A widow and author of “Through The Valley Of Grief” shares the hard truths that were put to the test and the hope she found through the difficulty.
#PersonalStory
#Faith
#Hope
#Author
#Marriage
#WomeninMinistry
#Religion
#WordofGod
#inActive
#TalkShow
#Suffering
#LifeTodaywithJamesRobison
#Loss
#Grief
#TammyTrent
Closed captions
Show Timecode
Life Today with James Robison | Mattie Jackson Smith - Hope During Suffering | November 26, 2024
- Coming up, mattie jackson smith
- 00:00:06.863 --> 00:00:09.632
- Draws from her experience after the death of her husband
- 00:00:09.632 --> 00:00:12.602
- To walk with you through the valley of grief.
- 00:00:12.602 --> 00:00:15.805
- >> keeping my eyes open and my heart open,
- 00:00:15.805 --> 00:00:18.208
- And praying, tammy, god give me a little joy,
- 00:00:18.208 --> 00:00:21.544
- A tiny joy today. let me see it.
- 00:00:21.544 --> 00:00:24.180
- That accrues and that adds up,
- 00:00:24.180 --> 00:00:26.983
- And then you learn to look for those things
- 00:00:26.983 --> 00:00:29.385
- The moment after you fall on the floor weeping,
- 00:00:29.385 --> 00:00:31.921
- And both are true. they just are.
- 00:00:31.921 --> 00:00:34.257
- It is miraculous!
- 00:00:34.257 --> 00:00:42.799
- ♪
- 00:00:42.999 --> 00:00:53.843
- Tammy: hello, everybody!
- 00:00:53.943 --> 00:00:55.078
- Tammy: hello, everybody! welcome to life today .
- 00:00:55.145 --> 00:00:56.546
- Tammy: hello, everybody! welcome to life today . i'm tammy trent
- 00:00:56.613 --> 00:00:57.714
- Welcome to life today . i'm tammy trent and i'm so glad
- 00:00:57.780 --> 00:00:58.915
- I'm tammy trent and i'm so glad you're here with us today.
- 00:00:58.982 --> 00:01:00.049
- And i'm so glad you're here with us today. i think you're going
- 00:01:00.116 --> 00:01:01.084
- You're here with us today. i think you're going to be blessed
- 00:01:01.151 --> 00:01:02.285
- I think you're going to be blessed and love today's show.
- 00:01:02.352 --> 00:01:03.453
- Our guest is
- 00:01:03.553 --> 00:01:04.754
- Our guest is a best-selling author,
- 00:01:04.821 --> 00:01:05.955
- Our guest is a best-selling author, speaker, and podcaster
- 00:01:06.022 --> 00:01:07.524
- A best-selling author, speaker, and podcaster who has walked through
- 00:01:07.590 --> 00:01:08.691
- Speaker, and podcaster who has walked through some of life's darkest valleys
- 00:01:08.758 --> 00:01:10.493
- Who has walked through some of life's darkest valleys and has come out
- 00:01:10.560 --> 00:01:11.628
- Some of life's darkest valleys and has come out on the other side
- 00:01:11.694 --> 00:01:12.795
- And has come out on the other side with a message of hope
- 00:01:12.862 --> 00:01:14.063
- On the other side with a message of hope and healing.
- 00:01:14.130 --> 00:01:15.298
- With a message of hope and healing. mattie jackson smith knows
- 00:01:15.365 --> 00:01:16.499
- And healing. mattie jackson smith knows the depths of grief.
- 00:01:16.566 --> 00:01:17.800
- Mattie jackson smith knows the depths of grief. we're going to talk to her
- 00:01:17.867 --> 00:01:19.002
- The depths of grief. we're going to talk to her about that and her journey
- 00:01:19.068 --> 00:01:20.236
- We're going to talk to her about that and her journey today, along with
- 00:01:20.303 --> 00:01:21.471
- About that and her journey today, along with her new 365-day devotional
- 00:01:21.538 --> 00:01:24.240
- Today, along with her new 365-day devotional through the valley of grief .
- 00:01:24.340 --> 00:01:26.442
- Her new 365-day devotional through the valley of grief . welcome mattie.
- 00:01:26.509 --> 00:01:28.244
- Through the valley of grief . welcome mattie. i'm so glad you're here!
