“Jesus wept.” 

I had read these words countless times, learning from a young age that this was the shortest verse in the Bible. These two words meant nothing to me until that day when they became brand new. 

It had been one of those days when I was stone-facing my despair…

“Doesn’t therapy suck?!”

Matt and I laughed at the unapologetic honesty.

“Yes!” We said in unison. All four of us laughed at being understood and connected by hardship and heartache. We didn’t have to explain how years and years of doing the same therapies over and over was draining and soul…

“What should we do for Finley’s birthday?” Paisley could barely contain her cake excitement. 

I smiled, attempting to mask the heartache I felt. 

“I don’t know. What do you think we should do?”

“Eat CAKE!”

“Yes, we will make a cake with lots of sprinkles!”

“And ICECREAM!!!”

“Yes, icecream too.”

Paisley quickly became serious. “Finley does…

“What are Sunday’s like for you, Heather?” I blinked rapidly at the question. My mind filled with emotion and a desire to be honest. I knew he and his wife understood the pressure of church leadership, they were familiar with the endless amount of energy it takes to care…

“Beloved, when Jesus says, “Blessed or those who mourn for they will be comforted.” He is not speaking of the comfort we think of-being made to feel better with an understanding hug. No, the word “comfort” in the original Greek means “fortified by the Holy Spirit.” So one could…

“ If you could go back and give yourself some words of advice at the start of this  journey with your son, what would it be?” 

Without hesitation she replied, “I would say be kind to yourself. And know that your other kids will be great.” 

I was instantly in tears. Taken…

“Every time you feel guilty I want you to tell me. It doesn’t matter how many times a day that is. You must expose the lies of guilt every single time.”  

As Matt said the words there was an automatic, knee-jerk reaction of guilt. I almost laughed.

“Well, I’m feeling guilty…

“Heather, You are often on my heart. I woke up this morning with a story of you on my heart. It is going to sound strange and maybe crazy but I feel prompted to share it with you. You can tell me what you think and then add to…

“Bud, do you need to have a venting session?”

“What is that?”

“ A venting session is where you get to say anything and everything you need to. I won’t say a word. I will just listen and probably tell you I have felt the same and maybe pray at the…

Tears flowed freely down my face. Pain that had been locked deep in my heart had found a way to be spoken for and was making itself known. I cradled someone else’s story that a dear friend had recommended in my hands and felt for the first time in…