7 Comments
User's avatar
Jessica Hanke's avatar

Thank you for sharing Steph. I was brought to tears at the resounding hope of this piece in the midst of the pain. I am deeply sorry for your loss. May you be met again and again by marmalade moments and the presence of God during this time.

Expand full comment
Laura Kelly Fanucci's avatar

Steph, you are in my daily prayers. I'm in awe that you can stitch any words together right now. Praying for you and your family to be held up by all the prayers and support that are flooding you from around the world right now - and in all the days to come.

Expand full comment
Karen B's avatar

I love what you wrote: “But I think what I’m finding is that if things are true, they are just as true when your 35 year old husband dies. Right? They have to be.” I know it’s true that God has walked with me through the most difficult times in my life. But I’ve been thinking about you and wondering, “Yes but is God walking with Steph during this incomprehensibly difficult time in her life?” Yes, God is. I know that people have stepped up to help, and I’m confident that people will continue to step up to help you through this journey. God will send them your way. That’s what God does for us. You’re in our prayers.

Expand full comment
Annelise Roberts's avatar

There are just no words. I am so sorry for your devastating loss. May the God of all hope be near you and palpably present as you walk this road of grief. Your family will be in my prayers.

Expand full comment
Bre Marie Strobel's avatar

The death of your husband (especially while pregnant. Oh, sweet Steph) feels so unfair. That you were already sitting on this essay processing God's presence in the midst of suffering is a strange sort of gift, and the marmalade too.

I do believe that the God of resurrection will redeem this story for you, and that he carries this burden of grief alongside you. It makes sense that this would be all-consuming for now, because it is, it's everything. Praying mercy and comfort and love over your family.

Expand full comment
Loreen's avatar

There are no words. Know that you are loved and lifted in prayer by many yet unmet members of the body of Christ. Your words matter and have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

Expand full comment
Kathy Gallagher's avatar

Powerful words, rendered more so as they stand offset by the dark cloud backdrop. Pausing to lift you up before our Father. May faith grip and steady you.

Expand full comment