- 00:01:28.311 --> 00:01:30.113
- Welcome mattie. i'm so glad you're here! mattie: tammy, i'm so glad
- 00:01:30.180 --> 00:01:31.181
- I'm so glad you're here! mattie: tammy, i'm so glad to be here.
- 00:01:31.247 --> 00:01:32.582
- Mattie: tammy, i'm so glad to be here. i look up to you so much
- 00:01:32.649 --> 00:01:33.816
- To be here. i look up to you so much and obviously,
- 00:01:33.883 --> 00:01:34.984
- I look up to you so much and obviously, i love being on the show.
- 00:01:35.051 --> 00:01:36.085
- And obviously, i love being on the show. so i'm so glad to be back.
- 00:01:36.152 --> 00:01:37.287
- I love being on the show. so i'm so glad to be back. tammy: you are so sweet.
- 00:01:37.353 --> 00:01:38.588
- So i'm so glad to be back. tammy: you are so sweet. we met in january of 2018.
- 00:01:38.655 --> 00:01:41.324
- Tammy: you are so sweet. we met in january of 2018. so we met at a restaurant
- 00:01:41.391 --> 00:01:42.992
- We met in january of 2018. so we met at a restaurant that you had at the time.
- 00:01:43.059 --> 00:01:44.527
- So we met at a restaurant that you had at the time. you just happened to be there.
- 00:01:44.594 --> 00:01:46.462
- That you had at the time. you just happened to be there. i remember you walking out
- 00:01:46.529 --> 00:01:48.464
- You just happened to be there. i remember you walking out and we chatted.
- 00:01:48.531 --> 00:01:49.866
- I remember you walking out and we chatted. i can't remember if i told
- 00:01:49.933 --> 00:01:51.467
- And we chatted. i can't remember if i told a little bit of my story.
- 00:01:51.534 --> 00:01:52.869
- I can't remember if i told a little bit of my story. but i heard a little bit
- 00:01:52.936 --> 00:01:54.337
- A little bit of my story. but i heard a little bit about your work
- 00:01:54.404 --> 00:01:55.605
- But i heard a little bit about your work with widows at the time.
- 00:01:55.672 --> 00:01:56.873
- About your work with widows at the time. it was just such
- 00:01:56.940 --> 00:01:58.141
- With widows at the time. it was just such an amazing connection.
- 00:01:58.208 --> 00:01:59.375
- It was just such an amazing connection. who would have known?
- 00:01:59.442 --> 00:02:00.877
- An amazing connection. who would have known? who would have known at
- 00:02:00.944 --> 00:02:02.378
- Who would have known? who would have known at that time in january of 2018
- 00:02:02.445 --> 00:02:04.547
- Who would have known at that time in january of 2018 that a short time later
- 00:02:04.614 --> 00:02:07.350
- That time in january of 2018 that a short time later your life would be
- 00:02:07.417 --> 00:02:08.451
- That a short time later your life would be forever changed?
- 00:02:08.518 --> 00:02:10.320
- Your life would be forever changed? so i'm going to start there.
- 00:02:10.386 --> 00:02:11.854
- Forever changed? so i'm going to start there. like, let's go back.
- 00:02:11.921 --> 00:02:13.456
- So i'm going to start there. like, let's go back. for people that don't know
- 00:02:13.523 --> 00:02:14.791
- Like, let's go back. for people that don't know your story, let's go back
- 00:02:14.857 --> 00:02:16.426
- For people that don't know your story, let's go back to touch on that
- 00:02:16.492 --> 00:02:17.927
- Your story, let's go back to touch on that and how that has shaped --
- 00:02:17.994 --> 00:02:19.295
- To touch on that and how that has shaped -- those experiences of your life
- 00:02:19.362 --> 00:02:20.597
- And how that has shaped -- those experiences of your life have shaped who you are
- 00:02:20.663 --> 00:02:21.831
- Those experiences of your life have shaped who you are and what god is doing
- 00:02:21.898 --> 00:02:23.299
- Mattie: yeah, yeah!
