died. Eventually, her dad, brother, and brother-in-law died of cancer and then the ultimate loss of her life happened...she experienced the death of a child due to illness. She also currently has another child who is ill. She and her husband have experienced being laid off twice as well as having to live two hours away from each other for a few years due to work. Melody is a shining example of trusting and loving God through life's storms. At the funeral of her child, Melody publicly gave her child back to God with gratefulness for the time she had received with her precious daughter. To go through so much heartache and loss, and to continue to serve and love God, is an incredible testimony of God's amazing grace. Melody's life is a reminder to me to love God and others...and to clearly understand how short this life truly is. The heartaches we face are no match or comparison for what awaits for us when God calls us to our heavenly Home. All of our lives are just a vapor...appearing for just a little while. Melody is a bright light for all who know her and who have seen her struggles. It is completely awesome to see someone who trusts God and lives for Him through so much heartache and pain. Think of someone who has been an incredible witness to you in the midst of loss. Call or write them today to tell them how they have impacted your life. There are people in life who motivate us to become better instead of bitter. They inspire us in our relationships with God and others. Melody has been that person for me as long as I can remember. Be thankful for the "Melody's" you know who encourage you in your trials. Thank them for being a great witness and a great source of encouragement.