My life preserver in a sea of loss
I remember the moment like it was yesterday. I was with my 5-year-old son in the Muslim country where my US Navy officer husband had just been killed in action by a Muslim aircraft attack on his ship. My son and I had to stand in an internationally publicized ceremony in front of the 37 flag-draped coffins of my husband and his shipmates as they were solemnly paraded in front of us and loaded onto an aircraft for transport back to the USA.
I totally "lost it".
I could not even think, much less pray. I could not possibly handle this situation on my own. The reality of the actual situation and grief completely overwhelmed me. I could not think about anything. All I could do was to clutch the New Testament I held in my hand. I held on to it for dear life. I was trusting my whole self to the Lord Jesus Christ and to what He said in that Bible I was holding onto. It was like a drowning man clutches a life preserver - that’s how I was holding that Bible.
Suddenly a supernatural peace and strength came over me, like I have never experienced before or since. I was very calm and was able to comfort those around me. I was even able to testify for the Lord to the international reporters who swarmed around and surrounded me.
Later, the Lord led me to write a note of forgiveness to the Muslim pilot who had attacked the ship, and to send him an Arabic Bible. This opened the door for many opportunities to witness for the Lord internationally. Today there are many struggles in my life, and many things over which I agonize in prayer, but I am totally convinced that Romans 8:28 is 100% true, and I meet each struggle still holding on, like I did that day, to the Lord Jesus and God’s Word.
Have you experienced grief or loss that has left you feeling like you’re drowning? I encourage you to share your story here.
Click here for help and support for military families.
8 Responses to “My life preserver in a sea of loss”
Leave a Reply
POWER TO CHANGE MINISTRIES © 2008
October 23rd, 2007 at 10:27 am
Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”
October 23rd, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Aunt Barb,
Your article is inspiration to me. It not only encourages those who have lost, but encourages to lean on God no matter the situation. Thank you, thank you so much for this.
-Andrew Kiser
October 24th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
That is an amazing level of forgiveness. I have heard pf people experiencing healing after the loss of a loved one but the fact that you were able to see the enemy as someone you needed to reach out to is beautiful. I can’t imagine having that kind of strength, I know I wouldn’t without the strength of God. But you are living proof that it is possible to forgive someone who has caused you pain, even those who don’t ask for it. It is possible to give our pain to God and allow Him to bring something good out of incredible devastation.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:33 am
“When you have nothing left but God, that’s when you find out that God is all you need”
January 13th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I think we all sin in some way and in doing so many do not reflect
on our actions.
I do not participate in a church and I can not put into words why.
I was an adopted person, I am cautious not to talk about this.
I came from a Catholic organization and although this group of
believers has had its share of issues I would not have a sense of
Jesus christ had it not been for my birth parents.
One other thing I wish to say is that I give testimony to god,
for I have had a born again experience ,another thing I do not
talk about. I think this line in scipture is very true for I have had
losses and find myself alone in these losses. Prayer I find is my
only saving grace. I think prayer is the firststep in re-discovering that lost part of ourselves that can reaffirm our
uniquiness and individuality in light of our inner pain.
January 13th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Gregory, thank you very much for sharing your personal testimony. God is faithful and God is love. He forgives our sins (I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.) He saves us from our sins (Acts 16:31 Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved). He answers our prayers (Pray without ceasing). God bless!
February 2nd, 2008 at 2:56 pm
I am empowered by your forgiveness to the person who took your husband, you are an example to me. I am in deep need to forgive the people who hurt me and treated me like a slave/prisoner for 2 1/2 years! Whenever I hear the accent of these people I cringe and get angry all over again.
You have freed yourself and I need too as well. Thank You!
February 17th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Dear Precious Barbara Kiser:
You are one awe-inspiring example to me and I know EVERY person who reads and begins to understand the deep love you have for the Lord and the intense love you had for you husband who was so suddenly and cruelly taken from you and from your son. Barb, I have had many opportunities in church and at our luncheons to observe you. Sweet lady, you are one of the VERY BEST examples and inspirations to me … you are so Christlike, so wise AND smart specially in the things of the Lord. How many times I have drawn a blank on an issue and looked at you and YOU COME UP with the answer! Thank you. THANK YOU. Your note above here to which I am responding is unique in my life long connection with families in great loss of loved ones. I have never seen or heard or read anything that equals your awesome HOLY attitude of forgiveness for an anemy that others would hate forever. God bless you Barb. You are special ONE OF A KIND. Thanks for being YOU!. Love, Adrian Paul Travis