Tag Archives: grief

Books and Book Reviews, Encouragement

SOMETIMES I THINK LIFE IS WONDERFUL—BUT NOT ALWAYS

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Sometimes I think life is wonderful, filled with happiness, love, and blessings too numerous to count. Yet, I continuously hear of tragic events here at home and abroad that mess with my emotions and unfortunately, with my faith. But we must not let that shape our view of life. However, to empathize with the suffering, it often requires that we have experience ourselves. If you haven’t experienced a tragic loss, count yourself fortunate. Two years ago, I published a book about the tragedies in my life. How about you? Have you experienced a tragic event that messed with your emotions and your faith, as well? 

A few weeks ago, I received another book review on my book, THERE IS LIFE AFTER TRAGEDY. It was a review by Premium US Review, and they have now recommended my book. I am sharing a paragraph from that review below. It starts with these words: “This is a book about the power of God to lift one out of the depths of despair.” If that describes you or someone you know, I encourage you to check out my book. The review also states that “Kellogg’s memoir is a fine addition to Christian literature.” Perhaps it could be a fit for your own library.     

PREMIUM US REVIEW: “This is a book about the power of God to lift one out of the depths of despair. Decidedly Christian, the author includes biblical scriptures and motivational quotes from Christian writers that have affected her and helped her overcome the personal trials of her life. Its tone is heartfelt and conversational, pulling the reader into Kellogg’s discovery of the long-held secret of the family’s tragedy. Kellogg offers advice on how to overcome one’s own tragedies through relying on God. Though she writes from a Christian perspective, those of all beliefs will encounter an intriguing and emotional read that will long be in their memories. The author is steadfast in her Christian belief and her faith in a God who desires to heal those who are suffering and can indeed do so. Kellogg’s memoir is a fine addition to Christian literature as well as a wonderful gift to future generations of her own family.”

THERE IS LIFE AFTER TRAGEDY is available at Amazon and all major book retailers. It can also be purchased on my website at http://www.sarahjanekellogg.com. If you are interested, the book also has a Bible Study Guide found on my Website that can be printed and used along with the book. To view the Study Guide, look in the Category section on the lefthand side of the home screen, and then for Bible Studies – There is Life After Tragedy. There you will find 14 posts. The first study guide was the first one posted, so you will need to go down to the beginning post, and then move up from there.

Bible Study Guide ~ There is Life After Tragedy, Encouragement

STUDY GUIDE FOR CHAPTER 10 ~ THE TRIUMPH

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A note from the author: You will find this chapter packed to the brim with powerful statements. In fact, it could be the most impactful and revealing chapter in my book. How fitting it is to be called “The Triumph!” Don’t dare to miss its message. ~ Sarah Jane

1.  Tragedy Demands A Triumph

If there was “the tragedy” that happened in my family (and there was), then there also has to be “the triumph,” or else the word “the” is misleading. The title alone leads us to believe that triumph is possible. But it was not only possible—it became a reality.

Perhaps triumph can be gained only by those who make it theirs—those who claim it and possess it. But before we come to any conclusions, let’s look at where this word triumph is used in the Bible.

2 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV) ~ Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

Did you catch that—the part about God always leading us in triumph in Christ?” And just where might God be leading us to? Let’s try another one of the Apostle Paul’s famous statements for the answer.

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (NKJV) “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here we see God as the Giver of victory—which sounds to me like a first cousin to the word triumph—and it is given to us through Jesus. Let’s check one more verse.

Romans 8:37 (NKJV) ~ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Now let’s gather up the most powerful words from these three verses: “leads us in triumph,” “gives us the victory,” and calls us “more than conquerors.” These are all promises of where God leads us, what God gave us, and what God calls us through His Son, Jesus Christ! To condense it even further, in God’s eyes we are seen as: triumphant, victorious conquerors! WOW! Since they are already given, that means we already have them. They are ours for the taking! So of course there is “The Triumph” in our story.

Since I am on a wordsmithing roll, I’m going to take it yet another step: There is not only life after tragedy, there is life after your tragedy. There is also triumph after your tragedy, and victory after your tragedy. Therefore, you are a triumphant, victorious conqueror after your tragedy! Hallelujah!

2. A Deeper Cause

You will find this sentence on page 86 of my book: “Our healing has a greater purpose than to simply stop our pain.” Doctors tell us that pain is a good thing. Why? Because pain tells us that something in our body isn’t normal.

