Sons of the Shepherd

They Don’t Understand My Grief— and I’m Thankful for That       I'm sure that each of us had a subject in school that we weren't very fond of.  It was probably a subject that no matter how hard you worked at, it just didn't seem to make sense.  My subject was math.  I always said that math stood for mental abuse to humans.  It wasn't that I didn't try or work hard.  I spent so much time being tutored and repeating step after step, but I never seemed to understand.  For some of you it was science, English, or maybe even a foreign language class (don't get me started on my three years of French class).         I honestly believe that there are some things that people just won't understand, or at least until they experience it personally.  Grief is one of those things.  Grief can only have true empathy from someone who has, or is walking in it.  I took classes on counseling people through grief, I bought ...

Daring to Say “I Do” Again       In August of 2010 I stood at the front of the Open Door Church watching my first bride come down the aisle. A million emotions hit me all at once.  I was 25 and ready to start my life with a wonderful, godly woman.  We made vows to each other on that day, vows that I meant, vows that I intended to keep.   And I did.  The vows were almost identical for any marriage, f or better or worse. In sickness and in health. Till death do us part.  For most people those are just mere words of formality in order to tie the knot.  Most people say them without realizing the weight or the depth of them.  But t hose weren’t just words to me, they were a covenant. A sacred promise made not only to my spouse, but to God Himself. I didn’t say them lightly the first time. I meant them with everything I had.  I dedicated my life from that day forward as a husband to fulfill those vows.       But at the...

Moving Forward While Honoring the Past       Danger, Danger Will Robinson was the catchphrase for the 1960's sci-fi classic, Lost in Space.   The Robot B-9 used this phrase as a means of warning the young Will when trouble was around.  This particular article should start out "Danger, Danger Matt Robinson."  I'm getting ready to trek into a touchy subject, but for grieving people touchy subjects need addressed.  It's a question that most of them are thinking about, but afraid to ask.  So, what is this touchy subject?  Dating and remarriage.  For a man who has lost his wife, the question of dating again can feel incredibly complicated. Some people believe a widower should wait years before moving forward. Others pressure him to remarry quickly.  The widower will be judged for either decision that he makes. Both perspectives often miss the most important question:  What does God want for this season of your life?     ...