A Scripture Verse



Jesus said, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted", Matthew 5:5, King James Version (Cambridge Edition)











About Our Ministry

Naomi’s Ministry is Christian blog designed to provide encouragement, strength and prayer to individuals who are experiencing loss, grief and recovering from traumatic experiences.

This blog site is to encourage, pray and support persons experiencing a wide range of losses that anyone of us may experience in our lifetime. The parting of a special loved one by death; divorce; the loss of job and financial security; the loss of limb(s) or debilitating illness or disease; the loss of a home or opportunity, are all "losses" and at varying degrees, may catapult you into a grieving cycle or traumatic event. However, we may not be on the road to recovery, if the right resources are not available to give us perspective on our feelings and the changes that happens in one’s life when a loss of any kind occurs. We need courage to grieve and to wait before God for the healing that comes, sometimes, one day at a time.

This is "first" a ministry of encouragement:

Know that what you are going through is normal for anyone who has experienced what you have experienced. Knowing how to go through the process, recognizing when you are grieving and seeking the help you may need will aid in the recovery process.


Know that it is okay that you are hurting. No explanations are needed. Admitting that is a first step toward your recovery. Recovery does not mean that you will forget the one or object of your loss. This also does not mean you will not forget the trauma of your victimization. Emotional healing will allow you to live authentically, freely, victoriously in spite of the event. God wants you to have His Victory through His Son, Jesus Christ who won it on the Cross of Calvary for you and I.

Know that you are not alone. Jesus Christ promised never to leave us or forsake us (The book of Hebrews, chapter 13, verse 5). This promise found in the Holy Scriptures is a promise from the Lord Himself that He is always with us, even during our darkest nights. Jesus also said, “I will not leave you comfortless” (The book of the Gospel of John, chapter 14, verse 18).

Know that “The Comforter will come” (The book of the Gospel of John, chapter 16, verse 7). The Comforter that Jesus Christ is referencing is God the Holy Spirit, (part of the triune Godhead). As you call out to God in faith during this time of tremendous emotional and sometimes physical pain, the Lord will send His Spirit to minister to your mind, body, soul and spirit. He alone can heal the hurts of loss, grief and trauma. The Holy Spirit will wipe away "your tears". Jesus "is willing" to heal you if you but ask and trust Him in the process of recovery.

Know one day you will be able to smile again. The sun will shine in your heart again. You will laugh again. You will have more good days to come. The Lord knows the thoughts and plans he has for us (Jeremiah 29:11), even if you cannot see it in the midst of this defining moment. If you will trust the Lord’s plans for you, you will come through this season, whole and able to continue on in your life’s journey.

Search out a safe and Word-filled church home or fellowship, counselor/support group. God’s Word is the answer. Read Psalms 34, 41, 42, 91, 103, 107, 112, 119, 121, 123, 140, 145. Depending on our needs, we may also need some assistance beyond what a blog, book or cards offer. Professional help is available. Pray and ask the Lord to direct you to a place of healing and confidentiality. Check out the resources at your church or another Christ-centered congregation. Please do not grieve alone.

The time for recovery is NOW. Just like you would go to the hospital’s emergency room if you were physically in need of medical treatment, so during high levels of emotional crisis, you should not wait to seek help or assistance. DON’T WAIT TO GET HELP. This is the time to admit that you are hurting and it is okay.

Keep talking to God the Father, the Father of ALL Comfort. He knows your grief and the journey ahead. Also believe that He loves you even when you are sad. This ministry is reaching out to you with Jesus' love. We are praying for your total healing and recovery.

If you are interested in receiving prayer, please write me at: jesusislord14@outlook.com. Please do not request money - request prayer.

God loves you. We are praying you will feel His love and comfort every time you reach out to read the messages.

Jesus THE SON OF GOD is Lord!

Shalom.

Sister Birdsong


Sunday, July 29, 2012

A friend dies of suicide

Yes, this has been a season of death - of seveal reports of persons dying in the last week...Monday, Friday and today -  a sister in Christ dies of suicide. I have been keenly aware in the last 7 weeks, of seasons of mourning. Ecclesiastes says, "there is a time for mourning..." This is a time for many of us; many of you who are mourning not only mourning, but healing. I have received call after call, and today I walked into church to find out that a dear sister in the faith, had given up the fight - tricked by the enemy to leave this world. I am praying for the family right now in Jesus' name.

What a serious death - a serious thing to happen to such a woman who I believed loved God, but did not know how to reach for help in a time of need. Don't judge her, she was ill, she was not herself and what happened, only God knows and understands. Upon reading this, lift her family up who are walking in the aftermath of such a terrible event. Death brings enough mourning - suicide is another level of mourning, so many unanswered questions and feelings. So many signs missed of a soul that was hurting and in the deepest of despair. Father, help us all to heal from our wounds. Heal our souls, our minds and our spirits. Do not let our church programs and services get so regimented that we feel like we can get a "touch" from you and walk out of the doors - we need Your help and Your comfort.

Lord...help us in our mourning today. So many...the 10 families from the last 7 weeks in the circle of friends and church members I knew and so many more all over the world - help us in our grieving and heal not only our hearts and minds, but our land. We need you today Lord. We need you to keep us in the dark times. We need You Jesus to fix us where we are broken and messed up by people who hurt us and the enemy who brought bondage in our lives.

Father, in Jesus name, break the curses off of our lives. Now in Jesus name...set every captive free. Let no one leave this world under these circumstances. Father, keep people when they are desparate. Keep me and keep my family. Lord, You know all of us, how much we can bear and take....Be there for us when we need You the most..Be there Lord.