God allows pain in our lives for the same purpose—most generally to point our focus to eternal matters. What He cares most about us is our souls. I suspect that most of us—or ALL of us—can say that pain in our bodies or hearts have been helpful to God in getting our attention. In short, God is more interested in where we will spend eternity than in our comfort here on earth.

Pain can cause us to turn to God—actually run to God—in desperation. When we finally turn to Him spiritually, our pain level will begin to subside because He is the Healer of the whole person—body, soul and spirit. It is in turning to God to heal our lives both inside and out, that we discover the pathway to wholeness and freedom from our pain.

Have you (or someone you know) suffered from a great loss, and their inward pain of heart and soul led them to turn to God? ___________

Did you (or they) find freedom from pain? ________________ Briefly describe that story.

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3.  Is a Comeback Possible for You?

One of the emotions I remember so well after the loss of my husband was the feeling of hopelessness that a comeback would never happen for me. Can you relate? __________ This next statement is one of those powerful truths from that chapter in my book. Read it carefully.

“How do deeply wounded people make a comeback? They do it one step at a time, with the help of their Creator.”

To make a comeback, there are necessary steps we must take, even if we don’t feel like it. First of all, we have to believe that triumph can be ours. If I had never taken steps to encourage my faith that I could make a comeback, triumph would not have been mine. Here are some things we can do to start the process of coming back from loss.

1) We get out of bed every day to face our new and different world.

2) We put one foot in front of the other to propel ourselves forward.

3) We have to make a conscious effort to stop listening to the lies of the enemy; in fact, you may have to change friends. See if you can add more to my list:

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I learned from my own personal grief that recovery is always a choice. Do you believe this? ____________ Why or why not?

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Grief is a healthy response to the hard places in life. We need to grieve in order to properly process our loss. No one should be criticized about the way they grieve or how long they grieve. Grief is a personal choice. Likewise, recovery is a choice.

Do you know someone who has not turned loose of grief? ______________ Do you think their choice has been a good one? ______________ Why or why not?

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4.  What Can We Do with Our Scars?

Another thing that lingers long even after we recover is our scars. Scars are a clear reminder of our loss and our pain. Do you see scars as a positive or a negative?

Why?  (This is a matter of personal preference, and neither answer is wrong.)

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When I think of scars, I generally think of Jesus’ nail-pierced hands and feet. Would you say that Jesus looks at His scars positively or negatively?

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Do you think Jesus’ scars remind Him of the excruciating pain He experienced while on the cross and says: “You weren’t worth that pain?” ______________

All I can say in response to that question is a great big “NEVER!” Jesus knew the price up front that He would have to pay in order to save us from the eternal penalty of death, and He chose to do it anyway.

I believe when He looks at His own scars, He thinks that you—every last one of you—were worth every ounce of pain He felt and every drop of blood He shed. I believe He smiles at His scars as He thinks of us—His rescued brothers and sisters!

5. Who Makes the Decision?

In my book I describe the life of a man named Charles Krauthammer. For years Charles was a news commentator on the Fox News Channel and sat at the news desk in a wheelchair. One would hardly notice his chair, unless you knew his story. While attending college, Charles was injured in a diving accident. Yet, in spite of his disabilities, he decided to finish college and then went on to become a doctor. Later, he chose to enter journalism where he won a Pulitzer Prize for his work. A few days before Charles died in 2018, he wrote to his friends and colleagues that he had no regrets—because he had lived the life he intended.

Without a doubt, Charles Krauthammer made a decision after suffering a life-altering tragedy—to live his life just as if the tragedy never happened. Here is a quote from this remarkable man, that gives us pause: “The catastrophe that awaits everyone from a single false move, wrong turn, fatal encounter—every life has such a moment. What distinguishes us is whether—and how—we ever come back.”

What about us? Have we made a decision to live as if our tragedy never happened? Have we decided to come back from tragedy and move forward? If not, then it seems to me that we have a decision to make, and no one can make it for us. I believe God sees our hearts and longs to help us do that very thing. He is fully committed to helping us do it—but He can’t and He won’t without our decision. What is your answer to one of the most important questions in your entire life? Write your thoughts, feelings, and commitments below.

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Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I have been dragging my feet on getting back to living. I have felt sorry for myself; blamed others; maybe even you because my life has been altered. I want to move forward, but I totally need your help to do it. I now ask for your help, and I commit to taking whatever steps I need to take. Today is my day to start living again. In Jesus’ powerful Name I pray. Amen.

