Do Not Fear
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
I am doing something this week that 17 months ago, I would not have been able to do. And something that I never wanted to have to do.
Travel alone.
I know for most of you this may not sound like a big deal. But for this girl…it’s huge.
I had a husband who planned every trip we ever took. Rick got the money, secured all flights and rental cars, did the driving, decided how long we would stay, took whatever route he wanted to get there (I have a hard time reading a map, much less following one). And….I packed! Whew!
I am so thankful for a husband that was strong, loving and protective.
But, he is no longer here.
I have wanted and needed to go see Rick’s mom (she just turned 95) in Florida for quite some time. That is something he so much wanted to do before he died, but just couldn’t make the trip. I finally made the decision to come… I flew to Florida on Thursday morning.
Coming back to where Rick grew up and where we lived for four years is hard. Everywhere I go is a memory. Our homes, the ball field where he played church softball, the church where he preached and we ministered together, the Olive Garden where we ate, the beach where we walked. So many memories. So many emotions to work through.
But, I have made some wonderful discoveries! As I go through each new experience, I’m realizing just that…I’m going THROUGH it! I’m making it to the other side. I’m doing the next thing.
I bought my own plane tickets and rental car. I’m finding my own way to where I need to go, choosing the route I need to take, and walking the beach alone.
But, just as the verse in Isaiah says…I’m really NOT alone. Oh how I love the Lord! He knows so well that when the unknown moves toward us, we can walk toward fear and feelings of dismay. I can tend to actually RUN headlong right into them!! But, He knows me and addresses both…by His presence.
Giving me what I desperately need in that moment…HIM
When I have Him with me everything is doable. No matter how hard it may appear…or in reality be. He has been my strength. And He will continue to be.
But, I also must thank Him for those that He’s placed in my life. My children and their spouses. They have been my greatest cheerleaders! Encouraging me to go…praying for me…giving financially so I could go and understanding why I HAD to do it. I am so blessed.
If you know someone who is at a crossroads…needs to do a hard thing…is grieving…has to prove to themselves they are stronger than they think. Please come along side them. Listen to them…without giving advise or talking about yourself…encourage them…pray for them…and help them in ways that will empower them.
Sometimes the journey we are on can be extremely difficult. But, the more difficult the journey, the greater the victory. And the more aware we are of how faithful our God is to walk with us through it.
He truly is my strength…I pray He is yours.
Sending much love from Florida,
Debbie
