Strength in letting go...

The last few weeks, and months really, have been rather rough. My grandma's passing has not been easy by any means; neither were the weeks and months leading up to her death. As hard as it was to say goodbye, there is a part of her that will always be with me. She taught me so many lessons; lessons about love and living a life that glorifies God.

One of the things my grandma used to say to me was, "Find your strength in letting go." I don't think I ever understood the meaning of that quote until recently. As I mentioned earlier, the past few weeks and months have been rough, but my grandma's words and lessons she taught me have helped me to get through it. In the beginning I tried to muster up the strength on my own to get through each day, but that was a horrible failure. It wasn't until I began letting go of my fears, anxieties, heartaches, and worries that I found strength. But it wasn't in just letting go that I found strength, it was in letting go and giving it all to God. God is my strength but it's not until I let go of all my selfishness, fears and problems that He is able to use me and show me what true strength looks like. He wants me to come to Him when I am troubled, not try and make things right on my own. He wants to be a part of my life.

Someone asked me today how I've been so strong and joyful the midst of all that's been going on. I thought to myself for a second, smiled and replied by saying, "I guess I've just found my strenth in letting go of all my worries and sorrows and taking hold of the promise and rest I have in God." Grandma was right. She taught me well, but she didn't just teach me she showed me; she showed me what a life devoted to God looks like. Grandma also said, "With strength comes joy." That never made sense until now, but I'm beginning to see what she meant. Finding strength in God allows us to experience the joy in all that He has for us.

Grandma taught me well. One thing I know for sure is that I will never forget the life of pure devotion that she lived. I pray that the lessons she taught and showed me, will continue to be a part of my life. She encouraged me with Scriptures and always wanted me to seek after the plans God has for me and keep Him at the center of my life. That's a lesson I pray I will never forget.