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Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:20 (NIV)

This time of year can be busy, but with Thanksgiving just around the corner, I want to stop and remember all of the things I am thankful for. I know firsthand that having a heart of gratitude during this season is sometimes more than we can do, but God calls us to be thankful in ALL circumstances. Though I have lost so much, the Lord has blessed me – and I have much gratitude for all He has done in my life, including introducing me to this ministry.

Just six weeks after my husband Michael made his way to heaven by suicide in 2015, I attended A Widow’s Might conference 45 minutes away from my home. At the time, my husband’s death and the emotions were so fresh. I was still in a place of shock and darkness and questioning my own reason to continue life on this earth.

Fear covered me that I could hardly stand to be alone. “Normal” things felt scary and hard … I was barely driving. So to make the 45-minute trek across Dallas to meet with a group of strangers … well, that felt monumental. But I followed where the Lord was leading and I went. When I walked in, it was the first time I didn’t feel alone. Grief is strange that way – you can be in a room filled with family and friends who love you but still feel completely alone without your person.

The Lord met me there – in my sorrow, guilt, and fear. These women, the attendees and team members of A Widow’s Might were an extension of His hands and heart on this earth. I wasn’t forgotten, and the Lord still had a plan for my life and my son’s life (who was just one-and-a-half years old at the time).

I don’t remember much that first day of the conference, but I knew I would be back for more the next. The drive over, once again, brought anxiety – but I knew the Lord brought me to this place so He would protect me. It just so happened, that evening as it grew dark, we had one of the worst ice storms in the area. The team decided it was best to end the conference early, but my windshield had already been covered in a thick sheet of ice. I had nothing to scrape it off with, so I reached into my purse to grab my debit card and attempted to remove it. That did nothing.

It was freezing, sleet was pummeling down, my hands were throbbing, and I was crying – partly calling out to the Lord for help but also crying out in anger that Michael had left me. “I should not be here dealing with this!” That was the thought in my mind. But God sent Lauri who calmly came over to help. She took over with an ice scraper and in a matter of seconds – the ice was gone! Lauri will never know the impact she had on me that night – she was my answered prayer. The Lord saw ME. This wasn’t news to Him … and He had been with me the entire time. Everything changed that weekend. I had hope.

Though it can be extremely difficult, reminding ourselves of what we are grateful for can help change our perspective. We can find peace and joy through prayer and the Lord’s word. When we pray and give thanks to God, even in the most treacherous of circumstances, He promises to give us mercy and grace.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

It’s been nearly nine years since Michael’s death. In some ways, I can’t believe that much time has passed, but so much has happened in those years that it also feels like a lifetime ago. Through it all, the Lord has been faithful. Through the valleys and the mountaintops of the last nine years, He hasn’t left my side. I now know the Lord can do the impossible; He has restored and redeemed my life.

This group – widows – is a group no one asks or ever wants to be a part of. You are never the same once you become part of it. Though it will never make sense to me, I continue to trust and be obedient to the Lord, and He has brought peace and purpose from our circumstances. I joined the Widow’s Might team just two years after my husband’s passing, and I am humbled that He has and continues to use our story to give hope to others.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

Lord, give us comfort, give us hope and peace. We know You are with us in ALL circumstances even when we can’t see through the grief. Remind us of Your presence. Help us to have a thankful heart no matter what we face in this life. Thank You for Your mercy, strength and faithfulness. We are thankful we serve a God who goes before us and is always with us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.