In the coming weeks, I will be posting what some of us read at Mike's memorial celebration. I have, personally, wanted to reflect on those and give others the same opportunity. In the meantime, it seems we each are dealing with our ups and downs. Thankfully, not all at the same time.
If any of you have stories you would like to share, please feel free to post them here, or email them to me. We need to reflect as we move on.
I have been told by so many who have experienced grief that "you will have good days and bad days. " And that it "will hit you for no reason." I have been especially emotional the past 2 days, without any real reason. I guess that is what everyone has meant.
So I have no words of wisdom or eloquence, right now. Just a sad, broken heart, once again.
With that, I ask for continued prayer and uplifting for the whole Mike Watson, Jr family. It seems we are beginning yet another stage in life without him. Everyday is a new stage. That, to put it plain and simply....sucks. Forgive my term. I just don't know how else to say it and sometimes sugar-coating does not help.
Do know that the Lord remains our strength and redeemer. I have felt His presence and been so far away from it at the same time. I guess, at this moment, He seems rather far. I don't remember moving and I know He has not left. I just don't feel a lot right now, except sadness, numbness and sheer exhaustion.
My email is rmw4jc@yahoo.com.
Prayerfully,
Rhonda

The "G" Theme

It seems to be that during our lives we each experience a prevailing theme, emotion or cirmcumstance. It can vary from time to time. As I look over the past few months I have experienced overwhelming Grief. In the midst of the Grief, I have experienced God's amazing Grace and Goodness. I don't know what other experience I would have to go through to have this Grace. It is a Gift from God. Now I am not saying I am happy about Mike being gone. I miss him terribly and want so much to see him and touch him. After all, it was just a few months ago that I last talked to him. Not much time in the big scheme of things. Yet eternity considering I have to wait till eternity to see him again.
I wonder if this is from whence the phrase "Good Grief" hailed. It seems like an oxymoron. I don't like Grief. It hurts. I dominates. It aches. But God's Grace is Greater and Good. We know about the valleys we have to go through to stand on the mountain of God. I think that is part of what my Grief has been about. That valley is low and long. But that mountain is high and mighty. God's Grace is a Gift of His Goodness through which His Glory is revealed.

As I read back over this writing, only one "negative G theme" is present. But multiple "positive G" themes" are present. God is Good. If you have any doubt, re-read my themes. Whatever your valley, God's Grace and Goodness will bring you out of it to stand with Him on that mountain of Glory.

Only God can make me sing praises while in a valley. Nothing else I have tried has such an effect. Thank you, God, for your Glorious Grace!