AFRICA WORLD MAGAZINE | Page 42

Finding Healing in the Midst of a Trial

Your Hand. O Lord, hold my hand…Have you ever wanted to ask God to hold you? To heal you? To give you hope when it feels hopeless?

Me too…You see, I spent over 22 years in corporate America until I realized things get broken, discarded and replaced in life, but people matter… and I wanted to spend time with those who matter most to me. Why did I think this?

In 2004, I lost Bette, my younger sister and a brilliant PhD nurse, to suicide…

In 2008, I lost Kyle, my 20 year old college-aged son to drugs and alcohol, and

In 2013, I was in the grandstands cheering on Amby Burfoot, her cousin, as he ran the 45th anniversary of winning the Boston Marathon, only to see the first bomb explode directly across the street…

Having experienced my share of grief, I learned firsthand God shines the brightest light in the darkest moments and shows up when we need him most. I simply want to share my journey to inspire, empower and equip others…

You too can find grace and healing in the midst of your trials and tribulations.

*Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

10 So do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

*Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

13 For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

*Isaiah 42:6-9 (NIV)

6 “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;

I will take hold of your hand.

I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,

7 to open eyes that are blind,