Keep Showing Up

In 2023, I lost two beautiful friends to terminal illness. Both diagnosed within four weeks of each other, and both passed away within three weeks of each other. One of these girls was especially dear to me, a childhood friend, a lifetime of memories. 

Summer was on hold, most days spent at the hospice, laughing at the crazy things we used to get up to and many times praying and believing Jesus would show up and bring healing … if only for a few more months. 

When Jesus Shows Up:

How do we feel when our expectation of a miracle doesn’t happen?  

In a moment of pain I remember telling my pastor I felt so hurt and angry … why two friends with the same diagnosis … Jesus still loved me in that moment and she reminded me of this. 

I still believed Jesus would show up and do something amazing, I trusted him.  

Where I couldn’t see healing I realised that He had given me a precious gift, He had placed the deepest compassion on my heart. This was a gift to be treasured, to equip me during this season and also for the future.

Our God is Our Comforter:

In 2 Corinthians 1:4 we are reminded … “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort others.”

To be present and comfort my friend in the toughest days, was humbling. In those tender moments you give all of yourself, unconditional love. This love is a reminder of how deeply Jesus loves us. He comforts and strengthens us in every situation, if we allow him into our pain. 

Keep Showing Up:

Six months flew by, summer was over and sadly my friend’s lives passed on. 

Moments of grief came unexpectedly. This felt at times overwhelming, you realise you’re not going to see your friend again or receive that “what are you up to?” text. The name and number on your phone becomes just that, a name and number.

The most important thing we can do in the saddest days is to keep showing up to Church. The truth is we need each other. God called us to walk alongside each other, to help encourage and support. Gather your Church family around you, allow them to pray into your situation.

If we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, to receive healing, we allow Jesus to do something special in us. He will shape our heart and use it to make us more compassionate to help others. 

As the seasons in our lives change, we need to be as one family to help each other. If you’re in a difficult season I would encourage you to let your Church family walk through it with you.

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2, 4 – “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.