I was looking at some pictures of people that I know and people that Grace knew. It was remarkable to see how different each person looked in comparison to the present time. Not one person looked like the same person. It was clear that they had all been undeniably altered by Grace's presence in their lives and her lack of presence in their lives. It was a powerful reminder of how much of an impact a single person can have on the world.
Time is often seen as a great healer but when it comes to pain, it does not always provide the relief we hope for. Time does not always heal pain. My dad told me this in 2016. He was right.
Losing my niece was one of the most difficult experiences of my life. She had been a bright light in our family. We were all so close, and it felt like a part of me had been taken away. The grief was overwhelming, and it was hard to come to terms with the fact that she was gone. Even now, years later, I still miss her and think of her daily. Of course, she is not gone ultimately. She still is. This knowledge; this belief, brings hope.
Hope is an essential part of life. It is something that keeps us going through difficult times and encourages us to strive for better. For those who have faith in Christ, hope is found in Him. He is the source of our strength and our assurance that no matter what we face, He will be there to guide us. Christ offers us a hope that is greater than any earthly thing, and it is through Him that we can find true peace and joy.
Living life knowing that loss will come is a difficult reality to accept. It requires us to be brave and resilient, to take risks and be vulnerable. We must learn to appreciate each moment, to savor the joys and embrace the sorrows. We must be willing to love deeply, knowing that one day we will have to let go. Loss can bring pain and grief, but it can also bring growth and perspective. We must learn to live with the knowledge that loss is inevitable, while still striving to be present in each day.
My stay strong tattoo is a reminder to me that no matter what life throws my way, I can make it through with strength and courage. It is a reminder to never give up and to keep pushing forward. The tattoo is a simple phrase, “Stay Strong”, but it carries a lot of meaning. It is a reminder to never give up, to stay focused, and to keep fighting. It is a reminder that no matter how hard things get, I can stay strong and make it through.
So, time can be both a blessing and a curse, but it is ultimately up to us to make the most of it. Living in the moment is a powerful way to experience life. It allows us to appreciate the present and savor all that it has to offer. It is a way to be mindful and intentional with our thoughts and actions. When we live in the moment, we are not focused on the past or the future, but instead on the here and now. This can lead to greater satisfaction, joy, and peace. Time passes quickly, and living in the moment is a way to make the most of it. It is a reminder to take time to appreciate the beauty of life, and to be grateful for all that we have. Living in the moment is greater than time, as it allows us to make the most of each moment and truly savor the experience.
Living in the moment with God indwelling can be a truly life-giving experience. When we allow ourselves to be present in the moment, we can become aware of God's presence and be filled with a deep sense of peace and joy. This can be a powerful reminder that we are never alone, and that God is always with us, no matter what we are facing.
