”Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.“ 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 16 NIV
Blessed Monday family❤️ . This week we are looking at causes of depression.
My story
Some years ago l lost my father. He had a heart problem therefore he lived a life of medication until his body couldn’t handle all that . At the time, I was already serving on God’s altar and so when it happened it was on a Tuesday, I was on my knees, at altar, alone, praying for him and my uncle who was also sick. I declared God’s word, got up and checked my phone. My aunt called and said to me, “Come home quickly.” Another called saying,”Where are you?” . These are people who rarely called me so I started feeling uneasy but I did not think something had happened to my Daddy, I mean, l had just prayed. So obviously he’d be healed right? Wrong.
I decided to not stay for choir rehearsal and just head back home. While I was crossing the road, a friend called me, with my earphones on, l answered and she said, “I’m so sorry about your dad!” Beloved l was in the middle of the road. My feet became numb. A truck was coming, the driver called out, “MOVE!” I got off the road and thought to myself ,”Nah. It’s probably all in my head.” I walked to the taxis, got home, as l was by the corner, I saw many cars by my house. I said “Lord please help me walk to the gate” , l was literally shaking. When l got home, l saw my Mommy, sitting on a mattress. I saw my sisters crying!! And I thought, “Valerie! Where is Valerie?” Valerie is the one I come after, I thought something happened to her. I was confused. Everyone was looking at me, probably waiting for me to start crying. I asked, “What happened? Why is Everyone calling me?” One of the grannies from the neighbourhood said it , “Sorry. Your father passed away this morning!” My heart. My mind. My body. Everything in me was numb. I felt betrayed. I felt let down why? Why did he die when l was on my knees praying? I prayedddd!! Did l pray too late? Did l pray amiss?
My mommy said, “It’s true. Go to Valerie in the room.” My other sisters were on the floor wailing. Valerie was in the room. In bed. With blankets. In that heat. When she saw me, we both broke down . “ Daddy please don’t let this be true. “ I cried so much. I loved my Dad in a way that I can’t explain. I didn’t know how much that would change my life. Losing my Dad changed the next 6-7 years of my life. I was depressed. I was wounded. I was limping . Every birthday felt like mockery from hell because we shared the same birthday. I was constantly thinking of my sweet Daddy laying in the coffin. Lifeless. I wouldn’t be able to see him again reading his newspaper, hear him singing, no more teddy bear hugs or funny faces. No more.
So l understand. I wanted to share this story so that you know, I understand. I know the crippling pain of seeing your loved one with their eyes closed , no response and in that moment, no answers from heaven. Maybe you think you’re the only one. But there’s been a funeral in every family and the closest person to the deceased feels/felt like you feel. Death is a visitor that goes to every house , knows everyone, eats anyone.
Let us look at how to move on from that experience tomorrow. This was just to start our week. My friend, we will deal with all those things! GOD IS HELPING US! I love you, God loves you. [Refer to the verse at the top]
”So death, tell me, where is your victory? Tell me death, where is your sting?“
THE HOLY BIBLE
1 Corinthians 15:55 TPT
