I had a lunch date with my oldest grandson today. We went to one of our local Swiss Chalet / Harvey’s establishment. This does not happen often, but it was a delight to have a conversation one on one. He lost his father in 2013 when he was a in his early teens. He was traumatized as he was the one who found him in the home. His sister a few years younger was away at her soccer tournament only to return home to such devastating news. It has affected his life to this day in all areas of his being- body,soul,spirit and mind. So it was great to have met with him. Right now his outlet for all this is being a rapper and making videos of his rapping sessions. This was our first outing and I was happy to be his listening ear as he told me all this. This is the reason my late husband and I returned to Ontario in 2011 to be there for them not realizing that a few years later they would need comfort and encouragement and support from us and their extended family member
God’s WORD is where I turn to in my times of such needs and having close church family friends who take time to listen and offer prayer. That is why I like the group I am in who meet every week to chat and catch up on the needs of each one and pray for each other through the week. The majority are widows, like me.
I love this verse as found in Philippians 4 : 6 – 7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving , present your requests to God. 7. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Â
Jesus gives believers His peace supernaturally which the world can’t understand.  When my youngest sister 10 years younger than me passed away with ovarian cancer in 2008, I lived in a 8 story high rise in Ontario. When some friends from that building saw me and had heard about my sisters’ passing asked why I was smiling all the time. I told them that the Joy Of the LORD was my strength. Just last week my first cousin a year older than me passed away and five days later her daughter-in-law also. Both believers as are their families. This past week it was a closer hit with devastating news. My own granddaughter in her mid 20’s was in a drug addicted group that was charged. She has a court case pending. I had encouraged her a few weeks ago to step away from that “world” and step into God’s World and WORD. She has confessed Christ as her Savior, yet Satan whispers into tender hearts that the world of drugs is a better place to be. She had come over to chat with me and once again I was that listening ear. She also knows that Nanna, Gramma is a prayer warrior. May God open her eyes in her present situation and come clean, get treatment and find support from family, friends and the health resources available. Â
Now as Nanna, may I continue in prayer for them and all my other grandchildren as the world lures are so strong and inviting.
May trials produce steadfastness, character and confident hope in the LORD for God is our Refuge and strength. Trusting God in difficult times we find strength and peace. God’s peace actively protects your heart (your emotions) and your mind (your thoughts) from spiraling into despair or fear.
That is why I turn to God’s WORD to find comfort and hope and to all my wonderful Church family friends who encourage each other on.
I know that there are families who have strained relationships, broken or even shattered ( mine included) yet let us as believers be that faithful Listening Ear. We are God’s vessels and HE can use use in extraordinary ways.