“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4
My
daughter Dawn is a one of the most positive people you’ll ever meet.
My husband, Ed, and I adopted her
when she was three days old. We’ve loved her for 56 years. Ed passed away
earlier this year and our family is grieving.
Dawn
recently received the results of her DNA and discovered half-siblings. She has
connected with them and is looking forward to meeting them.
As her mother, I’m concerned about
her experiencing roller coaster emotions of mourning her dad and her excitement
of meeting a whole new family.
When I voiced my concern to her, she
said, “I believe this is happening because of Dad. I think he whispered in
God’s ear, and asked Him to give us some happiness during our holidays without
him.”
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing;
thou hast loosed my sackcloth
and girded me with gladness. Psalm 30:11
thou hast loosed my sackcloth
and girded me with gladness. Psalm 30:11
She turned her mourning into joy.
Many of us have experienced losses
of loved ones and the holidays aren’t the same without them. I plan to follow
Dawn’s lead and turn my mourning into joy.
Father, thank
You for blessing those who mourn. Thank You for Your comfort, and for turning
our mourning into joy.
B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and
speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story;
and coauthor of a children’s devotional My
Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000
copies sold.
As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a
Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on
Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 -
February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.
Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper
publishers include Focus on the Family,
Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to
God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace,
WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).
She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College,
Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft
Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life,
but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion
questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published
book.
Memberships: ACFW and Oregon Christian Writers (OCW).
She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm
scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.
5 comments:
Well written, Bunny, and a wise decision.
Great devotional! It's obvious you raised her to lean on Him for wisdom and discernment.
How marvelous is the love of God to allow your daughter to make contact with her birth family just when she needed it most. You are gracious in your willingness to support her decision, too. I know that's not an easy thing for an adoptive mother. Your faith and trust in Jesus shines through your words.
That was beautiful Mom! I thank you and Dad so much for everything! I’m sure my siblings would agree we were so blessed to be raised by parents like you! So much love!
#1daughter Dawn
Beautiful thought and joy cometh in the morning. When feeling down because of loved ones not here, I start thinking about the blessed assurance we have in Jesus knowing we'll be reunited one of these days. "What a Day That Will Be"
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