Many people around us are facing a time of loss and need healing. Some have lost spouses, children, jobs, and health. My fellow Mississippians who live on the gulf coast are losing their entire lifestyle and businesses due to the oil spill. Some are struggling to adjust after a divorce or separation. Having battled through depression and discouragement over loss, I know for a fact that God is with us no matter how we feel. His Word is true and He is faithful to it! Circumstances may change, He remains constant and unfailing. I loved this encouragement today from Joyce Meyer: “Press aggressively into a new life. Not everything in your life is over; just one part of it has ended. One season has passed and another can now begin—if you are willing to take action. Don’t just passively sit and wait for something to happen or someone to come along. Go make new friends. Find someone else who is lonely and be a friend to that person. You will reap what you sow, and God will return that friendship many times over. Let the loneliness you feel turn into compassion for other lonely people, and then decide to do something about it!”  When we are in the midst of an intense fight with our emotions, after our identity has been stripped away and we are left wondering who we are and how to live, I know that we do NOT want to hear “Get over it!” At least I never do!:) We’ll usually respond with, “How do people expect me to just get over it when they have no idea what I’m going through!” But when the initial smoke has cleared and the throbbing of your heart has subdued, I’ve found that its CRUCIAL to leave that despondent pit behind! If you stay there, you pro-long the healing process. Word of instruction: Do something! Be there for someone else who is suffering. As Elizabeth Elliot says, “Do the next thing.” His will is for us to live the abundant life He has bought for us with His blood. He not only holds us when we need His consolation, but He empowers us to carry on His purpose and work he’s given us to do on this earth! He alone should be our great motivation to press on. Strive for the glory of God! He will bring you peace as you give yourself to Him and His love to others.