Because I am a Woman of God….

I am a child of God. I am a follower of Christ.

Elisabeth Elliot – one of my mentors, my heroine ( why do we not use the word heroine anymore? is it because they named a drug heroine? I just love the way the word feels on my tongue when I say it.) Anyway, Elisabeth Elliot died on June 15, 2015 at the age of 88. She was such a wonderful example of being a follower of Christ in her 88 years.

One of my favorite quotes from her is this:

“The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian but the fact that I am a Christian does make me a different kind of woman.”

On March 21st I entered a new season of my life. This struggle has been just that. A struggle.

Just weeks(?) days(?) after my husband died, I told Pastor Bob (and I’m sure others) that I have no idea what God has for me but I want to be a widow that studies and teaches Bible Studies….  But when it’s time to begin studying, I have no concentration. No “drive” to teach.

Which leads me to this blog, I haven’t been writing here because it all seems so personal and I don’t want to seem like I am begging for sympathy or empathy because I’m not. In fact I often seem to do better without it. So I’ve been jotting in a “real” journal.  But this morning I had a revelation!

I am a Christian.  If I don't use this season of my life to help someone else, then I have utterly failed.   Utterly, completely, totally, absolutely entirely, fully, wholly.

So, I will share my struggles, my joys, my setbacks and my accomplishments. And all the other stuff that comes in the package deal of mourning a loved one.

My journey is not more important, more special than yours – or anyone else's. – Except to me and it is special to me because it is mine and I live it daily.

My goal for 2015 is to make it to the end of the year standing on both feet, my shoulder’s back and my head held high. Being that "different kind of woman because I am a Christian."

My ultimate goal is to help someone else get through their tough days in their important journey with maybe a laugh, a tear, or just an understanding of hurt - knowing that we serve a Great God and He is right here with us on this journey.