Bible Study Guide ~ There is Life After Tragedy, Encouragement

STUDY GUIDE FOR CHAPTER 7 ~ THE SURVIVORS

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A note from the author: Few people realize what is waiting for them days, weeks, months, and even years after a loss. It’s strange how others attend the funeral and then quickly move on with their lives. That is not the case for close family members. To survive they need fresh air, fresh surroundings, and certainly, fresh hope. So, let’s tackle loss and loneliness with some fresh ideas. ~ Sarah Jane

1.  Defining A Survivor: What does that look like?

“A person alive after an event in which others have died,” is how the Oxford Dictionary defines a survivor. The word alive is quite an optimistic description of a person who feels so much not alive after a tragic event. It is true when someone we love dies, our emotions can range from total numbness to having no desire to live, or perhaps even considering suicide. I think rather than using the word alive, the person could better be defined as “someone still breathing,” and even that is a bit of a stretch.

The word aloneness brings its own mixed bag of emotions as well. Survivors often crave to be alone; yet in attempting to live again, they find themselves alone much of the time. That is where God’s promise to never leave us or forsake us is a powerful antidote to the rejection one feels who has survived, even though they may wish they hadn’t. Antidote means a cure, a remedy, or a solution. Isn’t that we are searching for—a way to break the grief and sorrow off our lives? How would you describe what needs to be broken off your own life—the thing for which you most need an antidote? (This doesn’t have to be about the loss of a loved one.)

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2. We Are Not Alone In Our Grief

For our scripture reading, we are going to start with a story found in the book of Ruth, a small four-chapter book sandwiched between Judges and 1 Samuel. Let’s begin with Ruth 1:1-5.

Ruth 1:1 ~ In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him. 2 The man’s name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi. Their two sons were Mahlon and Kilion…. And when they reached Moab, they settled there. 3 Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons. 4 The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband.

For starters, do you see why Naomi might feel “not alive” and “alone?” How does one lose their entire family in just five short verses? Certainly, Naomi had a full license to grieve, feel sorry for herself, and have no desire to live. But a child of God is never without hope. God always has a plan and Noami’s story will prove that to us.

The full story is contained within the four chapters of the book of Ruth, and it is well worth reading. However, I am going to point out a few choice verses that helps us gain an understanding of the pain and grief that gripped Naomi’s heart.

Ruth 1:6-13 ~ Then Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had blessed his people in Judah by giving them good crops again. So Naomi and her daughters-in-law got ready to leave Moab to return to her homeland…. 8 But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes….9 May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage”.…13 Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.”

Orpah takes Naomi’s advice and returns to her family back in Moab. But Ruth commits to going on to Judah to be Naomi’s family and serve Naomi’s God.

Ruth 1:19-21~ So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. “Is it really Naomi?” the women asked. 20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. 21 I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?”

Is it just me, or do you hear hopelessness in Naomi’s words? What else do you hear?

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I truly feel her grief and believe that she is burdened down with it. Could we safely say that Naomi needs an antidote? __________

As you finish reading this beautiful story of Naomi and Ruth, you will discover that God absolutely had an antidote awaiting Naomi in her homeland. God’s plan included a family-redeemer or kinsman-redeemer named Boaz who buys the land owned by Naomi’s husband from her. Along with redeeming the land, he was required to marry Ruth. Naomi soon has a grandson, Obed, sitting on her lap that she cared for as her own. He grew up to become the father of Jesse, who was the father of King David. In short, Naomi’s grandson was in the royal lineage of Jesus. I think it is safe to say that Naomi was indeed a survivor!

3. What To Do When God Goes Silent

The devastation that occurred in Naomi’s life may have been told in five short verses of scripture, but her story played out in real time as years upon years of sadness, sorrow and lack of hope. Perhaps our trials in life will never be anything like what Naomi endured, but we will have our share because Jesus Himself told us clearly, “In this world you will have tribulation.”

For me personally, I struggle the most when it seems as though God goes silent and I am left to handle things by faith and trust alone (as if those two aren’t mighty weapons in our arsenal). I suppose that we all prefer for God to hold our hand, put His arm around our shoulder and say, “Come to me and I’ll fix all of this for you.” But that is not how it works in this world. Faith and trust are great companions, yet they don’t always include the warm fuzzy feelings we’d like to have.

