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You Are Going To Make It

Brianna Headen Ministries

free-woman

There was a season in my life where doubt and fear crept in, whispering that I was unfit to be a mother. Jobless and with scant income, the prospect of providing for my children seemed bleak. My daughter was waging a war against cancer, and I was struggling just to keep our home. The thought crossed my mind: perhaps surrendering my children to their father was the answer to our woes.

But one day, as we drove to church, a question to God weighed heavy on my heart. I was close to giving up when my daughter’s voice pierced the silence from the backseat. “Mom,” she said, her words clear and innocent, “I know why God chose you to be our mommy.” Her words brought tears to my eyes, and I asked her why. “Because He knew you’re the best one for us,” she replied.

At that moment, God spoke through my six-year-old, shattering the lies that had clouded my vision. I was reminded that through Christ, I am capable of overcoming any obstacle. We may not have had much, but it was sufficient. My children radiated joy without a hint of complaint. Our landlord showed kindness, never once threatening eviction. Indeed, God was our sustenance.

From then on, I embraced gratitude over doubt. As I did, new opportunities for income emerged, my daughter triumphed in her health battle, and over time, I regained all that was lost.

To anyone enduring hardship, cling to God’s steadfast presence and praise Him for His unwavering love, kindness, grace, and support.

Christianity

The Faces of Grief

Brianna Headen Ministries

The sting of grief first touched me in a moment that remains etched in my memory. My father, the first man I ever loved and my steadfast guardian, departed from this world without warning. At the tender age of ten, I was the youngest of six siblings, all significantly older. Their words about what to expect and how I might feel seemed to pass over me; no one paused to ask, “How are you doing?” Now, 44 years later, not much has changed.

Through the years, I’ve come to understand that grief extends beyond the realm of death. It can emerge from divorce, shifts in friendships, job loss, life’s unexpected turns, or illness. My adult life has been a tapestry of grief in various forms, and I’ve shouldered the burden of coping mostly alone. Often perceived as the invisible or resilient one, the one others lean on, I’ve learned that grief touches each of us uniquely, and we each navigate its waters differently. In this current chapter, I’ve been compelled to pause amidst the upheaval that has brought grief—none related to death—and confront the raw truth and pain head-on.

As a pastor, trained counselor, and chaplain, I’ve sat with countless individuals, offering tools and fostering environments of safety and healing. Yet, I find myself struggling to seek or accept such solace for my own heart. Perhaps it’s due to the sheer number of people I’ve empathized with but felt unheard by. Maybe it’s the shift in dynamics with former friends who now seek my counsel, my role as a pastor, or the fear of judgment from peers and collaborators.

Today, after another heartache, I’ve come to realize that life becomes more challenging when we seek from others what God is ready to provide. My faith tells me that God is relational by nature and designed us for connection. However, I’m learning that relationships can transform with the seasons. Those once central in my life may become distant, while others emerge as vessels guiding me into the embrace of a loving God. For someone who craves control or resists change, transitioning to a new normal can be daunting. Yet, surrendering our control and notions of normalcy to the One who holds our existence brings the inner healing our souls yearn for.

Grieving is an intrinsic part of life, but denying our grief is not. No one has the authority to dictate our sorrows or invalidate our pain. We are granted the freedom to mourn without guilt. Even if it means facing grief in solitude, without the comfort of another’s touch, it’s important to remember that in those moments, God extends His arms to us. He longs to envelop us in His embrace, showering us with His restorative love. Within the sanctuary of His arms, we can find tranquility for our minds, rest for our weary souls, healing for our hearts, and a space to relinquish our burdens. 🕊️