Faith Renewed

As the daylight turned to dusk and the dusk to night, Rebecca sat at her kitchen table filled with a sense of loss greater than anyone could possibly know. Her life felt as empty as the coffee cup that she held in her hands. Her small house seemed almost a burden as memories flooded her mind of happier days that she had shared here, with her husband. Had it been one day, two days, or a week, she wondered, since she had last felt her husbands hand within hers? Had the doctor really said, "His battle is over, may he rest in peace"?

            Rebecca was confused, disorientated, and shocked, her heart was shattered by the loss of her dear husband, Michael. She asked herself if this might be all a dream. Was she, in fact sitting in his favorite rocking chair within a nightmare? She wondered if she might wake up at any moment to discover her sweet Michael lying beside her in bed where she longed for him to be.

Rebecca ran her fingers through her long brown hair and wondered if she had the strength to get up and have a shower. Her energy was drained and her body was weak from lack of sleep. Her dark brown eyes were burning as she wiped them dry once again. As she lifted her eyes from the empty cup still in her hand, she looked around the room wondering how she was ever again going to be able to find the courage to continue on.

Rebecca began to rise from the chair in the hopes that maybe just washing her face and hands might refresh her mind and bring some life to her broken spirit. Her legs were weak as she pulled herself up from the chair. Taking a deep breath she sat down once again, thinking that a little more time sitting might be a better idea. Rebecca felt hopeless and lost as she slumped back into the chair. Her dreams, plans and hopes were all lost to her when her husband took his last breath. She did not know where to begin or how to fill the deep void that consumed her body and soul. She felt lost and hopeless as she thought of the days ahead. Why, she asked God, why did you take him from me now. Now, when I need him as much as I need the air within my lungs and the blood within my veins? She closed her eyes as once again tears began to flow. Why Lord would you take from me my precious Michael whom I have searched for through trials and great strife? Why lord I ask, have you forsaken me and left me alone to walk this journey in pain and sorrow?

As if simply by the strength of Rebeccas prayer she was given a glimpse at the answers to her questions. Rebecca raised her head and looked across the room where she saw a light outline of an angel and beside it stood, with strength, her cherished Michael. The Angel began to speak to her with words that were warm and comforting. The Angel spoke softly yet Rebecca had no difficulty hearing them.

Child of the light, the angel began, fear not that which you do not understand. God understands and knows all of your pain. Your grief is felt even among the angels who watch over you as we gather around you to bring you comfort. As you can see, your loving Michael is made strong once again, he suffers not and sends his never-ending love to you upon the wings of Gods dove. He had a journey to walk and a purpose to fulfill here on Gods earth, as do you our dear child. He has fulfilled his journey and now God needs him for another purpose, another journey. Be sad, my child, weep and grieve so that you may become strong and walk your own journey knowing that he watches over you from above. Remember that God loves you and He knows you by name as well as he knows your personal journey and its purpose. When it is time, and your purpose here on earth has been completed you will rejoin your loved one in heaven where you will be together once again. A lifetime is but a grain of sand in Gods Universe, be patient child of God, and know that in time you will hold youre loved ones hand yet another time.

The image slowly disappeared as Rebecca sat in wonderment in her chair. Her prayer had been answered and through the words of and Angel she could now begin to rebuild and to heal. She thanked God for the gift she had received and cried as she began to grieve for her precious Michael. She got up from the chair with renewed strength knowing that one day she would indeed she him again and they would once again join hands to begin yet another journey.