If you are a fan of the Devotional Book “Jesus Calling,” by Sarah Young, you are well acquainted with reading words that are written as though God Himself said them. I want to use that same “first person” approach with the following paragraph. My goal is that you can hear what God would say directly to you about feelings.

“My Child, feelings come and go. They are subject to good days and bad days, sunshine and rain, life and death, wealth and poverty. Yet, My Word is not subject to anything. My Word will stand forever and you can trust it throughout all eternity. So don’t try to tie me down to responding to your feelings. I respond to those who know My name, hear My voice, and trust that I will do what I say I will do. Feelings are not a part of the walking-by-faith process. Trust must always be your response, even to My silence. We can work together with that combination: My trustworthiness and your trust in Me.” ~ God

I hope that this paragraph spoke clearly to your heart, because there are powerful truths within it. Feelings, especially good ones, have their place; yet they are never a good measuring stick for how God deals with His children.

4. Becoming A Survivor Is Always a Choice

The most helpful thing we can do for someone struggling to survive the aftermath of tragedy (including yourself) is to give them hope. We must all have hope, even in small things. Hope that the sun will come up tomorrow. Hope that this too will pass. Hope that God cares about me. God’s Word is full of hope and we can share it in tender, loving ways. We can all encourage one another with hope.

God doesn’t call all of us to be counselors, but He does call all of us to be encouragers. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “So encourage each other and build each other up….” Being an encourager is our role in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We can also encourage ourselves, which will be covered in Chapter 9.

Giving hope and encouragement doesn’t have to be expensive, because in reality, what hurting and lonely people need most is love, friendship, and compassion. Understanding someone’s condition of loss and loneliness is the greatest gift you can ever give to them. And, remember to give yourself some compassion, too!

List some of the ways we can bring hope and encouragement to each other. While prayer is certainly a good answer, let’s try to think outside the box of our ordinary ideas. Remember, God has a reputation of goodness. Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life….” What might you pull out of God’s storehouse of good things to give to a lost and lonely soul? Who knows, your fresh idea might trigger an antidote for their life!

A few examples are listed here, but add your own thoughts and ideas to the list.

1) Take a depressed friend for a day out, or order lunch for the two of you and take it to their home to share it together.

2) Invite a lonely friend to share in your own family’s holiday celebration. They may not come, but at least they will have felt included.

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Whatever you do, do it with the love of Jesus as your source. You can’t go wrong when you listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and include Him in your plans.

If you are the person who is hurting or lonely, encouraging another hurting or lonely friend can be the best therapy you could ask for. Try it, and see what the Holy Spirit does in YOU. And when you give hope and encouragement to others, you take being a survivor to a whole new level!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that you care deeply about me and my needs, as well as all hurting people everywhere. I want to be a survivor, and today I choose to be a survivor. I want to be an encourager to others, and I ask your Holy Spirit to guide me as I develop a plan to reach out and help someone else. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.

Bible Study Guide ~ There is Life After Tragedy

STUDY GUIDE FOR THE INTRODUCTION ~ There Is Life after Tragedy

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A note from the Author: This is the first Bible Study Guide for my book, There Is Life after Tragedy. We start with the Introduction in the very front of the book. I trust you will enjoy the content below and become expectant for what God has in store for all who choose to travel this road to recovery. Welcome aboard! ~ Sarah Jane

1.  Family Secrets

It is no secret that every person has his or her own viewpoint. A good example is found in Henri Nouwen’s book, The Return of the Prodigal Son, where he uses Rembrandt’s famous painting to describe the characters in the Bible Story found in Luke 15:20-32. Take a minute to Google Rembrandt’s painting Return of the Prodigal Son and look at it closely. You will see that there are five different characters, and unsurprisingly, five different viewpoints: the prodigal son, the older brother, the father, and two bystanders. Just as a quick exercise, see if you can identify different viewpoints in your own family’s story or controversy.

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What might be the benefits of seeing viewpoints other than your own?

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2.  Our Story vs. God’s Story

The challenge for us is to find God’s story in our story. God always has a larger perspective than we do because He is all-knowing and all-seeing. A story in 1 Kings Chapters 18 & 19 makes this point clear. Elijah had killed 450 prophets of Baal, and as a result Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him. So, Elijah ran to the mountains to hide. When God asked Elijah what he was doing there, Elijah replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” Then God answered Elijah: “I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal.” These two very different perspectives tell us that we do not see what God sees, and we can be assured that God will be right every time!

What might you do to ensure that you are making an accurate evaluation or comparison?