- 00:02:24.667 --> 00:02:25.835
- Mattie: yeah, yeah! i got kind of chills
- 00:02:25.902 --> 00:02:26.903
- I got kind of chills when you were talking about
- 00:02:26.970 --> 00:02:28.171
- When you were talking about us meeting then because
- 00:02:28.238 --> 00:02:29.706
- Us meeting then because that truly, in all ways,
- 00:02:29.772 --> 00:02:31.040
- That truly, in all ways, feels like a different
- 00:02:31.107 --> 00:02:32.275
- Feels like a different lifetime to me.
- 00:02:32.342 --> 00:02:33.643
- In nashville.
- 00:02:35.178 --> 00:02:36.179
- In nashville. i'd been in hospitality
- 00:02:36.246 --> 00:02:37.547
- In nashville. i'd been in hospitality all in my 20s and i had
- 00:02:37.614 --> 00:02:38.715
- I'd been in hospitality all in my 20s and i had just married the love of
- 00:02:38.781 --> 00:02:39.949
- All in my 20s and i had just married the love of my life; this vibrant,
- 00:02:40.016 --> 00:02:41.217
- Just married the love of my life; this vibrant, wonderful, joyful man, ben.
- 00:02:41.284 --> 00:02:42.819
- My life; this vibrant, wonderful, joyful man, ben. we had married the previous
- 00:02:42.885 --> 00:02:44.387
- Wonderful, joyful man, ben. we had married the previous fall in nashville
- 00:02:44.454 --> 00:02:45.722
- We had married the previous fall in nashville at my parent's home.
- 00:02:45.788 --> 00:02:47.190
- Fall in nashville at my parent's home. i was just living this life;
- 00:02:47.257 --> 00:02:48.725
- At my parent's home. i was just living this life; kind of cruising
- 00:02:48.791 --> 00:02:49.926
- I was just living this life; kind of cruising my first entrepreneurial
- 00:02:49.993 --> 00:02:51.794
- Kind of cruising my first entrepreneurial endeavor and newly wed.
- 00:02:51.861 --> 00:02:53.963
- My first entrepreneurial endeavor and newly wed. so i felt like this is it!
- 00:02:54.030 --> 00:02:55.465
- Endeavor and newly wed. so i felt like this is it! like this is the answer
- 00:02:55.531 --> 00:02:56.766
- So i felt like this is it! like this is the answer to all the prayers
- 00:02:56.833 --> 00:02:57.900
- Like this is the answer to all the prayers and god is good.
- 00:02:57.967 --> 00:02:59.702
- To all the prayers and god is good. it happened that in june
- 00:02:59.769 --> 00:03:01.070
- And god is good. it happened that in june of that year, i ended up
- 00:03:01.137 --> 00:03:02.272
- It happened that in june of that year, i ended up closing the restaurant
- 00:03:02.338 --> 00:03:03.373
- Of that year, i ended up closing the restaurant for personal
- 00:03:03.439 --> 00:03:04.607
- Closing the restaurant for personal and professional reasons.
- 00:03:04.674 --> 00:03:06.776
- For personal and professional reasons. i've always had this tug
- 00:03:06.843 --> 00:03:08.111
- And professional reasons. i've always had this tug in my heart to write.
- 00:03:08.177 --> 00:03:10.280
- I've always had this tug in my heart to write. throughout the course
- 00:03:10.346 --> 00:03:11.447
- In my heart to write. throughout the course of having that restaurant,
- 00:03:11.514 --> 00:03:12.749
- Throughout the course of having that restaurant, i also felt this pull
- 00:03:12.815 --> 00:03:14.017
- Of having that restaurant, i also felt this pull to minister to women,
- 00:03:14.083 --> 00:03:15.218
- I also felt this pull to minister to women, especially young women
- 00:03:15.285 --> 00:03:16.452
- To minister to women, especially young women that have worked for me
- 00:03:16.519 --> 00:03:17.587
- Especially young women that have worked for me and whatnot.
- 00:03:17.654 --> 00:03:18.888
- That have worked for me and whatnot. and so i felt that call.
- 00:03:18.955 --> 00:03:20.423
- And whatnot. and so i felt that call. i didn't know that god's call
- 00:03:20.490 --> 00:03:21.691
- And so i felt that call. i didn't know that god's call was higher, and to be honest,
- 00:03:21.758 --> 00:03:22.859
- I didn't know that god's call was higher, and to be honest, much harder than i would
- 00:03:22.925 --> 00:03:23.993
- Was higher, and to be honest, much harder than i would have ever anticipated.
