When Life Happens

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Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families… Psalm 68:5-6a

I have been working on a blog post with plans to update yesterday, just like always.

And then life happened.

I really am not ready to share details here, but I am certain that it will come out in the near future.

But, I would like to simply ask for prayer. These are difficult, painful days. A new journey. An opportunity to see my God be faithful. A chance to see my Great I Am meet our every need. He will bind up our wounds and heal our broken hearts because that’s the God I serve.

You know, when my life fell apart 7-8 years ago, I didn’t do a very good job of running to God. Today, when I learned devastating news, I immediately began to think about my Savior, His love for me and my kids.

He is a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows. He is near the broken hearted. He uses our pain as an opportunity to bandage our wounds and heal our injuries. He is God, and He is faithful.

I feel like I am just rambling…probably am. After all, it’s 4:30 in the morning. I’ve been up for over an hour, unable to sleep, mourning. My mind is running non-stop. I can’t find words to pray.

But He is here. I see His hand of protection all around me and my children. He is with us through the family and friends that dropped everything and came to us. He was with me through the amazing words of advice from friends who have walked this road. He is here. Always. Forever.

More than anything, I’m here asking for prayer. As a body of believers, I humbly ask you to lift my children and me to the throne of heaven. I ask you to intercede on our behalf as I find myself too shocked and hurt to pray myself.

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:26-28

Thank you for your friendship, for joining me on this crazy—and often painful—journey called life. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you.

42 replies
  1. Diane
    Diane says:

    Praying for you and your family now Dena. I have walked along with you in this journey, going through divorce myself. Understanding the hurts and tears. You have been such an encouragement to me. May God comfort and heal you in this difficult time.

    Reply
  2. Christina
    Christina says:

    Dena:
    Just prayed that you will reap right now in encouragement for all the encouragement you have sown in me and countless others through your blog. God is with you and your kids. Please know that the enemy would not be attacking you if you weren’t shaking things up for the Kingdom of God! He will continue to be glorified in your life.

    Reply
  3. Amy Sommerfield
    Amy Sommerfield says:

    Dearest Sister in Christ,
    I just read your blog entry on “Crosswalk” devotional this morning. I have been praying all day for peace and hope for you and your family.

    Reply
  4. Jennifer
    Jennifer says:

    Came to your blog tonight for the first time in a time of deep pain over what looks like an impending separation. Life is so hard. My kids…. Oh my beautiful children. My heart is in pieces tonight for them.

    Oh, Jesus, carry us, hold us, comfort our children, help them in their deep pain that they sometimes can’t even express or process like we can. Defend and guard their hearts and flood them and us with a peace that is beyond understanding. In the powerful name of Jesus.

    Psalm 72:4-5: “He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, and will break in pieces the oppressor. They shall fear You as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.”

    Reply
  5. Georgia Robinson
    Georgia Robinson says:

    Dear Dana,
    This may sound strange but I could feel the pain and hurt from your words. My heart is sad that you and your family are hurting. Sometimes life just seems so overwhelming and unfair but God knows exactly how you feel and where your at. My you and your family find peace and hope, from whatever has happened. You have a lot of people praying and caring for you. May God bless you through this time and protect you and your children.
    Praying for you Georgia

    Reply
  6. kidkrazydad
    kidkrazydad says:

    I feel the Holy Spirit has shown me your tragedy. I understand your biggest concern is the hearts of your children. Don’t forget your own words, “He will be a father to the fatherless” and with a mother like you, your children will learn from this. Being a mom and dad is tough work but when our bottom falls out, His hands reach out and catch us so lovingly. The fear of being able to support our children alone are valid concerns but GOD sees your heart, He knows you inside and out. Sometimes we have to be willing to make sacrifices and give up a few things out of necessity but GOD will always make sure your needs are met. Perfect love casts aside all fear dear Dena. I will be praying for you and the kids…..

    Reply
  7. Pat
    Pat says:

    God bless you…You are a strong strong woman of God, through your own pain you have helped instill hope in many to help with their own hurts and pains. That is what the Lord wants us to do, help others in the midst of our own pain. I know God looks down on you and smiles and says, ” my good and faithful servant.” Iam lifting you up to the Lord for the things you may need that only He knows about and only He can sort out. God’s abundance of blessings for you. Thank you for your service to the Lord…

    Reply
  8. Michelle
    Michelle says:

    Psalm 61:2
    Lord when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.
    God knows your hear, Dena. He has already begun the work in you. You are a daughter of a King. Bless you!

