Comments on: Bonus Blessings

By: Nancy Noble

Nancy Noble — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 20:30:00 +0000

Alissa,

Just now got around to reading your newest article… your honesty is incredible. Thanks for saying hello the other day on my page, and I finally (finally!) put an update on LJ- send me a message if there’s any detail you’d like to know that I left out. :)

Hello to Tom, hope you both are doing well.

By: Joni

Joni — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 02:21:57 +0000

Thank you for being completely open and honest about your pain. So many times we can put on our masks and go to our “plastic steeples” without ever being real. Your loss is hard especially at one of the most important days of your life. Your joy though is knowing is there is a tomorrow and he is with the one who give that tomorrow.

By: Lauren Arnett

Lauren Arnett — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 19:20:15 +0000

Alissa,
Thank you for your honesty and for sharing. I’m so glad that we can trust God with our future because of the promises He has fulfilled in the past. When we are burdened, we can find our rest and peace in Him. I’m praying for you as you go through this difficult time.
Blessings,
Lauren

By: Amanda

Amanda — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 06:03:43 +0000

Thanks for sharing your beautiful story with Radiant and it’s readers. Oddly, it helps to get you through the hard times when you know others struggle too. I will be praying for you. God bless you.

By: Ruth MacBride

Ruth MacBride — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 01:57:54 +0000

I am sitting here in tears, sharing your grief — as much as is possible when I did not lose a wonderful father in August. I only know my little son’s death at 11 months of age. I was too numb to think. Nothing seemed real except my pain. But I used to feel Jesus was weeping with me. It was some years later when God showed me what I had not noticed before: the reason Jesus wept. It was when He saw their grief (John 11:33). I cannot explain events that occur, but I know we have a God who feels our pain so deeply that He weeps with us. He is weeping with you. That is the kind of love He has for us.

By: Colin Campbell

Colin Campbell — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 19:22:53 +0000

Lovely. Honest.

Alissa, as I read your description of standing in the rain at the cemetery I was reminded of the paradox of God’s love which makes it possible to answer “Where was God when Dad died?”…The same place He was when His Son died. Loving unto death.

Thankfulness isn’t a flip switch feeling sometimes so much as one that we grow into. Sometime from now you may discover to your surprise a thankfulness you previously thought unattainable. The years teach much the days never know.
Blessings on you all, in grief and in thankfulness.

Colin

By: Emily

Emily — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:49:37 +0000

I just wanted to thank you for sharing your heart. I will be praying for you and your family. I know what to pray for you about because my Dad passed away when i was 15. Keep on holding to Jesus, He will never let you go. ~Emily

By: Amy

Amy — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 17:34:29 +0000

Hi, Alissa. I just read your piece in the Radiant newsletter… I lost my dad (he was 45) 2 years ago to heart failure. It was truly the most painful thing I have ever been through. Thank you for your honesty in sharing the raw emotions you are experiencing. I have found special ways to remember my dad, especially these times of the year. I hope that you can do the same.
In Jesus, Amy

By: Holley

Holley — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 15:16:17 +0000

Alissa,
Thanks so much for your heartfelt and touching article in Radiant. I also had a tragedy in my life this year and have been struggling with similar feelings as the holidays arrive. Thanks for letting me know I’m not the only one.
Holley

By: Mizbooks

Mizbooks — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 15:09:56 +0000

I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. I’m praying for you, for comfort. Congratulations on your wedding, though. :-?

By: Melissa

Melissa — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 14:47:38 +0000

Just read your piece from Radiant. So beautiful and honest. Thank you for being so real with your journey. It was a wonderful tribute to both of your Fathers.

Blessings and peace to you as you gather round the table next week in thankfulness -

Melissa