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3.  Recognizing God’s Plan

God’s loving and intricate dealings with His children will be covered in detail later in this study, but they can basically be defined as: He brings us out—in order to bring us in. He desires to bring you out of one thing, so He can bring you into something better. Fill in your answers below of what God might want to bring you into based on the following hard things:

1) Out of loss, into ______________________________________

2) Out of pain, into ______________________________________

3) Out of grief, into ______________________________________

4) Out of emptiness, into __________________________________

God never has a plan to harm us. That is always the work of Satan. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” One thing we must never do is to accuse God falsely. He is always good! Always!

How can you build your faith to believe that God is for you and not against you? __________________________________________________________________

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(Example: Track your prayers to see how God is performing His Word in your life.)

4.  Expectations   

A.  Identify below what you would like to gain from this Bible study.

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B.  Before starting this study, did you believe God can and does use our losses to help others walk through hard times?  Yes ____ No _____

5.  God’s Family

There is Life After Tragedy is basically a book about the author’s family. Yet, the goal of this Bible Study is to learn more about God’s family and how He interacts with them. If we look at the Bible as a whole from beginning to end, it is basically a book about God’s family—and that includes US!

Let’s look at Acts 17:28 ~ “For in Him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said ‘We are His offspring.’”

Did you know before now that you were God’s offspring? If not, how might this piece of new knowledge impact your life going forward? __________________________________________________________________

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If you already knew this piece of knowledge, how might being more aware of God’s goodness to His own children help you maneuver future difficult circumstances, including tragic ones?

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Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am excited to be right here, right now starting this exciting Bible Study. I know your Word has insights for me that the world cannot give, and I look forward with expectation to all you want to show me and teach me. Make me teachable and receptive to your Holy Spirit as He guides my heart and my mind through this study. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

To print this lesson on 8 1/2 x 11 paper from the Website, simply highlight the entire study guide you want to print by using a right click; leave your cursor in the highlighted portion, and use a left click to bring up the menu; then select print.

NOTE: This free Bible Study Guide is based on the book, There Is Life after Tragedy, by Sarah Jane Kellogg. The Study Guide goes hand-in-hand with the chapters in the book. To purchase a copy, go to www.sarahjanekellogg.com and click on the “BUY THE BOOK” tab. Clicking on the link there will take you to Amazon. Cost is $13.95.

Bible Study Guide ~ There is Life After Tragedy

IT’S HERE: Free Bible Study Guide!

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This week I will be launching a free online Bible Study Guide to my book There Is Life after Tragedy. I will be posting the lessons on my blog one or two per week until all lessons are out there. If you are already subscribed to my blog, they will come directly to your email inbox. If you’re not subscribed, simply locate Subscribe in the black section on my website and sign up now! And here’s why….

This Bible Study could be just for YOU—if you feel like the enemy has stolen your life and won’t give it back. If the pain of loss is holding you in a headlock. If you have memories that hurt, or you’re drowning in sadness, sorrow or grief. If any of these describe you, you are not alone.

“A recent study done before the pandemic by Amerispeak and WebMD, found that 57% of Americans are grieving the loss of someone close to them over the past three years. That means every other person you see is grieving—because grief never really goes away.”1

That was life in America in 2019. I’m not sure I want to know the percentage after the Coronavirus, if it’s even measurable. But regardless of how many of us are stuck in the grief cycle, the bigger question for you is: How can you get free?

In this Study Guide you will find answers to your questions and discover that God has a plan to bring you out of your pain. In case you don’t already know this: God already has a plan to help you! You will also find current-day issues being discussed that society tends to leave untouched—such as mental illness or the pitfalls of modern technology. Every lesson is packed with helpful questions and thoughtful meditations, and ends with a prayer crafted just for you. You won’t be disappointed. I promise!

This Study Guide is designed for either personal study or small group study. You can go as fast or as slow as you want. If you would like the Study Guide in printed form, the easiest way to get it is to subscribe to my blog. You can unsubscribe at any time.

My website, “Treasure in Earthen Vessels,” can be located at www.treasureinearthenvessels.net  or  www.sarahjanekellogg.com.

If you can’t do the study right now, you can locate the lessons at a later time on my website in the Categories section. Go down until you find Bible Study Guide ~ There Is Life After Tragedy. Also, there is help on how to print the Study Guide from the website by clicking on the STUDY GUIDE tab.

