Though I see the sun shining where I am- The rumbles of dark clouds hurt my ears- Voices of those in the path of the storm Questioning, crying “Why?” with hot tears. The cardiac pressure rises, yet again; How can I diffuse this tormenting pain - Metastasized across countless hearts- Trust shattered by sin and its shame?

After a long day of ministry and my "love tank" running low, I walked outside to go to my vehicle on a Sunday evening. It was as if God had plastered across the sky, "DAUGHTER, REMEMBER: I LOVE YOU!!!!!" I caught myself smiling as I realized my Abba Father knew what my heart needed! It caused me to think about "love" and an admonition I'd heard earlier in the week to the effect of "QUIT WAITING TO BE LOVED; YOU ALREADY ARE!"

When my father passed away, I became keenly aware of the relationship that I no longer had on this earth. Grief became a recognizable companion in my life. As I began to explore the facets of grief, I realized I shared deep “daughter grief” with many women – even though their stories looked different from mine. Difficult, disconnected, or deserted relationships also carries grief of loss that lingers. In every form of father-loss, there is a deep joy in relationship with our Heavenly Father.