Mourning and Comfort

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." This is one of the Beattitudes from Jesus' sermon on the mount. I never thought about what it truly meant until recently...more like a little over a year ago when my mother passed away.

I know that is has been a while since I lasted posted. I was so gung-ho about blogging! Thought it would be a great release for me! But this past year has been the best and worst for me. It's hard to believe that I've survived it, that my family has survived and come out on the other side better for it. That's all because of our constant faith in the Lord, that he will provide comfort to us mourners and I call on him everyday for strength in that matter!

On Sunday, March 28, 2010, my father called to tell me that my mother had died. I felt my world implode. How in the world do you deal with something that seems so fictional!?! We all knew that my mother was sick, but thought that she was getting better. It was a shock, but I am a firm believer that when you have done your "duty" on the earth, the Lord takes you...my mother had done whatever it is she was suppose to do and is now waiting peacefully for Jesus' return.

On February 4th of this year, our beautiful little girl, Anniah June Odoms (June, named for my mother) was born. Throughout my pregnancy, I had bouts of depression about me not having my mother to share this with (she had been with me every step of the way through my first). I struggled constantly about the day I would give birth and not have her come in to celebrate with me! I ended up having to have c-section and when that baby girl was brought to me, the joy I felt didn't leave any room for depression or sadness.

Looking back on the first year without my mom, I am reminded of our Lord's boundless love. He did not take away my sadness, but filled me with blessings so there was no room for the darkness that could have consumed me. I had a little boy and a husband to fill my life and when I was laid of from my job, they became my focus. I didn't stress about money because my husband was offered a position that paid quite a bit more and my brother and father helped us out as well! I had the pregnancy to keep me busy! I had wonderful friends and family to help keep my mind occupied. There were so many "things" to fill me, but I also knew that they were all provided by the God. He was comforting me the way He knew I needed to be.

Don't get me wrong, there are days that I miss my mom so much it hurts. But the Lord does not let me dwell there very long. I look to Him through prayer and he comforts me. He fills me. He keeps me safe. He reminds me that I will be with my mother when He wills it. And until then I will find peace in the blessings that He has provided.

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Be comforted by the boundless love of God. Blessings!