LIVING AFTER THE LOSS SERIES
July 18th, 2007Dear Friend,
Have you ever heard the expression, “I learned the hard way”? How about the comment, “I went to the school of “Hard Knocks”? Both expressions are usually made by someone who has learned a lesson from experience. Sometimes the experience teaches a new reality, and sometimes it just reminds of an old established truth.
Whether it’s something new or something old, anything learned “the hard way” is usually well remembered. Graduating from the school of “Hard Knocks” earns a diploma validated by experience, not just knowledge. Experience seems to cement the lesson learned deep into your mind.
A severe experience has a way of driving the lesson learned even deeper than your mind; it penetrates it into your very soul. The impact of such an unforgettable lesson can be life changing, especially if the lesson involves the faithfulness and wisdom of the Almighty God of the universe.
During the month of June 2004, I was enrolled in one of the most difficult courses that the school of “Hard Knocks” has to offer. Its title was “DEALING WITH THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE”. I was unwillingly subjected to two semesters of that disheartening course.
The first semester involved the unexpected death of my father on Father’s Day, June 20, 2004. The next semester took place only nine days later, and was much more difficult than the first. It involved the tragic death of my precious son in a horrific motorcycle accident. “Troy-boy” was the youngest of our four children, and the last one at home. The excruciating pain I felt that day was literally more than I could bear.
I would have never passed the test of overwhelming grief that flooded my soul had it not been for the ONE who had enrolled me in this course. The same Sovereign, Omnipotent, Awesome Creator who initially allowed this elective in my life; that same Almighty God lovingly came to my side and tutored me when I needed Him most. He graciously reminded me of many old established truths, and He patiently taught me some new realities as well.
Our precious “Troy-boy” was only 17 when he moved from our arms to the arms of his Heavenly Father. Losing a child that you deeply love has to be one of the most traumatic experiences that a parent can face. Equipping people to cope with that kind of catastrophe has become a major burden of my heart.
One result of that burden is an interview that my wife and I had with our dear friends at AiG. Through a discussion with Ken Ham, the CEO and President of AIG, we shared some of the highlights of our most difficult semester of suffering. You can read about our discussion and hear the actual interview by clicking here: www.answersingenesis.org/docs2004/1225letter.asp
We earnestly pray that God would use our “lesson time” as a tool to minister to you and your family.
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To exalt the SUPERIORITY of the Living and Written Word of God
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To comfort those who have already lost loved ones
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To prepare those who will be losing loved ones
Shortly after our move to
Presenting my “LIVING AFTER THE LOSS” series has given me opportunity to exalt the LORD, and to provide strength and encouragement to many people. You can read testimonies from folks who have heard my entire series by clicking here: www.troyscreationhouse.com/lal-testimonies
As part of the outreach of our ministry, I would welcome the opportunity to share my entire series with your church or fellowship group. You can contact me by phone (859-795-0769) or e-mail (jcjpguy@gmail.com).