Throughout life, all of us face loss. Some losses impact more deeply than others. Each loss can define and mold our hearts and our souls, adding a new and different depth and dimension. as shadows in a painting. Loss can present a garden of fragrant flowers which produce fruit. However, the process holds thorns that release tears of sadness and pain. The process of releasing and losing presents thorns that sink into the life and fiber of our being. At times, the pain remains for a lifetime. It may not release the same intensity as at first, but without warning, it doesn't take long to wince, to remember, to weep, to ache.
Lynn and Jim have two adult children, each supernaturally theirs: one through adoption and the other through birth. They have lost four children, two sons and a daughter within months after birth and a son at almost 16 years. The life of each child held value, inestimable value.The river of life has flowed through the Saint family, offering refreshment and sorrow. Through the difficulties, God presented Himself in unanticipated ways, giving comfort and renewed hope. Staying afloat became a challenge. Lynn's husband, Jim, and his friends launched themselves into river whirlpools during flood season in their youth. They all survived. Life's floodwaters hold whirlpools. Without the Savior's arms, we cannot stay afloat. Most of us don't choose either the flood or the maelstrom. However, He remains sovereign over the wind and the waves.
Woven throughout the story are golden threads of joy and refreshing mists of hope. Although sorrow crept in and snatched away precious lives, joy intertwined itself in the shadows. Pools of despair transformed into springs of hope. "The blind eyes see through the mist."
Mists from the Waterfalls offers a look into their family experiences. More than seeing their story alone, one detects His story flowing through their walk. Their experiences are interwoven with evidence of God's presence and care. Come! Join the author as she shares her walk, fixing her eyes on Jesus as she seeks God's consoling presence. As you wade through the waters of grief and sadness, you will come to better understand the ministry of the broken heart. Even as the path ahead seems obscured in a foggy mist, may you hear the Savior's gentle reminders, "I am the Living Water. I am the Light. I am the Way."
When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:4 NLTAbove all things, guard your heart. For out of it flow the wellsprings of life. Proverbs 4:23 paraphraseThe joy of the Lord is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10Every morning His unfailing love and His never-ending mercies are new. Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 paraphraseRejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people and will have compassion on them in their suffering. Isaiah 49:1 NLTFor I know well the plans I have in mind for you: plans for your welfare and not for woe, plans to give you a future full of hope. Jeremiah 29:11, 12And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness-secret riches. I will do this so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name. Isaiah 45:3 NLTLet not your heart be troubled...I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:1,2 KJVLet us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 ASV