- 00:03:24.060 --> 00:03:25.895
- Much harder than i would have ever anticipated. so i closed the restaurant
- 00:03:25.962 --> 00:03:27.163
- Have ever anticipated. so i closed the restaurant in june of '18,
- 00:03:27.230 --> 00:03:29.165
- So i closed the restaurant in june of '18, and then that september
- 00:03:29.232 --> 00:03:30.466
- In june of '18, and then that september i lost my husband, ben,
- 00:03:30.533 --> 00:03:32.001
- And then that september i lost my husband, ben, very suddenly in a tragic
- 00:03:32.068 --> 00:03:34.170
- I lost my husband, ben, very suddenly in a tragic sort of boating incident
- 00:03:34.237 --> 00:03:35.638
- Very suddenly in a tragic sort of boating incident in florida.
- 00:03:35.705 --> 00:03:37.440
- Sort of boating incident in florida. it led to his 12 days
- 00:03:37.507 --> 00:03:39.342
- In florida. it led to his 12 days in the i.c.u.
- 00:03:39.409 --> 00:03:40.877
- It led to his 12 days in the i.c.u. and multiple brain surgeries,
- 00:03:40.943 --> 00:03:42.679
- In the i.c.u. and multiple brain surgeries, and a medically
- 00:03:42.745 --> 00:03:43.980
- And multiple brain surgeries, and a medically induced coma; and just trauma
- 00:03:44.047 --> 00:03:46.049
- And a medically induced coma; and just trauma truly from an accident
- 00:03:46.115 --> 00:03:47.784
- Induced coma; and just trauma truly from an accident that you never anticipate
- 00:03:47.850 --> 00:03:48.985
- Truly from an accident that you never anticipate getting to that level.
- 00:03:49.052 --> 00:03:51.254
- That you never anticipate getting to that level. he passed away three weeks
- 00:03:51.321 --> 00:03:52.455
- Getting to that level. he passed away three weeks before our first wedding
- 00:03:52.522 --> 00:03:53.623
- He passed away three weeks before our first wedding anniversary that year.
- 00:03:53.690 --> 00:03:55.358
- Before our first wedding anniversary that year. that was six years ago now,
- 00:03:55.425 --> 00:03:57.093
- Anniversary that year. that was six years ago now, which again feels
- 00:03:57.160 --> 00:03:58.328
- That was six years ago now, which again feels like a lifetime.
- 00:03:58.394 --> 00:04:00.029
- Which again feels like a lifetime. what i have walked through
- 00:04:00.096 --> 00:04:01.531
- Like a lifetime. what i have walked through and where god has brought me,
- 00:04:01.597 --> 00:04:03.733
- What i have walked through and where god has brought me, i feel like it is
- 00:04:03.800 --> 00:04:04.967
- And where god has brought me, i feel like it is a message
- 00:04:05.034 --> 00:04:06.135
- I feel like it is a message he is still teaching me.
- 00:04:06.202 --> 00:04:07.270
- A message he is still teaching me. it is unbelievable.
- 00:04:07.337 --> 00:04:08.504
- He is still teaching me. it is unbelievable. you know that kind of loss
- 00:04:08.571 --> 00:04:09.605
- It is unbelievable. you know that kind of loss and how it reorients
- 00:04:09.672 --> 00:04:10.773
- You know that kind of loss and how it reorients every aspect of your life.
- 00:04:10.840 --> 00:04:12.342
- And how it reorients every aspect of your life. so these past years,
- 00:04:12.408 --> 00:04:14.010
- Every aspect of your life. so these past years, i had the gift of seeing god
- 00:04:14.077 --> 00:04:16.112
- So these past years, i had the gift of seeing god use that desire in me
- 00:04:16.179 --> 00:04:17.613
- I had the gift of seeing god use that desire in me to minister and to write.
- 00:04:17.680 --> 00:04:19.682
- Use that desire in me to minister and to write. and also, to use
- 00:04:19.749 --> 00:04:20.883
- To minister and to write. and also, to use the worst thing that's
- 00:04:20.950 --> 00:04:22.151
- And also, to use the worst thing that's ever happened to me
- 00:04:22.218 --> 00:04:23.353
- The worst thing that's ever happened to me to bring hope to other people.
