After losing a loved one, people often say, “You just need to move on.” But “moving on” infers that we leave the life that we had with the person behind, discounting the importance of the relationship. No, we “move forward,” meaning that we carry the memories with us – our shared experiences, joys, and struggles. Suffering a loss does not mean that all life is lost. God redeems the bad things that happen, transforming them into vehicles for growth. In the months since losing Jasmine, I have been reflecting upon the experience, and God has taught me several life lessons to move forward. This is a series of the top 7.
Stop and Consider . . .

27 April 04, 2022

Top 7 Life Lessons #7: Without an anchor, your life will drift. Embrace true hope, which is the anchor for the soul.

2022-04-28T23:56:42-05:00April 27, 2022|Categories: Top 7 Life Lessons for Moving Forward|0 Comments

  "We have an anchor that keeps the soul, Steadfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love." Priscilla Jane Owens (1829 - 1907) Growing up in church, we sang this old hymn above. I can still picture [...]

21 April 04, 2022

Top 7 Life Lessons #6: Life is short. Make it count for something that outlives you. Move Forward.

2022-04-24T23:07:21-05:00April 21, 2022|Categories: Top 7 Life Lessons for Moving Forward|1 Comment

“What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:14b (ESV) Jasmine was only 70, yes, only 70. She was a "young" 70-year-old. I will never forget the time she was "carded" while purchasing a bottle of wine with our groceries. If there [...]

7 April 04, 2022

Top 7 Life Lessons #5: Isolation kills. Be intentional about staying connected. Move forward.

2022-04-18T11:43:47-05:00April 7, 2022|Categories: Top 7 Life Lessons for Moving Forward|0 Comments

"Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good for man to be alone." Genesis 2:18 Jasmine was first admitted to the hospital at the height of the COVID pandemic and placed in isolation, which meant no visitors were allowed. Through a unique set of circumstances, I was permitted to visit [...]

31 March 03, 2022

Top 7 Life Lessons #4: Everyone will experience a crisis. An open heart to God restores hope. Move forward.

2022-04-09T11:48:56-05:00March 31, 2022|Categories: Top 7 Life Lessons for Moving Forward|0 Comments

"How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen?" (Habakkuk 1:2) "The LORD is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18) When the doctor said, "She will never recover," it felt like a punch in the gut! I never expected to hear [...]

24 March 03, 2022

Top 7 Life Lesson #3: Sadness can hold you down. Rise above it by fueling your joy through giving. Move forward.

2022-03-24T00:23:32-05:00March 24, 2022|Categories: Top 7 Life Lessons for Moving Forward|1 Comment

The house is quiet now. The sound of Fox News or Asian dramas from the television is no longer flowing from the family room. The quietness reminds me that she is no longer here, and my sadness surfaces yet again. We spent a lot of time together at home. She was [...]

17 March 03, 2022

Top 7 Life Lessons #2: It is okay to have regrets, but do not allow them to define your future. Move forward.

2022-03-22T18:17:13-05:00March 17, 2022|Categories: Top 7 Life Lessons for Moving Forward|0 Comments

“If I had only known the last time would be the last time, I would’ve put off all the things I had to do.” From Scars in Heaven by Casting Crowns Amid the chaos in her hospital room, Jasmine was confused. I said to her, “They are transferring you to a [...]

10 March 03, 2022

Top 7 Life Lessons #1: Cherish the memories; carry them with you. Move forward.

2022-03-11T01:49:08-05:00March 10, 2022|Categories: Top 7 Life Lessons for Moving Forward|0 Comments

“Faded photographs, covered now with lines and creases Tickets torn in half, memories in bits and pieces.” I am dating myself by bringing up the lyrics of this song, Traces, which was released in 1968 by The Classics IV. The song reflects upon memories of a love that has been lost, hoping [...]

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