"Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from
me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find the rest. For the yoke I
will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light." How reassuring
are these words! Who has not felt weary and burdened at some point in time? At times we
are discouraged and wonder if we will ever feel joy, peace, and contentment again.
Eighteen months ago I experienced one of those times. My dearest friend, Tommie was
killed. The weeks and months following her death were the darkest time in my life.
Everything seemed nightmarish and surreal. The nightmare did not come during sleep, the
nightmare engulfed me when I was awake.
My beloved friend had shared with me a deep and abiding faith in God. I took comfort in
the knowledge that she was with God. My faith in God is all that kept me sane during this
time of grief.
My family, friends, and church family offered me support. I was appointed a Stephen
Minister to work through the pain and grief that seemed to consume me. During this time,
she was there to offer care, comfort, and support.
God has blessed each of us with many gifts. Some have been given musical ability.
Others are artistic and create beautiful works of art. Some are great teachers who help us
to understand God's truths. Still others plan fellowship activities which brings us
together to celebrate our faith. God has given many the gift of empathy. Some have chosen
to develop this gift into an intentional ministry to others through the Stephen Ministry
program.
I am thankful that I am a member of a church that has developed a Stephen Ministry
program. I will always be grateful to my Stephen Minister for her non-judgmental support,
her empathy and understanding. My journey would have been more difficult without her to
walk beside me. This lovely lady, my Stephen Minister, will always have a special place in
my heart. Thank you, Carol.
