John 3:16 tells us that whoever believes in Jesus shall have everlasting life. This personal essay shares how God was with the author during a difficult time in their life.
We often look for God in times of need, but what about when it seems like the world is spinning out of control? For me a 14-year-old girl, that’s exactly what happened. I was awakened in the middle of the night by my father and stepmother, who were violently fighting up and down the house. Despite the chaos around her, I felt terrified. This is my story.
I had been living with my father and stepmother off and on a couple times since my parents divorce. The three had an unusual relationship at best, so when I awoke to the sounds of her father and stepmother fighting in the middle of the night, I knew something was very wrong.
As they made their way through the house—pounding on walls and screaming profanities—I lay in her bed trembling with fear. But as soon as I closed my eyes, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. In that moment, she knew didn't know God was—watching over and protecting her even in such a frightening situation. She believed in God but didn't fully understand a relationship with him.
It can be difficult to recognize God's presence during troubling times—especially if we're running scared or feeling overwhelmed by life's circumstances. I didn't know then how important God was in my life. However, as I got older I developed a loving relationship with God, as you will see in future blog posts.
Grief, as much as we might wish otherwise, is an emotion that doesn't conveniently pack its bags and take off after a set period. It settles in and becomes an enduring part of us, like a tattoo on the heart. Whether it’s been two months or two years, the longing for a lost friend, brother, or child can still catch us by surprise, sweeping over us like an unexpected breeze. It’s those small moments—the favorite song coming on the radio, the scent of their favorite meal cooking, or a shared joke echoing in our mind—that bring back a flood of memories and the realization of their absence.
In those moments of overwhelming emotion, Our family has found solace in a companion that’s been a true blessing: Young Living’s Peace & Calming essential oil. Over the last few days, especially as we marked the two-year anniversary of my sons best friends passing, this gentle blend became a comforting presence in our lives. Just a few drops diffused in the living room or added to a relaxing bath at night seemed to wrap us in a reassuring embrace.
While Peace & Calming doesn’t erase the loss or the longing—I wouldn't want it to, as those feelings are tied to someone truly loved—it has helped me find a semblance of tranquility amidst the stormy sea of emotions. Its soothing, sweet fragrance helps ease the tension each time that wave of grief washes over me, allowing me to take a deep breath and find a moment of peace.
If you're navigating the turbulent waters of grief, as many of us are, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself. Allow the memories to come and go freely, acknowledging the pain but also cherishing the love that remains. And, if you haven't already, consider inviting Peace & Calming into your self-care routine. It’s not a magic wand, but it helps illuminate a path towards finding peace in the quiet moments and acts as a supportive friend on the journey through grief. Remember, it’s okay to feel, and it’s okay to seek support, whether from a cherished aroma or a community of empathetic hearts who walk this path beside you.
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