Image Credit: Joan Davis
I was in the grocery store the other day. It was filled with busy shoppers choosing the items they’d need to make their meals and feed their families. I saw many moms with their children and I found myself praying earnestly for them. Watching their interaction and witnessing the simple, joyful times of “helping mommy shop” pricked my memories and made my heart swell. For those of us who are parents, we know how much of a gift our children are and the fact that God has entrusted them to us is truly humbling. Things aren’t always easy, but still, being a mother has been my greatest joy and I am so thankful to God for allowing me that blessing. 

Before I had children, I didn’t fully understand unconditional love, but now I do. No matter what our children do or have done, I will always love them. My love is deep, as a mother’s love is. But what happens when that love is not returned? What happens when our hearts break and we find ourselves sinking into grief and despair?


Today, as I write this, I am praying tenderly for the moms out there who are grieving for a child. I am grieving, too.  I don’t claim to know exactly how each one of you feels, as each one of us grieve differently. However, I know how I am feeling and because of that, my heart goes out to you. You may be asking how to survive the sorrow that comes with rejection of a loved one…or how to manage feelings of loss and heartbreak. I don’t know all the answers, as I am still just traveling this painful road myself. But, I want to encourage you that God knows the future of each person. He knows the path we will walk in our lives and the challenges we will face…and He cares about each one of us. He feels our hurts and knows our distress. What happens in our lives is important to Him…so important that He holds each of our wounds close to His heart.


“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. 
 You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalm 56:8

I know that God does not watch indifferently from afar as we endure suffering. Our God is a God who cares. He loves us and is actively working to comfort us in our trials. He showers compassion on us and walks beside us as we travel through our valleys, helping us to make it through each hour of each day.


“If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, 
he’ll help you catch your breath.” Psalm 34:18, Msg.

I feel kicked in the gut. And God understands, for He was rejected, too. I am only just beginning this difficult journey, but I know that I can rely on Him to walk with me each step of the way. I trust God and His character and am on my knees before Him. I know He has a plan for me and for each one of you. He will help us through our grief as we cling to Him. I may not understand why things happen the way they do, but I am counting on my God and I know He will never let me down. He has promised us a bright future, and I believe Him.


“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 
plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11


My hope is in Him,






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17 Comments

  1. I'm visiting from The Weekend Brew and I love the honesty here. The thing about unconditional love is it always comes with risks, doesn't it? And the deeper we love, the deeper the pain whenever the object of our affection hurts us. If we didn't love, it wouldn't hurt so much. But that's what mamas do. They love.

    You've quoted some beautiful Scriptures here that have certainly helped me whenever I've found myself walking a hard road, hurt by those I love the most. What a comfort to know that, no matter who hurts us, who abandons us, who rejects us, God will never leave us or forsake us.

    May you be filled with God's peace today, and place your broken heart in His faithful hands. Things have a way of working out. Thanks for blessing me with your post.

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  2. Hi, Joan! Your heartfelt words and the verses you share are so touching and true. Only a parent can understand true unconditional love to the fullest! Just a few months ago, I re-committed my self to praying every day for my children(and grandkids). I also have a good friend who grieves the
    broken relationship of a daughter who rejected God and is living the lesbian life. My friend and I meet once a week to pray specifically for our kids. We also are going through the book, “The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children.” (http://www.amazon.com/Power-Praying%C2%AE-Your-Adult-Children/dp/0736920862), which had been essential in helping us know what we should be praying for our
    kids. My extra time spent in prayer has been helpful in getting me through some very tough times, so far. I am also able to encourage my friend. Maybe that would also be helpful for you, especially praying specifically with someone who understands your pain. You and your daughter will definitely continue to be in my prayers, friend! Thanks for sharing.

    Love and blessings, Ann

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  3. Thank you for your encouragement, Dayle! I am so thankful for our God. His faithfulness keeps me going during difficult times! I can trust him and I know He is doing a good work through all this.


    Blessings, Joan

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  4. Thank you, Ann. Prayer is so important as it opens up the communication between us and God, deepening our relationship. It is also through prayer that we receive comfort and peace - the salve for our wounded hearts. I am so thankful that God desires that kind of relationship from me...one of open sharing of both the joys and the sorrows. Thanks for the tip on the book. I have some of Stormie Omartian's other books, but not the one for praying for our adult children. I'll have to check it out.


    Blessings, Joan

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  5. Oh it is so true Joan; our unconditional love certainly endures without limitations, despite the circumstances. There is no way to describe the love we have for our children!

    Praying that you can release everything to
    God, trust in Him to provide, and let Him take charge. You and your daughter have been, and will continue to be in my loving thoughts and prayers dear friend!

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  6. Denise,


    Releasing this situation to God is allowing me to remember to trust Him and His word. I am trusting Him for His plan, knowing that His plan is far better than mine! I am so glad He is in charge! Thank you for your prayers and kind words!


    In His grip, Joan

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  7. Praying for you, friend. Asking God to cradle your heart. Knowing God will be with you every step of this difficult journey.

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  8. Thank you so much for your prayers, Pamela. I am leaning into Him as I seek His comfort and peace through this. I am so blessed to be part of the Body of Christ and to feel so supported.


    In His grip, Joan

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  9. May you continue to cling to His Word, His truth, in this season. Hugs!

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  10. bluecottonmemoryOctober 21, 2013

    It's hard, learning to live this unconditional love - and living faith that He knows our hearts desires and already has restoration plans in place! Praying for you:)

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  11. Thank you, Barbie! I am so thankful for His word! He has been showing me such important truths through it as I travel this road.


    Trusting Him, Joan

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  12. Thank you so much for your prayers! I am trusting that the work He began in my daughter will continue until completion on the day that Christ returns! I can feel His comforting hand through the thoughts and prayers of friends and the truths He is sharing through His word. I'm trusting Him.


    Clinging to Him, Joan

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  13. Laura of Harvest Lane CottageOctober 21, 2013

    Hello Joan,

    May the God of Peace, and Hope who knows the end from the beginning comfort you and wrap you in His Holy Spirit Comforting love.

    Thank you for your comment on my post, Verdict Changed, over at Encourage 24/7.

    Blessings to you,

    Laura

    Harvest Lane Cottage

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  14. Thank you, Laura! Your prayer is a great comfort. I am looking to Him!


    Blessings, Joan

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  15. Yes...the peace that is beyond all understanding! Thank you, Nannette!


    Blessings, Joan

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  16. Great words Joan! I am not a mom yet but I take care of my nephew and it has given me that better glimpse of unconditional love! My friend Tammi Schmorleitz connected me with you--I too am a local Christian blogger (though don't consider myself a faith blog). Lovely to "meet" you!

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  17. Thanks for dropping by, Ashley! Tammi mentioned your blog this morning -- I'll go check it out! When I think about how much I love my children, I am amazed that God loves us even more...and He knows all about me! Talk about unconditional love! What a blessing!


    In His grip, Joan

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