There are times that life is so heavy you don’t know how to climb out of the hole. My family had weeks like this during the summer.
One week we had to put our beloved 14 year old German Shepherd to sleep. The next week a close family friend passed away. Then the riots against police where my husband and police officers were receiving death threats and some of our police friends were sleeping in upstairs beds to avoid the rocks being thrown in their windows at night. The anxiety, sadness and despair I was feeling was getting to be too much. I felt like I was never going to see happiness again. Then some dreaded news was given to us. After months of testing the doctor confirmed that my mother had Alzheimer’s.
There are times when fear grips your heart over circumstances in which we find ourselves. Things are overwhelming and we see no escape. Tears well up in our eyes and we find ourselves tongue – tied, unable to speak. This was me. It seemed as if I had been crying for three weeks straight. Then, after hearing about my mother, I just laid my head down and began to pray.
Going to Jesus in prayer and turning our problems and grief over to Him will change our entire outlook on things.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
I was weary and burdened. Starting a prayer journal and turning my problems over to Him changed my entire outlook. Of course, I have always prayed, but this was different. I was very intentional about when I prayed and what I prayed. Speaking life and hope back into my body.
I know that there will be tough times ahead. This Alzheimer’s journey will not be easy. As a matter of fact, the doctor told us there will be times of deep despair and sadness. More tears will come. With God and prayer we will battle this disease. We will find hope and happiness.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Through the power of your Word, take away my anxiety and fill me with joy and hope. Amen.
Written By: Kim Cordell