Mourning Into Gladness

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
– Psalms 9:9

As I think of all the events that happened in 2021 for me and my family, this is the verse that comes to mind. In 2021, I lost my grandmother, my grandfather, and my brother. The pain that I feel for those losses is huge. This verse helps me to breathe and to trust God more than ever. I’m not going to lie, at the beginning, especially after the death of my dear brother, I was mad at God. I could not understand why He had to take him away from us. But as I think of my brother, I have the assurance that he is in a better place now, enjoying God’s presence. I know we will see each other again, and this brings joy to my heart. God is a faithful God. He will always be with us in the good and bad moments.

2021 was also the year that Jason and I found out that we are going to be parents. For us, this is a sign of God’s faithfulness. Our baby is bringing hope, strength, and joy in a time of mourning. This is proof of what God is capable of. He is the only one that can change our pain to joy, our suffering to worship. Our broken hearts are made whole again.

This holiday season was quite different for me and my family. Someone was missing at the table. It was a time to remember our loved ones. This is not easy, but God always fills our hearts with strength.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
– Romans 15:13

Trusting in the Lord is the best way that we can surpass any suffering we are going through. If we allow God into our hearts, He will bring joy and hope even in the darkest times. He has shown me how loved I am by putting special people around me, and by giving me the gift of becoming a mother. God has different ways to show us His great love. We just have to allow Him to govern our lives and to trust in His holy will and purpose for our lives.