You are my hiding place. You will keep me out of trouble and surround me with songs that remind me I am free. [pause in His presence] Psalm 32:7 VOICE
When someone you love dies it feels like your warm blanket has been ripped off and you are standing in the middle of a winter storm. That’s how I felt when Bill woke up in Heaven. I was glad that he was no longer suffering. I was rejoicing that he could now walk and breathe and swallow. His glorified body was whole and he was healed.
A few weeks into the grieving process the reality of finances hit and it seemed like I might not be able to pay the mortgage on our house. That is when I decided to create the SAFE list. This was a list of people where I felt safe. They would tell me where their extra key was hidden and I would feel like I could walk in comfortably. I could open their refrigerator and get something to drink. I could poke around in their cupboards and make a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich. Do you have any of those safe people in your life?
I discovered that I had quite a few. While I so missed the warm squeeze of my hubby’s hand, my heart was warmed to know that if I should end up homeless I would have plenty of places to go where I could stay for 2 weeks (the length of time research says before you wear out your welcome).
I reached out to these friends to let them know that I considered them a safe haven. They were on my list. They said to come ahead and where the extra key was hidden.
Today I feel safe and very rich.
The good news is that I saw miraculous provision every single month. My house is now paid for and I get to rent it out to a young couple who is creating a safe haven for their three little precious daughters. God is faithful.
Active Expressions of Love and Honor:
- Make a list of people like those described in the post
- Write notes to those friends who are a safe haven for you
- Pause for some moments of gratitude for your safety and comfort
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for being our safe haven. Thank you that we can hide in You. I am so grateful that You provide those who can bless us in times of trouble. You are the true safe place. I love that You hug us and sing songs to remind us of who we are. We are free. We are safe in You. I pray for those who are mourning the death of someone they deeply love. Give them a safe haven. May they hear your singing over them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Click here to read the rest of the #Write28Days series.
Author, speaker, corporate trainer, ordained minister and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. Her books will inspire you to embrace hope no matter what you are going through. As a caregiver and widow she took brave steps forward to fulfill God’s calling on her life. She has now remarried and enjoys her new hubby and spending time with their children and grandchildren. To increase hope and improve relationships with yourself and those that you love, check out her Facebook page – The Power of Hope.
I am so glad you linked up below me today. My post is all about loss and grief as the year anniversary of a dear friend’s death approaches. I love the idea of listing out our safe people. Blessings to you!
Oh Tara,
This is such a tough time. I am praying for you. You are an amazing ‘safe’ friend — a haven to many. Enjoy the waves and know you are the closest to your Abba’s heart when your own is broken.
Love you – and I’m glad we are friends and often neighbors in our ‘survivor’ group.
Karen
Karen, I’m so sorry for you loss. Thank you for sharing how God provided for you — what a testimony to Hi’s goodness and faithfulness. I like the idea of having a list of safe friends. I hope and pray that I can be a safe friend for those around me too.
Hulda,
I get the feeling that you are an amazing ‘safe’ friend. Truly the Lord is amazing in His faithfulness and provision. I have enjoyed your writing. Let’s stay in touch.
Karen
I have thought about what my finances would be like if I’m on my own and it’s scary! I’m so sorry you had to face it. I’ve never thought about making a list of safe people but I love the idea! I’m adding people in my head already! Thank you Karen for sharing the wisdom you’ve gained through such a difficult time. Your neighbor at #Write28Days, Cindy
Cindy,
Please take my simple story as a way to expel all fear. God took care of me in such an amazing and beautiful way. I will never be the same. I have since remarried yet love the memories of the days when my faithful hubby, Jesus, provided for me so abundantly. It was always in surprising and delightful ways. I was stretched to do what I thought I would not be able to do and I was aware that tomorrow was going to be fine. Thanks for stopping by.
Karen