Suicide is an awful thing. To hurt oneself is to hate oneself. That is not God - that is the enemy who hates us all. But Jesus loves us. Jesus loves me. Jesus loves you. Jesus loves you. Jesus loves you....

Don't forget...no matter how dark the night....Jesus, The Light of the World will brighten our darkest days....Without Him we can do nothing....

Praying ever the more for those who mourn today....love you in Jesus.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Unexpected

Unexpected. That's how I can describe what I am going through today. It was totally unexpected. And unexpected events cause grief...too. Maybe I place too much expectation in people. I actually believe people or want to believe in people. However, some people do not reveal their true colors until...they reveal their true colors. Then all of the expectations of the relationship is poured out...What you thought was good, you now say, "I don't know...is this a good thing?" Persons who seem to have some modicum of civility and sense, show you that, underneath that veneer of civility, they are an animal on the prowl to attack your character, intentions and even your motives.

Some persons who know you just want to believe that you are not good enough...they believe they are inherently "better than you" when in actuality they are not better - they look better, but their value systems, morals, social networks and actions tell you that they do not have a "higher" plane of thinking...they are really low in how they view life, situations, events and even, sometimes you.

I have decided that I am going to trust in The Lord more. I cannot rely on the fickleness of persons who do not live in my "God view" of life's events. I need to listen to the Lord Jesus about the proper perspective, actions and viewpoints of how I relate to persons and how I handle situations. I am not perfect, never said I was, but one thing I do know: I do not intentionally seek to harm or hurt persons; I also do not think I'm better (I think I slip up on this sometimes, but God straightens me out and I know that with God, He is the only One who is BETTER than anyone else). I want to live for Christ, I want to do what is right, I want to have the right intentions and serve Jesus, people...be a blessing.

I know I am "confessing"...but really...I am always disturbed by unexpected realities...and then I have to go back to the God who never changes. The One I can count on to be constant. Thank you Lord for being the same, "yesterday, today and forever".

The unexpected. A dashed dream, a failed relationship, a sudden change of course..loss.....Thank God, He comforts me in the unexpected events of life. I better trust Him more...He is trustworthy.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Loss after loss

I mourn.

I relocated a month ago; the first weekend I attended a funeral of a family friend. The following week, another family friend's loss had me at another homegoing service. This week, three deaths, including that of my dear cousin Sylvia in Georgia. In one day, I heard of two of the losses, including Sylvia's death. I was told, "she was tired of living". None of that lessons the feelings of loss. All died in the Lord Jesus; I am glad they are with Him in eternity; today I was shakened by the deep abiding heaviness that occurs when the mind is trying to salvage some meaning to the finality of death. I am so glad that I know Jesus and that The Holy Spirit is comforting me. Never in such a time have I experienced, observed so much loss and grief at the same time.

I am overwhelmed.

I just wrote about the good grief, the kind of loss that you experience when you have made decisions to move to a new town, take a new job and all that. However, as my grief deepens, I have doubted my decisions. I have lost some of my bearings. It is difficult ...so many adjustments at the same time has left me yearning...wondering about my choices...and waiting on God to make a way for me that no one else can do. Only the Lord can make a way out...(thank you Jesus).

And now, I weep while others are weeping just like the Bible tells us to do in Romans 12:15. I also rejoice knowing that they died in Jesus. I mourn knowing that though their body perished, their souls are with The Lord...for all eternity. No more suffering...many suffered in this life and were tired from the suffering. One died of old age. One battled death while fighting by faith cancer and was a great testimony until ....not that she lost the fight or battle, but the Lord in His wisdom, allowed her life and time on this earth to end. One was young...not even 35 years of age. Many wore purple at her funeral to celebrate the fun person she was...we were shouting and praising God. Another, a man who could sing for God was celebrated with song...we praised then too. Thank you Lord for showing me that we can die with victory because of you Jesus. You have conquered death for us. You Jesus, took the final sting out of death.

No more stings. Tears, yes...but the sting of death is defeated...vanquished. I want to die praising the Lord in my life just like these died. But not yet...more work to do with the Lord (not for the Lord, notice the difference).

I am glad. The Holy Spirit has cheered me with Jesus who is Our Victory if we know and have accepted Him as our Savior. He loves me and He loves you. Hallelujah to The Lamb.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Good Grief Again

Today I cried...I knew that God was at work in my life when I attended a church where a healing service was being conducted along with Holy Communion. The church, a quiet place of bountiful worship, scripture reading was most beautiful in its simplicity. No cameras...lights or "live stream videotaping". It was a time for a refreshing. After service, the pastor took 20 minutes or more of her time to talk to me...about my good grief. I knew by the Holy Spirit that I was grieving and stressed, but I didn't really get it until I spoke to the Pastor about the recent changes of a relocation, new job - what she called, "high stress" events. I was once again reminded of how good God is in watching over His little children and letting me (us) know, that He cares - He sends His people to minister to minister to others in their time of need.

Thankfully, I am facing my good grief. The terrible pain of grief again in spite of making a good decision that led to other good decisions for change, did not stop me from experiencing a sense of loss. This explained my anxiety and sadness...loss is really loss....no matter the loss. Leaving even good things, a change in geographic locations, a new job, a new place to live, a new routine and leaving behind what was...causes grief. After our talk, my heart was both glad and sad - I know now how to pray about the grief and glad that "I am normal".

I have also attended two funerals in the last two weeks of moving. I am overwhlemed and needed to recognize that I was in a grieving place. I have however, after acknowledging that I am in the grieving process, to not attend anymore funerals for awhile - I have to take care of my own grief work. I will send cards though...but I can't take another funeral at this time. Thank God who always causes us (me) to triumph in Christ Jesus in the midst of any type of grief.

Thanking God for His help in navigating through this new grieving process.

"Thanks be to God".