If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, He’ll help you catch your breath.
Psalm 34:18 MSG
Among the precious notes written to me by my colleagues and students is a touching letter and beautiful tulip sculpted by my multi-talented student Tyhara Rain.
I’ve read the letter many times in the quiet of the night and when I pause during the day. Tyhara’s soothing words remind me into Whose arms I can fall when the darkest despair descends:
When you feel too emotionally worn out to get through the day, when your heart aches too much to let you fall asleep, I encourage you to close your eyes…breathe…imagine yourself cradled in the loving arms of our Savior. Feel free to bury your face in His chest, and feel free to feel the ache and sorrow of loss. Sob if you have to. He understands. Feel his arms wrap tightly and protectively around you in your broken state. Listen to His whisper as He reminds you of His promises of life eternal, everlasting joy, comfort during trials, and His nearness to you always. Stay in His embrace as long as you need. When you’re ready, open your eyes, know God is always with you, and claim the power of God through Jesus to get you through…
I carry Tyhara’s letter with me throughout the day. It remains in my “pouch of pretties,” available when I need to refer to it. The tulip, Lori’s favorite flower, rests on the mantel. In Tyhara’s words, “a small thing to bring comfort […].”
Pics and Posts 
Wonderful words. Very moving. Even to this cynical not quite believing any more person.
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A great big hug for your, my cynical-not-quite believing blog friend.
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You need very long arms for that, my dear blog friend – I am morbidly obese.
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Nothing is truly lost when God has control. Our separation from loved ones is only temporary. When we stand together again on the other side of eternity we will understand how short a few decades really was.
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Yes!!! This perspective is everything. Even though we know that intellectually and spiritually, the human part of us aches so over the temporary loss. But knowing there’s another side of eternity is what gets me through the roughest parts.
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Precious.
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Indeed.
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