Grief and Sorrow No More

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

In Memory of Jaime

The sudden death of a dear childhood friend had me on the road headed back to my home town this week. There were many uncertainties as I traveled “back home”. Having lived away for over 25 years, I had many doubts in my heart. Would anyone recognize me? Would I recognize anyone? Would my grief and emotion overtake me and be a deterrent in trying to be a comfort to the family?

Upon arrival at the visitation, there was sadness and tears, but rather than being consumed with sorrow, many were smiling and sharing stories of our friend and yes, there was even laughter. Great celebration was in the air. The celebration of a remarkable man who had an amazing life. One filled with compassion, peace, and encouragement for others. A sincere, caring man who always had a kind word and a thoughtful gesture.

Even in grief, we are comforted by the fact that there will be a reunion one day when we reach our heavenly home. It is the promise of heaven that gives us hope and mends our sorrow filled hearts.

Revelations 21:4

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.

Courage to Achieve

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

One of my favorite things is watching for the mailman on Saturday in anticipation of his delivering my People magazine. It’s even sweeter when it arrives on Friday! My routine is to study the cover for a few minutes and immediately turn to the weekly crossword puzzle to complete. There is no reading until the crossword puzzle is finished. It is a routine that I have practiced for many years.

After the crossword puzzle was finished this week, I sat down to read a great article about a man named Alferd Williams from Missouri. He was the son of a sharecropper and worked very hard from the time he was a young boy. There wasn’t time for school, only work. The article was about his new experience of beginning first grade at age 70 because he wanted to learn to read and to keep a family promise. It talked about his day and the encouragement he received from his six year old classmates. What an inspiration Alferd Williams was for me this week and everyone who read that motivating article! What courage to achieve!

It takes a great deal of courage for us to achieve our goals. Whether you are learning to read like Alferd Williams, starting a new business, or taking a photography class, the determination to achieve must be in the heart and it takes courage to follow through with whatever it is in your life you want to achieve.

So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!

Psalm 31:24