You Are Loved

(The pic has absolutely nothing to do with this blog post. I just thought I'd send you a little smile. They've been far and few between lately, so I thought I'd share the biggest one I've had in awhile.)

If I've heard it once, I've heard it a hundred times since Chris died (11 weeks ago today, actually)..."I'm sorry I'm complaining. I know my problems can't even compare to what you've gone through." It breaks my heart every time I hear it.

While the death of a spouse does take the top spot on most stress scales, and the suicide of a spouse probably compounds that even more...the problems that others are experiencing are still just as real. I admit that Chris' death has certainly put all of my past challenges and present challenges into perspective, and they certainly don't compare even remotely. That's MY experience and MY experience alone. Prior to his death, I had other problems that ranked at the top of the list.

So, for you, my friends...don't discount your problems just because you haven't experienced what I've experienced. And...I praise God that most of you reading this haven't. But, I still care. I still pray for you. And, I still hurt when you hurt. Your problems are still real. And, you know what? The same God that is with me...comforting me...healing me...wants to do the same for you!

Thank you for loving me with your words of comfort, your precious prayers, and your sweet treasures! I don't deserve any of it...but God has chosen to bless me by you. Just know how much I thank Him for you...most of you I've never even met and may not this side of heaven. But, you are most precious to me blog friends! You are loved!

(P.S. This will be my last post before She Speaks. I leave Friday morning to attend this amazing weekend with 650 other women in Concord, NC. I covet your prayers as I attempt to speak Friday and Saturday evenings in an evaluation group...my first time speaking since Chris died. Thanks friends!)