Several weeks ago, a very dear friend of mine’s son passed away unexpectedly. He was 25. I can’t wrap my head around the immense grief she is going through. He was her firstborn, but regardless of where he lands in the family, it’s an enormous loss that every parent dreads. I was emailing a mutual friend of ours, and we were discussing this precious lady. I have a beautiful orchid on my desk that was given to me, and it had one single flower left on it. At the moment I was reading my friend’s response, that last flower fell off of my orchid. It was as if the orchid was grieving, and it reminded me how incredibly precious but fleeting life truly is. Thankfully, because of Jesus, there is life beyond death. The orchid will bloom again in its time, and when we pass from this life to the next, we will, too. We will be more alive in the presence of the Father than we ever were here. Jesus gives us hope and peace, because we know death is not the end. For those of us who have made Him the Lord of our life, there is more peace, joy and love than we could ever imagine waiting for us when we leave this world behind.

 My heart grieves for my friend. I have hurt for her in ways I never thought possible. I pray for her, and I will continue to pray for her. I will continue to lift her and her sweet family to the very throne room of God. Again, because of Jesus, we have access to Him. Don’t ever be afraid to tell God how you feel; He already knows, anyway. I remember a time as a teenager, I was really upset about a situation with another friend. I was alone in my bedroom, and I said, “Lord, who can I call to talk to about this? I’m really upset, and I need to talk. Who can I talk to?” I distinctly heard the Holy Spirit whisper to my heart, “Talk to Me.” So, I did. I poured my heart out to Him, and it was exactly what I needed. He’s there, even when you don’t feel He is. He is but a whisper away, and when you need Him, He will be there. Don’t give up. Don’t let go. Run to Him. His arms are ALWAYS open, ready to embrace you in love and peace. His love for you is IMMENSE. You are in His thoughts. You are in His heart. DON’T. GIVE. UP.