Heartfelt Imprints

By Anne Blanchette

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

     There are certain events in our lives that can be utterly devastating. Most assuredly these events will leave an everlasting mark on our hearts.  For me,  the death of my Mother proved to be the most heart wrenching event of my life. She lost her battle with cancer on February 5, 1988. I remember her struggles, and mine, as if it were just yesterday. As I reflect on the  anniversary of her death I realize that my grief is still there. In fact,  every year on this date my heart feels that same heavy sadness as it did on the day that she died. As if my heart travels back in time every February to that sorrowful day.

     I can’t help but wonder how I have endured all these years grieving this loss. Missing her and what could have been all these years.There were times I felt utterly alone in my grief, even among many loved ones. Deep within my heart there is an imprint of a life that is forever missed. While I spent a lifetime without her, I experienced great joys, and still some new heartaches. In it all I was blessed, yet always missing the opportunity to share it all with my mother. It is in the absence where that longing, that lonely place is. The place where a lifetime without her stands as a painful reminder of something missing, someone, my mom. Despite my feelings of sorrow, I have found a great comfort in the hope that God was, is, and will always be with me throughout it all, and it was His comfort that has become my strength.

“I will turn their mourning into joy;  I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.”

-Jeremiah 31:13 

     Incredibly,  I did not come to believe this just because I was told it, but because I experienced it! His comfort and promises affected my life, and my heart, long before I read these words. However, it was the power of numerous scripture verses that assured me of His love, comfort, help, and the faithful character of a God who never leaves us alone in our sorrows. I have come to learn that we can more than endure our greatest losses, we can overcome them in the light of a future hope. All things are possible with God through faith and belief in Jesus Christ.

     Evidently, the hope need to sooth a grieving lonely heart is found throughout scripture. We are reminded that when we cry, He is there. When we struggle, He is there. And when we seek, He is there drawing us to Himself! While I experienced this pain and loss of losing my mother, I was not left alone in my sorrow. God promises to never leave us and it is that promise that I have come to know personally, and one I hope you do too.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”   -Isaiah 41:10

   “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”  -John 14:18

How is it possible to stand on this truth in those devastating times? The answer is Jesus. God sent His Son, Jesus, to save us. God’s one and only Son to die, and rise again with Life for all who believe. We are more than conquerors, and we to overcome all the things in this world.

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”  -Romans 8:37

“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

Now, through His Spirit, we can see, and know His love fully, even when our hearts are breaking. Even though my heart still grieves and misses my mother, I hold on to His promise that I will see her again, and there will be no more sadness.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”   –Revelation 21:4

     I can see how this experience has affected me and my heart, but God did not allow this to overtake my heart. He has allowed this pain to become the fuel that drives my compassion for others. It is God who rights the wrongs, mends the broken pieces within us, and brings us peace when our hearts are aching.

If you know this sadness, take heart, God’s promises are true. He sees you, and cares for you!