The Listening Project
In the spring of 2022, my world was shattered when my husband of 32 years died unexpectedly of cancer. My life tilted out of balance. As I tried to recover my footing, I clung to God.
In that first summer after Matt died, I started my days reading the Bible and praying. One day, I decided also to listen.
Jeremiah 33:3 reminds us that God says, “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (NASB)
For three weeks, I listened but heard nothing. Then words began to come and I wrote them down. At first, I often only heard a word or a phrase. Short thoughts were repeated. But, over time, God’s words transformed into sentences and more complex ideas.
The messages on this page are lifted from these times of listening to God (I haven’t stopped). They have helped me to heal in my grief journey. If you’re going through grief or other hardship, I hope these posts comfort you as you consider God’s kindness and love.
When we call to him, he does answer.
Wisely
Storms of grief roar, filling your mind with chaos. The winds of pain shriek, making you believe you cannot hear me. Focus on my voice instead. You think I am not speaking? Listen. I whisper words of hope, confidence, and life. I speak in the storm. Learn to hear my...
Living Water
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. All rights reserved.
Please Notice
I know the ground is covered with snow now, but you have touched a flower’s bloom. Remember the silky petals, the sweet scent, the contrast between the colors. The petal is pink or red or purple while the stem and leaves are vivid green. Not only do all these parts...
Beauty Ahead
(God spoke this to me on Christmas Day seven months after Matt passed.) Look back - a quick glance - to see how much progress you’ve made on this mountain. Notice the rugged stones beside your path - and the yellow and purple and blue flowers. Breathe in. Up here, the...
Not Like Your Broom
My child, I could sit in a grand palace and control my creation with an iron fist. I could create robots who obey perfectly. But what relationship would come from that? Do you have a friendship with your broom? Or your car? Or your computer? They are tools to achieve...
When You Look Deeper
Look deeper. Further down your path. Let your imagination capture my message. Do you see a waterfall cascading in a steady rumble, flowing in magnificent shades of blues and teal and green? Light glistens as the water rushes down the river. This is my grace, flowing...
Once You Feared This Season
Do you see the frosty crystals swaying before you? Remember when you thought the winter season of life meant you’d be alone? And you were afraid. Then you gained a family. Now your husband has been torn away and you are walking without him–alone again in a cold, empty...
Step Past Comfort
It snowed last night and the drifts are tall this morning. The air crackles with the tang of ice. Frost paints your windows with frigid patterns. You want spring now. It’s coming, but not yet. Today’s temperature is cold, but you need to go out. As the cold wind bites...
You Shall Have It
You never need to work for my love. My love is never earned but sacrificial and full. Beyond what you understand. But I know you crave the love of others as well. This isn’t bad but be realistic. Plan for this love. If you chase after love in the wrong way, you’ll...
Photographs by Kathy Brasby. More can be seen at this site.
