Moving forward in difficult seasons takes hard work. But hard work that is not founded in hope can start to feel like trying to run on a hamster wheel that has been coated with thick molasses.
If you have surrendered to the love of a Savior who gave His very life so that our greatest treasures are no longer confined to what this earth offers, then you know the immediate hope (along with many other Truths) that flood your soul the moment this decision is made. Indeed, not even death itself has power any longer in the face of this never-ending, redemptive Love.
But along with these immediate gifts comes the journey of working these Truths out… moving forward, growing, and experiencing the goodness and hope of our three-in-one God in every season and circumstance of life. These stories and songs are like little beacons of light, pointing us to the true Light, and shining hope on the dimly lit path we all walk here on earth.
Books
In her story of loss and triumph, Christa Black Gifford provides hope not only through the telling of her own story, but also by showing a way of living with God that allows Him to use those places of pain for your good and the good of those around you. I cannot recommend this book enough.
After Abby’s husband and two children passed on in a car accident, she had to learn how to move forward here on earth without them by her side. Read, and be inspired by the strength and hope she found after tragedy.
With wisdom, depth, and from a place of perseverance that allowed God to do the great work of bringing about healing, Jerry Sittser shares his own and other’s stories of tremendous loss and the incredible hope, peace and grace that God can bring out of loss. Another highly recommended read.
Music
“and to know that…
when everything fell we’d be held.” Held by Natalie Grant
“I will remind my soul, hang on and don’t let go. It’s always dark before the light starts to shine.” So Good by Rita Springer
I played this entire album on repeat on some of our darkest days. It is a little bit older now, but the strength and hope that pours from each track is timeless.
katie shaw ficker 