Widowing. Did you know that’s a thing? No? Well it is.
Widowing (defined by Holly Ledbetter) – The life you begin living immediately following the loss of your spouse. I’ve been widowing now for two years. Sometimes I wonder how life can stand still, yet move at lightening speed. I reflect often on where I’ve been and things I’ve learned while on this path. Being a widow isn’t easy, but it’s very humbling. One thing God has shown me clearly during these two years is every person out there is doing something hard—going through some type of challenge. He clearly spoke to me and said, “Give grace!” God’s grace. It was like a light bulb came on one day and God’s grace was reflecting all around the room on everything the light touched. Pure and true beauty was reflecting. Beauty that couldn’t be seen without the touch of His light. Then I came upon this scripture:
We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
-1 Corinthians 13:12 MSG.
Wow, that’s it. The fog cleared, and my eyes were able to see! There are people—it may be friends or family, acquaintances, or a clerk in the store—who have an attitude. They’re always saying something smart, being rude, or they’re just on your last nerve. Have you ever taken a few minutes, quieted your mind, and asked God to speak to you—in that very moment—about these people? It’s not always easy. Trust me, it’s something I’m still working on daily. People walk around with their masks on; something to cover up what may be going on in their life. They don’t want you to know, to touch that area, to see them in their situation. These masks aren’t always intentional. How often have each of us walked past people we know in the store and said, “Hey, how are ya,” without even breaking our stride? That does not allow time for anyone to say how they really are….even if they wanted to.
Over the last few years, I’ve asked God to show me things and give me words of encouragement for people that are hurting; to bring a smile to someone’s face or leave room for a conversation. We are all human. We all sin. We all live in a fallen world. BUT HE has overcome the world! All people really want is to be loved, considered, and told they’re worth it. God does all of those things; He IS all of those things. You may be reading this right now thinking you don’t deserve what you have, that life is too hard or wondering if it’s worth it….if YOU are worth it. You ARE!!! God says so.
Who could ever separate us from the endless love of God’s Anointed One? Absolutely no one! For nothing in the universe has the power to diminish His love toward us. Trouble, pressures, and problems are unable to come between us and heaven’s love.
-Romans 8:35 TPT
Many of you that read Micah’s blog have loved me. You’ve considered me in my times of need, and literally shown up on my doorstep. I’ve seen, through you, exactly how much God loves me and my girls. So today friend, walk away from this blog post knowing, no matter the trials in your life right now, God knows. He sees you. Seek Him. Ask Him to give you guidance. He won’t leave you. Pour grace on to others. Give grace even when you don’t want to. Allow yourself to receive His grace in your life. God’s got you, friend!
God always blesses those who are kind to the poor and helpless. They’re the first ones God helps when they find themselves in any trouble.
-Psalms 41:1 TPT
-Holly Ledbetter