JOYCE DAVIDSON Writing can help others find strength in God

When The Vindicator offered an opportunity for people of faith to write a religion column, I wondered about sharing my experiences with such a vast audience. At first I thought "no way." Then I thought about how God has richly blessed me throughout the years. I thought about the health problems, and surgeries and medical emergencies I have gone through for several years. Many nights I went to bed wondering if I would live through the night.
Family, church family and friends lifted up in prayer. My husband, Ben, faithfully prayed and cared for me. Although he didn't tell me until recently, he wondered if I would be alive when he came home from work. Death didn't frighten me. Whatever the outcome, everything would be all right because the Good Shepherd was with me as I walked through the valley of the shadow of death. Physical death would be the beginning of eternity in heaven.
Since God graciously blessed me to still be in the land of the living, writing is a gift that I can use to give God all the praise, glory and honor that he richly deserves. My prayer in writing is that someone would be blessed and encouraged to trust God in all situations.
Granddaughter's experience
Shortly after writing a column titled "No burden is too heavy for God to carry for you," my granddaughter Kiantre called me. It was about 4 a.m. on a Monday. The day before she looked forward to celebrating her 17th birthday. However, everything changed when the family received a telephone call that an ambulance had taken her 16-year-old cousin, James Revere, to the hospital. Kiantre and James grew up together. Their families were very close.
When she arrived at the hospital, Kiantre saw her Aunt Earline, her mother and other family members crying outside the emergency room. Suddenly, tragically and senselessly, her young cousin became another victim of black on black crime. Instead of celebrating her birthday, the family had to plan James' funeral.
Kiantre was sobbing and emotionally upset when she called me. "Grandma, I have tossed and turned all night. I can't sleep. Do you remember what you said in the paper? That there is no burden too heavy for God. Grandma, I need God. This is too much for me to bear without him." As we talked during those early morning hours, my granddaughter became calmer. After very little sleep, she could go to school a few hours later.
Casting her burdens upon the Lord strengthened Kiantre to do one last act of love for her cousin. James was very particular about the way his hair was braided. In the midst of her grief, God strengthened my granddaughter to go into a cold room at the funeral home and braid her cousin's hair.
Truly, I thank God for strengthening my granddaughter in the midst of the pain of losing her cousin. There is no burden too heavy for God to carry for you.
X Joyce Davidson is a member of Friendship Baptist Church.