    Reply
  9. Christie Wayne
    Christie Wayne says:

    Dear Father, please comfort your daughter and her children with your peace that passes all understanding. Give her abundant resources in these difficult days ahead. Give her clarity in all matters that require decision making and confirm those decisions by sealing affirmation in her heart.

    Reply
  10. ahloha2
    ahloha2 says:

    Dear Dena,

    You have been an amazing inspiration to me in the darkest time of my life and continue to be. My heart cries out for you and your children as you are going through this difficult situation. The scripture in Romans that you quoted is perfect as it was exactly what spoke to my heart last night when I was in prayer and that those groanings that the Spirit brings forth to God on our behalf to intercede for what we have need of and our father in heaven who loves us hears and responds. It’s such a beautiful thing and then to reciprocate that love back to him such as in this scripture psalm 27:4 “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.” We will seek on your behalf before the Lord and inquire in his temple for whatever you have need of via the spirit. Bless you my faithful sister. The trials and tribulations in life will come as we press on forward in our calling in Christ but you are a wonderful daughter of the most high God and are allowing yourself to be used for his glory. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you and your children all the days of your lives and you shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever, Amen. We stand with you and we love you as your brothers and sisters in Christ. Love Lorie

    Reply
  11. Beverly Steele
    Beverly Steele says:

    My heart is breaking for you and your children in your present trial. May you find comfort in the Father’s love and strength and in the prayers of those of us who love you and who are holding you up in faith to the Giver of Hope.

    May you find comfort through His Word:

    “From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety.”. Psalm 61:2

    Bev in Kentucky

    Reply
  12. bunmi
    bunmi says:

    Dena ,
    I want you to know that you are loved by me, many people and most especially God. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He said when you pass through the waters He will be with you IS 43 1-3. .I will continue to pray for you .
    Love you loads

    Reply
  13. Barbara
    Barbara says:

    Dear Heavenly Father, I bring Dena and her family to you and I ask that You strengthen and comfort them during this very difficult time. May they feel Your presence and love and cling to Your promises. We know that You are in control and we trust that You work all things out for the good of those who love you and are called according to Your purpose. I pray all these things in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.

    We as a body of Believers stand behind you and your family.

    Reply
  14. Mindy
    Mindy says:

    Lifting you and the kids up today. I am a single mom to four kids and you are an inspiration to me. All my love. ~ Mindy Seekford

    Reply
  15. hairston
    hairston says:

    dena i am so sorry i dont have the words of comfort to say to you during your time of grief.i can say that whatever GOD allows is for a reason and his perfect will.job is our perfect example of that.you may never know GODS reason but know its his will and he wont let anymore come upon us than we can handle.the hurt and pain i went thru during my marriage and divorce made me stronger and wiser and brought me closer to GOD knowing i had to depend on him like never before.i am praying for you and your family.

    Reply
  16. Jacqui Hennessy
    Jacqui Hennessy says:

    Praying for you and your children. That Father God will comfort you, strengthen you, guide you and help you through this difficult time.

    Reply
  17. Lorraine Batchelor
    Lorraine Batchelor says:

    Lifting you and your family up in prayer. It is by praying for others in their time of suffering that I can get through my own pain of a divorce a month ago and constant hurt. I pray that God surrounds you with comfort and peace. I have complete faith He will. And He will bring you through this time of grief just as He has in the past.

    Reply
  18. Donna Jackson
    Donna Jackson says:

    Praying for you and all that concerns you today. You have blessed and encouraged so many of us, so today I pray that the peace of God would be yours today! Hold on to your Father God!

    Reply
  19. Jim (the one in Houston)
    Jim (the one in Houston) says:

    Dena,
    I have not known you but a short time. In that time you have shown such strength in praying for MY new divorce and I’m grateful to you. As a brother in Christ, I will keep you in prayer today. Our God is Almighty and Loving. Know that and know that you have brothers and sisters lifting you and your family up.

    Reply
  20. mary
    mary says:

    Dena and Children,
    May the Lord our God be with you and hold you in the palms of his mighty hands.May you be still and know he is in control. Whatever you are going through I pray for all of you to know he is with you and find rest knowing he will turn all things for your good.
    Dena, As a mother I know how hard it is to see our children hurt..and wait begging God to stop any hurt from coming to them. God will hear your prayers…our prayers and he will come to his children with the answer that only he can provide. I pray for all of your needs to be met.