- 00:04:23.419 --> 00:04:24.420
- Ever happened to me to bring hope to other people. what a gift to me to witness
- 00:04:24.487 --> 00:04:25.788
- To bring hope to other people. what a gift to me to witness that over and over again.
- 00:04:25.855 --> 00:04:27.724
- What a gift to me to witness that over and over again. so i'm grateful to y'all
- 00:04:27.790 --> 00:04:29.792
- That over and over again. so i'm grateful to y'all to continue to help me
- 00:04:29.859 --> 00:04:30.860
- Tammy: so i want to ask you,
- 00:04:32.595 --> 00:04:34.697
- Tammy: so i want to ask you, when i heard about your story,
- 00:04:34.764 --> 00:04:38.034
- When i heard about your story, and i've gone back
- 00:04:38.101 --> 00:04:39.268
- And i've gone back and revisited it,
- 00:04:39.335 --> 00:04:40.503
- You held out in that
- 00:04:42.739 --> 00:04:44.273
- You held out in that hospital room for a miracle.
- 00:04:44.340 --> 00:04:46.342
- You held out in that hospital room for a miracle. you prayed and believed
- 00:04:46.409 --> 00:04:47.610
- Hospital room for a miracle. you prayed and believed for a miracle.
- 00:04:47.677 --> 00:04:49.312
- You prayed and believed for a miracle. so what do we do
- 00:04:49.379 --> 00:04:51.547
- For a miracle. so what do we do when our miracle story
- 00:04:51.614 --> 00:04:53.049
- So what do we do when our miracle story doesn't happen?
- 00:04:53.116 --> 00:04:55.151
- When our miracle story doesn't happen? mattie: yes, that is
- 00:04:55.218 --> 00:04:56.886
- Doesn't happen? mattie: yes, that is a thing that took years
- 00:04:56.953 --> 00:04:58.821
- I'll use that word
- 00:05:00.857 --> 00:05:02.058
- I'll use that word because that's what it was,
- 00:05:02.125 --> 00:05:03.426
- Because that's what it was, with god, about it.
- 00:05:03.493 --> 00:05:05.261
- With god, about it. i write in the devotional,
- 00:05:05.328 --> 00:05:06.696
- I write in the devotional, and i've spoken about it
- 00:05:06.763 --> 00:05:07.897
- We stood on that miracle.
- 00:05:09.298 --> 00:05:10.900
- We stood on that miracle. i, in my heart,
- 00:05:10.967 --> 00:05:12.235
- We stood on that miracle. i, in my heart, knew this is --
- 00:05:12.301 --> 00:05:13.903
- I, in my heart, knew this is -- the stage is set for you, god.
- 00:05:13.970 --> 00:05:15.838
- Knew this is -- the stage is set for you, god. the table is set for you, god.
- 00:05:15.905 --> 00:05:17.673
- The stage is set for you, god. the table is set for you, god. like we've paused
- 00:05:17.740 --> 00:05:18.975
- The table is set for you, god. like we've paused and prayed over every nurse,
- 00:05:19.041 --> 00:05:20.143
- Like we've paused and prayed over every nurse, every surgeon.
- 00:05:20.209 --> 00:05:21.277
- And prayed over every nurse, every surgeon. we've been to
- 00:05:21.344 --> 00:05:22.378
- Every surgeon. we've been to the cold hospital floor.
- 00:05:22.445 --> 00:05:23.679
- We've been to the cold hospital floor. we've teed you up
- 00:05:23.746 --> 00:05:24.881
- The cold hospital floor. we've teed you up for the miracle.
- 00:05:24.947 --> 00:05:26.048
- We've teed you up for the miracle. like this is going
- 00:05:26.115 --> 00:05:27.150
- For the miracle. like this is going to be for your glory.
