Reflecting on The Day My World Stood Still

A year ago today, my sister’s life was rocked. Our family was devastated with the unexpected passing of Patrick Price, my sister’s husband, leaving her a widow at the age of 25 with 3 young boys.

To say this was a hard year on my sister is an understatement. I would not want to wish this upon anyone.

In the midst of grieving her loss, my sister still had to take care of her boys, the youngest being 3 months old at the time.

I have learned quite a bit this year from my sister and what she is learning as she processes her “new normal”. God has also taught me many things, especially the way He has brought everyone through this tragedy.

1. We cannot do it by ourselves. It is impossible! You can try but it won’t work. You can make every effort to push the pain and the trials away. You can try to navigate this new life by yourself but that is a long lonely road with no support.

2. We must have God’s help. Over and over again the Bible promises that God will be with us always! Pray continuously (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Never stop asking God for his God sized strength and help to persevere.

3. You must surround yourself in a community of others. People who can challenge and encourage you, people who will weep with you and care for you.

My sister has been blessed by those who have gone before her in widowhood, friends, family, mentors and countless others who have gone out of their way to love and support my sister and her boys through this time. For that we are truly grateful for all who have helped.

4. I learned that people grieve differently but all are hurting. Just because people put on a face does not mean that they are not grieving on the inside. This is something that I cannot even begin to imagine.

5. Christ must be our goal. When Christ is our goal everything else fades away. We see the hope that Christ gives. We know that in heaven we will see loved ones. There will be no more tears and no more pain.

Talking with my sister and family these are just a few ways that have helped all of us navigate this time in our lives where we cannot explain what happened. But we know that God is still on his throne and God will help us on this journey.

Not a week has gone by without thinking of Patrick Price.

Last week I was listening to my Pandora station and I heard the song, “Your Promises.” I sat there at my desk with tears streaming down my face as I remembered Patrick Price and his funeral. The song was the last song he bought and it was sung at the funeral. Memories flooded my mind as I remembered that day.

When our life gets tough and unbearable we cling to God to strengthen, help and guide us through the pain in our lives.

Cling to God and His promises. God is always faithful!

If you are a young widow or you are going through trials in your life, check out my sisters blog. It is full of encouragement to help you in your journey.

Here is the song that has helped us get through this past year.

“Your Promises” Elevation Worship – The link is to the the song

When the weight of the world begins to fall
On the Name of Jesus I will call
For I know my God is in control
and His purpose is unshakable

Doesn’t matter what I feel
Doesn’t matter what I see
My hope will always be
In Your promises to me
Now I’m casting out all fear
For Your love has set me free
My hope will always be
In Your promises to me

As I walk into the days to come
I will not forget what You have done
For you have supplied my every need
And Your presence is enough for me

Doesn’t matter what I feel
Doesn’t matter what I see
My hope will always be
In Your promises to me
Now I’m casting out all fear
For Your love has set me free
My hope will always be
In Your promises to me

You will always be more than enough for me
You will always be more than enough for me
Nothing’s gonna stop the plans You’ve made
Nothing’s gonna take Your love away
You will always be more than enough for me

Doesn’t matter what I feel
Doesn’t matter what I see
My hope will always be
In Your promises to me
Now I’m casting out all fear
For Your love has set me free
My hope will always be
In Your promises to me