Value in the Valley!!

"Value in the Valley" - a saying from my senior Pastor of my Church from last weekend's service

Happy Easter to everyone!!

During last weekend's service at my church, our senior Pastor made this statement and it got my attention.  Value in the Valley!!!  So I have been pondering this statement and I wanted to ask you this simple question:

Do you think there is value in the valley?

As widows, we sure do know what it feels like to be in a valley don't we?  The feelings of loneliness and hopelessness; feelings of being lost and overwhelmed.  We feel like no one understands the burden on our hearts and souls.  The heaviness of grief can cause major depression and deep despair for many of us.  As we stand in our own valleys, we can't see any mountaintops.  You feel so alone and fearful. 

But I want to let you know that there IS value in the valley!!  And I want you to know that YOU are NOT ALONE!! 

While we are in the valley, we need to use this time to draw closer to Jesus.  He wants us to get to know Him better.  He wants you to know that you are NOT alone.  He is right there next to you; He will never leave your side.  Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV tells us, "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

How will you choose to use your time in the valley? 

I know some of you might be newer to this journey, while some of you like me, have been in the valley for quite some time.  I'm coming up on our sixth year mark in June.  In my six years, I have used this time to learn about Jesus and trust His plan for me and Emily.  I have used this time to study His word and lean on Him.  As time has passed, I now use this time to reach back and try to encourage other widows in their valleys.  I started this blog and have met with other widows locally and connecting with other widows through social media and attended a widow's conference.  By using my time this way, I feel blessed in getting to know other's that "get it" and I hope I bless them in some small way. 

Also in this valley, I have been getting help through my county's foundation to get my idea of bags filled with faith based books and helpful resources along with gifts for the children of the grieving families.  I can say that I am one step closer in fulfilling this idea that will not only help these grieving families, but also give all the glory to the One that gave me this vision.  I'll have more information on this hopefully in the coming month. 

As you experience this chapter of your life, please know that you are NOT alone.  There are so many of us with you.  Jesus is right there with you.  He loves and cares for you.  Always remember, Jesus went ahead of you and endured the Cross.  He died so we may live.  He suffered and sacrificed Himself so that we may have everlasting life in Him. 

In John 16:33 NIV Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!! I have overcome the world." 

We have His promises that no matter what our struggles are here on Earth, He is with us always.  In our valleys we can find hope, love, joy, peace, healing, and comfort.  Use your time to read His word and pray!!  Learn to trust and lean on Him.  Bring all of your fears and worries to Him and lay them at the Cross.  He is listening!!

Father God, thank You for loving us so much that you gave Your One and only Son to die for us.  Thank you for delivering us from our sins and reconciling us back to You.  Lord I pray in thanksgiving for being with us in our valleys.  It can be lonely and scary, but with You we can find peace and healing.  I pray that my widow sisters seek You in their valleys and they lean on and trust You.  Thank you for Easter Lord!!!  In Your Precious Name I pray...Amen!!