Get your Bible Study friends gathered up so you will be ready when the first lesson goes live. If you don’t already have my published book, it is available online from any book retailer or it can be found by clicking on the BUY THE BOOK tab on my website. It provides a direct link to Amazon. The book sells for $13.95.

For a quick preview, check out the Sample Study Guide by clicking the STUDY GUIDE tab on my website. You can get an idea of how it feels, looks, the style, the tone, and the depth of questions to be considered. AND, please leave me some comments if you have any input that may help or encourage others!

I am so excited to share God’s great plan with you soon!

~ Sarah Jane

1 Accessed February 19, 2024, https://www.eterneva.com/resources/coping-with-loss

Books and Book Reviews

BOOKS BY SARAH JANE KELLOGG

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There Is Life After Tragedy

Sarah Jane published her first book, There Is Life after Tragedy, in August of 2022. It is a compelling story about her family’s tragedy that occurred before she was born. She unpacks the painful memories of her three older cousins, interwoven with her own personal losses in life, to create a powerful account of how believers can find God’s pathway to healing for their deeply wounded souls. It is available in softcover for $13.95 with free shipping from her publisher, WestBow Press, at http://www.sarahjanekellogg.com and at most major book retailers.

Sarah Jane is excited to share with you the industry-trusted KIRKUS REVIEW she recently received about her book. There is a short excerpt from the review below, but the review in its entirety can be read at http://www.kirkusreviews.com where you can search by book title or author’s name.

“Kellogg’s book is bracing and thoughtful; she avoids platitudes and self-soothing reductions. With an impressive combination of subtle intelligence and moral courage, she accepts the extraordinary challenges of life and limns a lucid defense of Christianity as a response to life’s trials. This is an unusually moving book, unflinching and honest.”

~Kirkus Indie – A review service from Kirkus Reviews

Any comments you may wish to leave on the Kirkus Reviews website about her book and/or their review will be greatly appreciated.

Future Books by Sarah Jane

Sarah Jane is currently writing her second book, a book that you will not want to live without. Future information will be forthcoming as it is available!

*Note: If you would like to receive relative information concerning this book and any future books by Sarah Jane, please subscribe to her blog, Treasure In Earthen Vessels, at http://www.treasureinearthenvessels.net. The subscribe option is located in the black area on the lefthand side of the screen. This will allow you to receive all of her post in your email inbox.

Amazing People, Short Stories

When There Are No Words

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[Dedicated to Drew Wright, a true soldier of the cross, who in his darkest moments and deepest sorrow gave glory to God.]

 

The saying “There are no words” grips my heart. I don’t use it lightly. To me it is an expression of deeper pain than the little inconveniences of life can bring. I did use it recently though, in the days following Christmas Day 2017. An event occurred that brought such deep wounding to my soul that there was nothing else to say.

 

By all accounts it seemed to be a normal Christmas for Susan and Bill Wright, friends of my family for over 30 years. Since they were expecting their first grandchild, it was sure to be a memorable one as well. What could be more joyous in this joy-filled time of the year than the anticipation of a new baby? Friends rejoiced with them as they waited and celebrated life at every stage.

 

Their son, Drew, and his beautiful wife, Shannon, were 32 weeks pregnant with Baby Asa James. He was already held tightly in their hearts, but it would be a little longer before they could hold him in their arms. Shannon’s parents had moved from another state to live closer to their first grandchild as well. The entire family was entirely prepared to welcome this special little guy into their lives.

 

Yet, three days after Christmas something went terribly wrong. There had been no way to prepare for the events that would unfold over the next five days. Drew’s first message on Facebook on December 29th stunned readers:

 

“Yesterday morning was the hardest day of my life. My best friend and bride, Shannon, passed from this life and entered heaven. We don’t know all the details, but Shannon became unresponsive and was transferred by ambulance to the hospital. She never regained consciousness, but gave birth by C-Section to Asa James Wright.”

 

The tragic news shocked family, friends, and members of the church where Drew serves as Student Pastor. As the story spread on social media, hundreds and perhaps thousands of Christians began to pray for the family and especially Baby Asa, as his tiny body clung to life. The next Facebook report was a request from Drew:

 

“Asa is the most beautiful thing and looks just like his momma. Asa is in critical condition and is being treated by doctors for his best chance at survival. I humbly but boldly ask that you would pray. Pray for Claudia and Todd as they lost their daughter, pray for Clayton and Lindsey as they lost their sibling. Pray for my family as Shannon was the daughter and sister they’ve always wanted. Pray for me. I am hurting and broken, but I know God is good. Lastly, pray for a miracle for Baby Asa. He needs our Big God to show up in a big way.”

