Connecting the Dots...Part II

My daughter in law, Kaytie, pointed out to me last week, that while I had written the blog post, “Connecting the Dots- Part 1”, she was waiting for part II. To be honest, I have had “writers block”. My thoughts have been scattered, skipping from one thing to the next, never completely focusing on one idea. I have been unable to put them together where they fit. My thoughts have been like shards of glass, jagged and broken. But I’m going to try and appease that girl, so here goes.

Years ago, when my kids were younger, I was a Bible study leader for a group of women. I certainly was no teacher, but I enjoyed the companionship of those women as we shared our lives with each other. Each week before meeting with our groups, we would gather for our weekly lecture by the head of the group. Her name was Ruth. She seemed so put together, so knowledgeable. I have to admit, I felt a little intimidated by her.  I did, however, enjoy  listening to her as she applied our lesson to our daily lives. Each week her insights spoke to me, and I would go on my merry way. Until one day. I remember vividly her telling us that God will do anything to bring us closer to him. It may be the loss of a job, the loss of a relationship, the death of a child. What, wait! What did you say??? The loss of a child? I wasn’t buying it. For years those words resounded in my head. I have never forgotten them.

Now, years later, here I am. I’ve lost my child. But I don’t believe for one minute that God took Jillian from me in order to bring me closer to Him. I am no longer intimidated by people like Ruth, I’ve learned all on my own who God is to me. We live in a broken world and bad things happen to all of us. But, I do believe that in spite of losing our precious Jillian,  good things will come from it. Nothing will bring her back, but I’m keeping my eyes on the bigger picture.

Jillian’s husband’s family have taken on the campaign against  melanoma as well.  Through their efforts, next week Monday, February 11, through April 7, there will be a billboard shouting out melanoma awareness.  This can be seen on I-75 .2 MI N/O M-81 E/S F/.  Jillian’s life has and will continue to make a difference in the lives of others. There is great comfort in that for me.

                                                                                                    

Because of Jillian’s story, and the stories of so many other warriors, Melanoma is being exposed more and more each day. THAT is a good thing. I don’t plan on letting Jillian’s light diminish. Not ever.

So Ruth, you may have ticked me off that day, but I do see God opening doors and guiding our way.

Spreading the light…

Peace~