On July 19, 1993 my life changed forever. My son Bradley (age 10), my husband Gary, and I were canoeing with Bradley’s baseball team. Bradley was grabbed by an alligator and disappeared. My husband and I had to fight with the alligator to get Bradley then canoe him to an area where we could get help. Bradley went to be with Jesus that day.
My husband, my son Brent (not at the attack), and I were devastated. Immediately following Bradley’s death, the love we had from family and friends was immense. We felt the Lord’s arms around us, carrying us through it all. Many, many people were touched by our loss and our faith during this time.
But once everyone got back to their own lives and schedules, life was not easy. How could we go on, don’t people understand I lost my son? Life never got back to normal. Not only was I dealing with the loss of a child, but also the terror of the event. I had prayed that morning that the Lord would look over us and take care of us. What happened? Where was God? Why did He allow this to happen?
For several years I went through the “motions” of being a good Christian, a good mom and husband, but I was dying inside. There were times when my husband or Brent was late that I knew they were dead. There was so much fear.
A few years ago, my friend’s mom had two extra Women of Faith tickets. I took them and invited a friend to go with me. Those two days at Women of Faith started the journey of changing me. I am learning trust the Lord to heal my hurts . . . to REALLY trust Him. I don’t understand everything, but I have the peace that no matter what happens to me at any time, HE IS THERE for me.
The Lord has used me in so many ways. He gave me the love to start a women’s group and this year I have 22 women at Women of Faith. I want all the women I know to experience Women of Faith and the healing that can take place. I can now be there for women who have experienced losses, to understand their hurts and give them guidance on what to expect and how to lean on the Lord no matter what. I know that I can be happy again! I found that sharing my story helps to heal and also touches & helps others.
Should there be anyone out there hurting or experiencing a loss, know that the Lord understands. He does care about your hurts, he hurts for you. He is able to help you when you totally give it to him to use you, and to heal you. You CAN have new joy.
―Donna W.
No comments:
Post a Comment