 

During the next few days, friends and family surrounded Drew and his infant son with support, comfort and prayers. Because of the Internet, I was aware of what was happening to my friends. A picture of Baby Asa’s tiny body connected to high-tech medical devices with tubes and tape was difficult to take in; yet many prayer partners helped bear the burden of brokenness and grief.

 

More questions than answers filled our hearts as we continued to call upon God for a miracle. How could this be happening? How will this young man survive such sorrow? How can he declare that God is good in the midst of sheer heartbreak? Is there any purpose anywhere in this tragedy?

 

On December 31st, Drew’s closest friend and co-worker, Cody Brumley, spoke for many hurting souls:

 

“In the mighty wake of hurt, we do not seek God’s deliverance from it…we seek God’s presence in it. We run to God bleeding, broken, confused, in disbelief…because nowhere else can we be comforted, answered, loved, and pieced together.”

 

With each report the heart-wrenching pain grew worse. Another picture showed Drew’s youth group praying and calling out to God in behalf of their leader. A part of me wanted to pull away and know less about this tragedy, yet my efforts to protect myself were futile. We are a body—the body of Christ—and when a part of us hurts, the whole body hurts.

 

Later that same day, the family was told that the doctors had done all they could for Baby Asa and that they would begin to focus on an end-of-life plan. Once again, Drew informed his prayer partners:

 

“We still hope for a miracle, but are coming to grips that this may be God’s outcome. Specifically pray that Asa’s short life will have an ongoing ripple effect for the sake of the gospel and God’s goodness in the midst of tragedy.”

 

A picture surfaced on January 2nd that caused me to finally utter the phrase: There are no words. Drew held Asa close to his heart while others encircled him, laying their hands on his shoulders as he prayed and dedicated his baby son to God. He described those moments like this:

 

“Today we got to be together to celebrate and dedicate Asa James to the Lord and his story to the glory of God. Sometime in the near future he will most likely breathe his last breath, but in the midst of hurt and pain and questions and fear, I am filled with joy—joy unspeakable that has no words, but just is living in me. God, only you know the impact this young man’s story will have and we trust you with that. God, I trust in you through all of this. I know that Shannon is getting to be what she was designed and destined to be—to be a mom. And today I am thankful for that. Thank you to everyone for your prayers and continued prayers for me, my family, and this community. Pray that God will use this as only He can….”

 

Drew’s prayer reminds me of a prayer by another young man, who facing something so painful and indescribable, prayed “Nevertheless, not My will, but Thine be done.” Just like his Savior, Drew yielded to the Father’s greater plan. For it is there in the place of surrender, that true joy—the joy he spoke of—can be found.

 

The following day, January 3, 2018, Asa James Wright slipped away from us and entered heaven where he is held safe in the arms of Jesus and his adoring mom.

 

When the family announced that a memorial service for Shannon and Asa was to be held the following Saturday, my heart pondered how they would prepare for such an event. The sorrow seemed too deep—the wounds too raw. The faith of many, including my own, had been tested. Would the faith of many stand and not fail?

 

As I prayed for my friends about what the next few days held for them, the Holy Spirit took me on a journey down memory’s lane. You see, there had been a time in my own life when tragedy had robbed me and my family of a loved one. We too had felt the pain, the emptiness, and the confusion that comes when a loved one is snatched away too soon. In that moment I heard His gentle whisper:

 

“It was in those dark days when it felt like you were living in a dream and not knowing where you were or how you’d get through the next day or the next hour, when you needed a strength much greater than you own, that something supernatural showed up and carried you.”

 

Oh, how well I remember what my sweet Jesus had done for me in those dark days. For when there are no words, there is grace.

 

His grace had held me up. His grace had strengthened me. His grace had gotten me through that dark valley and carried me safely to the other side. I instantly knew that He would do it for my friends as well. And He’s likely done for you, too.

 

Jesus promises to comfort us in our sorrows, to heal our broken hearts, and to give us peace that passes understanding, if we will trust Him. His Word has never failed His followers and it never will. And so we trust. ~ Janie Kellogg

 

‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His Word.

Just to know that He has promised,

Just to know “Thus saith the Lord.”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;

Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus,

Oh, for grace to trust Him more! ~ Louisa R. M. Stead