We are NOT what has happened to us or what this world says we are. That is not what defines us. While we are grieving parents, that is not what our whole story has to be about. Although, at times, we feel that our story is over. We ask, how do we go on and live full lives without our sweet Sophie with us?
I’m still not 100 percent sure I know the answer to that.
BUT the Lord says I am beloved. I am redeemed and accepted. I am holy and chosen. I am righteous and complete. I am not just another body on this earth to Him. He PURSUES me because He LOVES me.
My life feels over but, it’s not.
I am given “peace that passes understanding” (Phil 4:7).
And “my God will supply my every need” (Phil 4:19).
He will give me the tools I need to heal and continue my life without her. While I will never be 100 percent whole on this earth again because of her absence, I am and will be whole for eternity with Jesus. Sophie is whole with Him and as much as I miss her with my entire being—I can’t rush getting to her. I can’t curl up in the bed and let my life roll on by. Because of her, I have to make the rest of my life matter.
She taught me to see the big picture. To see that every single person I come in contact with has something going on in their life that isn’t outwardly expressed. You never know if the person next to you just lost their child to cancer.
She taught me to truly not sweat the small stuff, to take a breath and think before I act or speak.
She taught me to appreciate the things and people around me.
Even if I do nothing extraordinary with my life—she changed my perspective and how I see the world and how I interact with the people in it. Most importantly, she taught me that hope in Jesus is ALL that matters. It’s the only thing that we get to take with us when we go.
His plans for me are great. His plans for you are great. Stop living in what has happened to you and who the world says you are. Start living in who He says you are and the promises you have in Jesus.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” -Colossians 3:16-17
Be still and know who you are and most importantly, know WHOSE you are.
Originally published on Sophie The Brave