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.
Limping
You would extract the sword piercing your side. The pain is unbearable and you’re unable to escape it. I can. Your wound will heal but, like Jacob, you will limp. The ache will remain. Less over the years, but when the storms roll in or a memory rises in a morning’s...
Pulled You Out
A fierce tidal wave shocked you yesterday. Disturbing waves washed over you, drawing you into a curtain of darkness. Take heart: you didn’t drown. I pulled you out. Yes, you’re in pain. I feel your misery. Call to me when the waves get monstrous. Don’t give in to...
Forge Ahead
Don’t hide in the brush as though wolves were coming to split you open. Don’t crouch behind the leaves so that the twigs gash your face. Yes, the wolves howl. They are your emotions demanding you remain riveted to the pain. Panic takes you into the tangled thickets....
The Colors of His Love
Listen to the music of my creation, the sounds of colors flowing into the sky. This world is in constant change. Have you noticed? Observe the colors and songs of the sunrise. Note clouds frolicking across the sky. Do you see swirling snow doing celebration at midday?...
Soar
Soar with me. I have broken through the walls of death and despair. Come with me and rise on the winds like an eagle. Like a cloud caught in the upper currents. Soar with me. Feel the freedom? Now look down to see what I see at times: sadness, loss, yearning. My heart...
When You Can’t See
Thick fog blinds your vision this morning, obscuring any beauty. You don’t see flowers, trees, rivers, even a familiar valley. Grief is like that, isn’t it? You awake to a murky morning. Do you move forward? Back? You don’t know because you can’t see. This is the way...
Restoring The Brokenhearted
Remember the floods you’ve seen? Slashing waters destroying river banks, brush, and tall trees. Impossible to restore. Or so it seems. Now you’ve been hit by a slashing flood that has ripped your heart. You want the before. You want the damage erased and the pain to...
Breathe
Breathe, my child.Breathe in my love and exhale the darkness. Your body aches because your husband left you alone - with a long to-do list. But, dear one, you know this: he never wanted to leave you. He wanted to protect and provide for you. Those things you do in his...
My Love Is More
Hold a diamond in your hand. Turn it in the light. See how it sparkles as it reflects the light? My love is more. Look at the magnificence and rugged mountains, with cascading waterfalls and snowy peaks. My love is more. Stand at midnight to count the stars. See how...
Photographs by Kathy Brasby. More can be seen at this site.
