Pope Francis said that “Do not be afraid!” is the message of the Church.
It is true that stalwart messengers of hope may be scorned and scoffed at by those who “celebrate your pain,” but that is no reason to back off. Instead, it is an additional spur to increase hope and joy, especially in the company of others who are united in making the world a more peace-filled, hope-filled place.
Search your soul, Pope Francis often said, for that quiet peace that comes from knowing you are surrounded and protected by God’s love.
O Jesus, I want to live in the present moment, to live as if this were the last day of my life. I want to use every moment scrupulously for the greater glory of God, to use every circumstance for the benefit of my soul. I want to look upon everything from the point of view that nothing happens without the will of God. God of unfathomable mercy, embrace the whole world and pour Yourself out upon us through the merciful Heart of Jesus.
If I told you, “It’s been a heck-of-a-week!” I would be understating matters.
Sweet magical Helen’s passing was the straw that broke my heart.
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Sweet Helen’s quality of life would not recover and would continue to deteriorate, so I made the agonizing decision to put her to sleep.
Anyone who has ever needed to do the same understands, the teetering of thought between, “Is it selfish of me to not step-aside from my own needs to have her here with me, while she continues to suffer?” Or “Is it selfish of me to relieve her of the suffering, because I can no longer continue to watch her deteriorate?”
By the grace of God and a kind & caring Veterinarian, I knew I needed to step aside so that Helen could finally rest in peace.
I have had a lot of wonderful, loving family members and friends ministering to me in these most recent days, for which I am extremely grateful. It is both comforting & humbling to have others supporting you in your grief.
As a result, I have found myself asking “Is it wrong for a Christian to mourn an animal?” I admit that I cried a great deal when I had to put Helen down, both before and after the fact. I brought Helen into our home in 2014, at a period of great despair and tumult within our family, and I sometimes believe if I had suffered through that period alone, I might have completely fell into an unrecoverable despair.
hugsnblessings 