I have never lived alone.
When I married at twenty I moved from my parents’ home to living with my new husband.
Within seven years of marriage, we had been joined by four precious children.
So even though I’m an introvert and crave quiet solitude, I’ve had precious little of it until the last couple of years.
Alone is good for many things. It makes space to hear from God and to hear one’s own heart.
It can be a respite from the noise of our crazy, busy and LOUD world.
But alone is not the best way to walk the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
If I isolate myself from others in this frightful place, darkness can overtake me. My mind can embrace futility and hopelessness and convince my heart that there is no reason to push on.
There are songs that were never meant to be sung alone, valleys that were never meant to be walked alone. Grief is one of those valleys. And weeping is one of those songs.
~The North Face of God
Thankfully, I’ve not been alone on this journey.
I’ve had beautiful family and friends who refused to leave me. I’ve met amazing, brave bereaved parents who, even in their own grief, have lifted me up and spoken courage to my heart.
And God–even on the days when we haven’t been on speaking terms–has not abandoned me.
His faithful love endures forever. His promises will not fail. My name (just like Dominic’s!) is graven on His hands.
But He uses people to remind a heart of these promises and His love.
I will never be able to repay the people who have been “Jesus with skin on” to me!
They are a gift,
a treasure,
a precious ointment to a wounded heart.
❤
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thelifeididntchoose 
THANK YOU, Melanie! I THOUGHT I was developing some psychological setback BECAUSE I often seek being alone…Thank you♥️
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Always, always you speak to my heart and for that I’m forever grateful. It was 2 years that my Joe ran ahead and you sure have brought light and truth to my heart. You have made me feel forgiven when I doubt God when you share your same doubts and fears with us. Thank you Melanie for being the one who helps us not feel alone, or crazy, or insane when you share your heart. It’s the life none of us would have chosen, but God saw fit that we walk it. He has never left me even when I thought He had. Thank you and God bless you.
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Thank YOU for the many times you encourage my heart with your comments. It is so helpful to know that sharing makes even a small difference in someone else’s journey. I’ve always felt like we should reach out and grab a hand whenever we can. I’m glad that the blog feels like that to your heart. ❤
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I had a difficult time earlier this week which resulted in my reverting to the sobbing, stuttering grieving mum in the school staffroom of all places. I thank God that three beautiful colleges many years my junior had the courage to be there, upholding me until it passed. Truely Jesus with skin as you say.
As always it did pass, leaving me utterly exhausted. I am also fortuneate to have empathic management and was allowed to go home an hour and a quarter early…..I did what I know is best for me. I went home and straight to bed.
Here I am ready to tackle another day my the grace of God.
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I am so thankful for God’s provision for you in your moment of need. I am convinced that one way God uses our grief in the lives of others is to develop compassion in their hearts. So many people are able to keep an arm’s length from wounded hearts. But when the person wounded is a close colleague or family member then there’s no ignoring it. I pray that God continues to surround you with people who will encourage and uplift you. ❤
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Thank you Melanie x
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How precious is this special bond we share – albeit one we would not have chosen…I look to the day that we meet before the Throne of God – where there will be no more tears – but until then, I will walk this journey with you through those valleys (even though I am miles away) while weeping with you through those songs of grief – you are not alone, Melanie… and to all of those your words minister to – you are not alone – Jesus Christ – our Lord is touched with the feelings of our 💔 heart. I Love You 💝❤️
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