Stepping Out in Faith: Heartache and Hope

It's still dark here.

The days are getting perceptibly shorter for those of us tuned in to the turning of the earth and the passing of the seasons.

But the light is coming. It always does.

And that is what I have clung to in these more-than-ten years since Dominic ran ahead to Heaven. That's what compels me to write.

I want every hurting heart to know that the night doesn't last forever.  

It's also why today I have something exciting (and scary, if I'm honest!) to tell you: I've created an official ministry for the work I do here and on Facebook through Heartache and Hope (https://www.facebook.com/heartacheandhope/).

The Lord planted a vision in my heart awhile ago to expand into new territory.

I am a quiet person who longs only to stay (mostly) in my home and surrounding area. I once loved traveling but now only really enjoy it in the company of family to low-key destinations that afford plenty of space and natural beauty. But I am stepping out into uncomfortable places and trusting my Shepherd King to provide the means and direction to journey on.

I'm not one to appropriate Old Testament verses to justify current choices but I do absolutely believe that He nudges us to spread out and to reach further than we might choose to do in our flesh. So, like Jabez, I pray:

The ministry is called "Heartache and Hope" and is a federally recognized 501(c)3 non profit so donations are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

This is my hope and heart for this new endeavor:

• I am committing to monthly local bereaved parent gatherings (check out my personal Facebook page for details if you live close);

• to make myself available to share with and speak to others if invited to do so;

• to speak to and gather with pastors and others (such as healthcare providers and social workers) who are positioned to come alongside grievers in critical moments;

• to provide printed resources to bereaved parents;

• to host small retreats to encourage and refresh bereaved parents; and

• to be a voice for grief education in the larger community.

  
  

If you host a local group and are interested in my coming to share with you in person, please feel free to DM me. I can't promise to accept every invitation, but I am going to accept as many as I can.

Along with the blog, public page and private bereaved parents' group, I am working on a website with resources, links to other excellent ministries and graphics for sharing. There will also be a way to donate and to contact the ministry online.

Until then, I am including a link at the end of this post and will also share it on my personal and public Facebook pages if you feel led to join me in this endeavor. I won't be making appeals or sending emails or selling products because I trust that what the Lord births in a heart, He brings to fruition. Other than periodic updates on where He is leading and how He is providing, nothing will change in this space.

I am, and will always be, devoted to sharing honestly about my journey and encouraging other hearts along the way.

*If you feel led to donate, you may click on the following link:

https://square.link/u/cNen14Q1

If you would like to read more about my grief journey, you can find over 3000 posts on my main blog website: thelifeididntchoose.com