Christmas can be one of the worst weeks of the year for many of us with child loss. After my daughter, Becca, died, it made me realize that even though I did my best to make Christmas about the birth of Jesus, it really was more about things like baking traditional cookies, giving my kids presents and making the season fun for them.
The death of our child causes us to rethink everything we thought we knew about life and about God. And Christmas is a great time to remind ourselves that Jesus came here on earth as a baby, for the purpose of dying so that we can live forever with Him, and with our children and other loved ones.
Without God’s love, we would remain drowning in a sea of grief. In this episode, I start out reading something I wrote called Forever, and then go on to share about the hope of heaven, because of His incredible love for you and your child.
Links Mentioned in this episode:
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The poem “Forever” that was read in this episode can be downloaded in the GPS Hope free members library. Just click here. (If you have not signed up to access the library, you will need to put in your email address and give yourself a password.)
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Birthdays:
James Anthony Walkley was born on December 23 and is forever 28.
John Ferreira Jr. was born on December 24 and is forever 32.
Ryan Durkin was born on December 27 and is forever 19.
Tevin Tyon was born on December 28 and is forever 21.
If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.
The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.
Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!
To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.
Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.
It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.
Laura,
Your FOREVER poem is absolutely beautifully conveyed and from your Core of Love for Becca. I too feel as such without Carissa. It’s a very difficult time of year and I appreciated hearing this today. Thank you for your Love as a fellow Pareavors and Ministry 💝 I also appreciated the lighting of the Red candle and the 4 th week theme of LOVE ❤️…this ADVENT Season means so much more to me than ever before as I reflect on looking forward to being Home in Heaven ✝️🙏
Thank you! If you have the Hope for the Future book, the poem is in there (Week 4 Day 1). I will ask Dave to make it into a downloadable PDF and put it in the GPS Hope free members library (gpshope.org) and let you know when it is there. You have my heart. I know this will be an especially difficult Christmas with your extra losses. Love and hugs!!!
Wow, Laura
This weeks message is exactly what my broken heart needed.
Your “FOREVER” poem is spot on. Is a printable version available for us Mama’s to print? I would love to be able to pull it out and read it when needed.
Thank you for your hopeful message! Living this life without Eric has so many unbearable moments but your messages always help me see and feel that pinhole of light.
Hi Val, I am going to ask Dave to make that poem into a downloadable PDF and put it in the Free Members Library on the GPS Hope website (gpshope.org). I’ll let you know when it is there.
So glad to be able to poke through to give you that pinhole of light. You know you have my heart, and I am so glad God connected us! Love and hugs to you and Lew and the family!