Finding Hope in Hopelessness
How do you have hope when you’re feeling hopeless? Every grief or hopeless situation is unique to every individual. I don’t presume to have all the answers. Whatever your loss, be it a loved one, a job, finances, identity, overcoming addiction, health, or joy as you experience depression, your history and relationship in each area plays a role in forming it’s own intensity and recovery. But no matter what, there is hope for recovery.
Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted. (Isaiah 61) I was that one, the night the police came to my door and told me of my son’s death in a car wreck. We became guardians of his eighteen month old son. But that’s another story! Where do I go from here when the pain is overwhelming? Here are a few ideas that brought me solace as He did the healing.
1) Pray. Don’t ponder eloquent prayers, just cry out to God. I cried out to God for answers and assurance that my son was in heaven during that first sleepless night. Why didn’t He keep him safe? We live in a fallen world. Man’s choices have led to much tragedy in this life. God is God and I am not, sometimes you Trust Him because He cares for you and yours, what else can we do? He has the eternal perspective. He comforted me like no other. He sustained me. Isaiah 46:3-4 says He sustains me, carries me and saves me, even to my gray hairs ( and I do qualify for that.) He brought to mind when Zachary gave his life to Jesus and now he will live forever with Him. His name is in the Book of Life and shall never be removed. Blessed Assurance.
2) Put one foot in front of the other. Keep going despite the feelings. Make the choice, as you take the action, the emotions will follow. I had to get up and change the baby’s diaper, the choice was made for me. Exercise is a great remedy for depression. So take a walk as you’re able. Endorphins are released when you exercise and they make you feel better.
3) People. Support is essential. Connections with friends and family give you the energy you need, like plugging in an electric cord. So plug in, the power flows both ways. Call, text, get coffee and chat or take a walk. Watch your grandchildren laugh and play. Allow joy to seep back into your existence. It will happen, sometimes when you least expect it.
4) Psychological help. You may be emotionally weak and physically vulnerable if you don’t get out of the consuming pain or the destructive patterns that have you in bondage. Sometimes you are numb ( I was the first year after Zachary’s death). You still must seek counsel to help you through issues. Books have been my counselors many times, as well as my husband! He has a degree in psychology and I have been his constant client!
As you travel your journey in life, I wish you blessings and joy. Despite the sharp twists or turns you must make. it will come out to a glorious vista!
Love Debbie
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Sam is a businessman, writer, entertainer, speaker, husband, father to five children, grandfather and great grandfather. Sam graduated from Huntington University with a B.A. in psychology and drama and pursued a degree in Broadcasting from Illinois Central College with graduate degree in Christian Ministry from Christian Leadership University. Sam is the creator of Granpa Cratchet, one of the most successful touring shows in the history of the live events industry. Millions of people see Granpa every year all across the United States at fairs and festivals. His characters have appeared on every major network: Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, The Today Show (4 times). Sam and his characters have made over 500 local appearances and on all the major networks; NBC, CBS, ABC, ESPN, PBN, The LeSea Network, The PTL Network and Praise the Lord. They currently appear all around the world every week on YouTube and Facebook, and on several satellite networks via the Kidz Television Network and The Captain Hook (children's) Show.
Awesomegrandmothers.org 
This describes exactly the emotions That I experience. My situation is somewhat different. My son died of a sudden heart attack @ 35, 2 years ago. A single dad, his boy was alone with him when he passed. My grandson knew he was…in heaven, and got in bed and slept with his Daddy, one last time. I immediately was granted full custody of his 8 yr. old son, my grandboy. I could write a book on this very rough and heartbreaking past 2 yrs. School was very hard. We see a psychologist and Ty has a psychiatrist, as he has been diagnosed with PTSD. That in itself, is awful to witness. He would lay down in a “Cross” position on the floor of his room and beg for God to take him to heaven, to be with his Dad. It was heartbreaking. I actually think seeing my grandson grieve and hurt so badly, has been harder to bear than my own grief. He and his Daddy were two peas in a pod in their own world, that is forever gone. I am 65, divorced and raising Ty on my own. I feel so alone at night when I tuck Ty in bed, yet a I get a sense of accomplishment when I know he is tucked in and safe. I am struggling. When I have Ty to care for I am fine. I am having trouble getting out…finding myself again. My life now belongs to him. We start 4th grade soon. Prayers for a better year! Linda On Jul 22, 2017 8:59 PM, “AwesomeGrandmothers.org” wrote:
> samuelswords posted: “How do you have hope when you’re feeling hopeless? > Every grief or hopeless situation is unique to every individual. I don’t > presume to have all the answers. Whatever your loss, be it a loved one, a > job, finances, identity, overcoming addiction, health, or” >
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Linda, I am so sorry for your and Ty’s loss. Only God can bring comfort and care during this difficult time. I will be praying for you. You are doing well by him and he is blessed to have you. Please email me and keep me posted. debrasusanbowman@gmail.com. God Bless, Debbie
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