I sat down tonight to write a post that’s been on my mind for months, but tonight I couldn’t find the right words. Tomorrow will be five years since Brynlee went to Heaven, and I wanted to write about the five things I knew to be true since her loss. I was going to write about the importance of wisdom, obedience, faith, hope, and love, but each message seemed redundant. I’ve written about all those things over the last five years, and I didn’t believe that was the message I was supposed to share now, so…...I prayed.
Then, it was clear.
Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.”
It’s a beautiful thing to sit back and see how God orchestrated my life before Brynlee and up until now, and oh how He loves me, you - us. He has encompassed our lives with the most astounding people who are loving, supportive, and enrich us spiritually and professionally. God has gone before each trial in our lives and prepared a path for us full of love and hope by using His people to bless us.
It was hard to lose my dad at the age of 18, but there were many people in my life who were there for me during that time and who helped mentor me. Many friends too have continued to bless me even though I live so far away.
When I moved to NWA, it was really hard on me because I didn’t want to leave my support system, but God immediately started putting people in my life who would sustain me through my future trials, and I will be forever thankful for them. When I lost Brynlee, I had a chorus of people praying for me. I never felt the prayers stop. I safely rested in the palm of God’s hand and faced each day with people who God specifically placed around me.
And, even now, as life continues to happen, I couldn’t be more blessed. I recently broke my leg, and the amount of love and support I have received has been humbling. God knew this was going to happen to me, and he already had His support team in place. The last six weeks, honestly, haven’t been horribly hard. The motorized wheelchair I have at work has been my greatest blessing. God knows how important work is to me, so it’s neat to see how he set the wheels in motion to have that chair available for me. Also, I have loved my people - my people I get to enjoy and learn from each and everyday. They have taken great care of me during this time. It’s just hard to comprehend how God has used so many people to bless me in the last five years.
With each trial you face, God is there for you. He has people in place for you. Living a life for God is more than rewarding because it’s a testimony that can be passed down for generations. When you walk with Jesus, you never walk alone. He walks before you and stays with you. He sets things into motion that you would never even expect. There is no reason to be scared or discouraged.
I go to the doctor on Monday, and I’m praying so much that I’ll be able to start walking on my leg, but even if I don’t, I know God has a plan. (But, I really hope I can walk again because I have a lot going on for the next two weeks.) Either way, it’s in God’s hands.
I’m praying God shows you His people He has around you right now for the purposes He plans to fulfill in your life in this season. As each bud begins to bloom this spring, may God reveal to you all the ways He is holding you, preparing you, and loving on you. Trust Him, and do not be afraid. Brynlee was born for so many purposes. Tomorrow, on her fifth birthday, I pray you feel God’s love enlighten your heart and contagiously help you spread your joy to each person God has specially placed in your life this season.