    Reply
  21. Sherri Mansell
    Sherri Mansell says:

    I will be praying for you and your family. I always look forward to reading your posts. Be encouraged that “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His fairhfulness will be your shied and rampart”. Ps. 91:4

    ~Sherri

    Reply
  22. Lwalie
    Lwalie says:

    Dena,
    You are such an inspiration to so many. The devil would love nothing more than to see you destroyed to stop your message of Christ from reaching so many. The devil is a liar! God is supreme and will work this situation for the good! You will be blessed 100 times over. You and your children are covered by the blood of Jesus. I pray for supernatural peace and wisdom. Faith and courage to face whatever this is with joy because we know the joy of the Lord is your strength. The devil is trying to rob you of your strength. He will fail. He always fails. Keep yours eyes cast upward and God will show up in a big, big way. He is seldom early but He is NEVER late! ????????????

    Reply
  23. Jean
    Jean says:

    I enjoy yiour posts, but I don’t normally comment. I said a prayer for you and your family this morning and will continue to do so. My heart goes out to you at this time.

    Reply
  24. Amy
    Amy says:

    Dena,
    I found your blog on purpose one night when I thought I was going to die from the pain I felt from a divorce I did not want. However, in the darkness of that night, your words brought me hope. Through you, God spoke to me that night.

    I hope a special fondness in my heart for you even though we have never met. My heart aches as you share the despair you are going through right now. May I just add that I am going through a trial right at this moment in my life, as well. Words fail me when I speak to our Father but I claim God’s promise that when two or more are gathered in His name, He will answer our cry.

    I ask God to hear your cries for help. To be there even more at this difficult time. I don’t know why whatever is happening to you right now but know that I, and others, will flood the gates of heaven with prayer for you. Let us hold you up right now in prayer and ask God to deliver you and your children through this situation you are having to deal with. Sometimes life sucks! But God is good and his love for us will always be perfect. Hold on sister, we have your back! God bless.

    Reply
  25. Janis
    Janis says:

    So very sorry Dena for whatever you are going through….and I pray that our dear Savior would comfort and strengthen you. May you would know even more how very much HE loves you….and have HIS peace in your pain.

    Reply
  26. Bonnie Hazelwood-Garcia
    Bonnie Hazelwood-Garcia says:

    Dena, I pray that I and all your readers will be Aaron and Hur to you and your sweet family, that through the Holy Spirit, your arms will stay lifted up and you will, in Jesus’ Name, be the victor! Those verses are true, keep claiming them even if you don’t feel like you believe them. God is greater than your feelings!

    Reply
  27. Patricia Hamm
    Patricia Hamm says:

    My prayers are with you and your family. Let us know the journey you have been asked to travel and the miraculous way God is going to intercede in your life. God Bless You as I “stand” with you.

    Reply
  28. Nadia
    Nadia says:

    Dena, I am so sorry for what you and your children are going through right now, for the pain and the hurt. I don’t know what it is or why it is happening but in the words of the new Casting Crowns song “just be held” by the One who loves you. You and your children are in my prayers. Your posts have given me encouragement and strength on the days I needed it most. Thank you. I hope that today and in the coming days you will feel loved and know that you are in my prayers. God bless you.

    Reply
    • Michaele Beth Taylor
      Michaele Beth Taylor says:

      So, since I am new to THIS particular bible app which i REALLY REALLY enjoy btw, i am not sure what has happened, my mind can only wander, but I would also like to add Jeremiah 29? God knows the plans He has for you, plans to prosper, not hurt you. I know that God will be with you always and love you like no other because you and I and every single person with faith even as small as a mustard seed (LOVE this personal guarantee from Our Father AND Our Always faithful Savior). I am trying to find MY calling which I feel so deeply; I’m feeling like I’m being called somewhere to do THE GOOD WORKS of and for OUR Lord. God bless you all on THIS the day that OUR Lord has blessed us ALL with, because He loved US first (another favorite). Happy New Year to All.

      Reply
  29. Joy
    Joy says:

    Dena:
    As a sister in Christ who also walks with a limp, but has Faith in complete healing and wholeness, I will stand with you during this difficult time. The vibrations of heaven declare the sound of Abundance Rain over His children; however storms and mud have to be dealt with too. May His Blessings and Comfort overtake you and may those who have Faith lift you up.

    Reply
    • Sherri Mansell
      Sherri Mansell says:

      I will be praying for you and your family. I always look forward to your posts. Please be encouraged. Ps. 92:4 “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” No matter what is happening, continue to trust Him. He loves you more than the birds and is our Protector through all dangers and fears of life.

      ~ Sherri Mansell

      Reply

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