- 00:05:27.216 --> 00:05:28.384
- Like this is going to be for your glory. and when it is not,
- 00:05:28.451 --> 00:05:29.986
- To be for your glory. and when it is not, it caused me not to doubt
- 00:05:30.052 --> 00:05:32.221
- And when it is not, it caused me not to doubt in a way of walking away
- 00:05:32.288 --> 00:05:33.623
- It caused me not to doubt in a way of walking away but to doubt in really
- 00:05:33.689 --> 00:05:34.957
- In a way of walking away but to doubt in really like let's look under
- 00:05:35.024 --> 00:05:36.092
- But to doubt in really like let's look under the microscope of these truths
- 00:05:36.159 --> 00:05:37.460
- Like let's look under the microscope of these truths that i've always just
- 00:05:37.527 --> 00:05:38.528
- The microscope of these truths that i've always just taken at face value
- 00:05:38.594 --> 00:05:39.996
- That i've always just taken at face value my whole life.
- 00:05:40.062 --> 00:05:41.631
- Taken at face value my whole life. i'll never forget
- 00:05:41.697 --> 00:05:42.765
- My whole life. i'll never forget sitting in my pastor's office
- 00:05:42.832 --> 00:05:44.767
- I'll never forget sitting in my pastor's office at the time, and it was about
- 00:05:44.834 --> 00:05:46.469
- Sitting in my pastor's office at the time, and it was about a month after ben passed,
- 00:05:46.536 --> 00:05:48.204
- At the time, and it was about a month after ben passed, and asking him
- 00:05:48.271 --> 00:05:49.305
- A month after ben passed, and asking him that question.
- 00:05:49.372 --> 00:05:50.840
- And asking him that question. why do we pray for healing?
- 00:05:50.907 --> 00:05:52.675
- That question. why do we pray for healing? because i did and i will
- 00:05:52.742 --> 00:05:54.243
- Why do we pray for healing? because i did and i will never forget, obviously.
- 00:05:54.310 --> 00:05:55.545
- Because i did and i will never forget, obviously. he referred me back to jesus.
- 00:05:55.611 --> 00:05:57.380
- Never forget, obviously. he referred me back to jesus. he is our model for everything
- 00:05:57.447 --> 00:05:58.614
- He referred me back to jesus. he is our model for everything in the garden of gethsemane.
- 00:05:58.681 --> 00:05:59.782
- He is our model for everything in the garden of gethsemane. he said, "you know that
- 00:05:59.849 --> 00:06:01.117
- In the garden of gethsemane. he said, "you know that was jesus's battle too.
- 00:06:01.184 --> 00:06:02.552
- He said, "you know that was jesus's battle too. he said, 'i want a plan b.
- 00:06:02.618 --> 00:06:05.121
- Your will not mine.'"
- 00:06:06.489 --> 00:06:09.091
- Your will not mine.'" that doesn't make you feel
- 00:06:09.158 --> 00:06:10.693
- That doesn't make you feel better in that moment when
- 00:06:10.760 --> 00:06:12.361
- Better in that moment when your miracle answer is no,
- 00:06:12.428 --> 00:06:14.764
- Something about prayer
- 00:06:16.365 --> 00:06:19.101
- Something about prayer that changed my life
- 00:06:19.168 --> 00:06:20.503
- Something about prayer that changed my life in the way that
- 00:06:20.570 --> 00:06:21.637
- That changed my life in the way that i relate to god.
- 00:06:21.704 --> 00:06:22.805
- In the way that i relate to god. i remember a friend
- 00:06:22.872 --> 00:06:23.940
- I relate to god. i remember a friend later asking me, "do you pray
- 00:06:24.006 --> 00:06:25.174
- I remember a friend later asking me, "do you pray for healing when
- 00:06:25.241 --> 00:06:26.342
- Later asking me, "do you pray for healing when people ask you?"
- 00:06:26.409 --> 00:06:27.443
- For healing when people ask you?" i said, "to be honest,
- 00:06:27.510 --> 00:06:28.611
- People ask you?" i said, "to be honest, for a while i didn't."
- 00:06:28.678 --> 00:06:29.812
- I said, "to be honest, for a while i didn't." because i didn't know
- 00:06:29.879 --> 00:06:31.013
- For a while i didn't." because i didn't know that it mattered.
- 00:06:31.080 --> 00:06:32.148
- Because i didn't know that it mattered. was the outcome already set?
- 00:06:32.215 --> 00:06:33.382
- That it mattered. was the outcome already set? and then i realized,
- 00:06:33.449 --> 00:06:35.017
- Was the outcome already set? and then i realized, that when we go to god
- 00:06:35.084 --> 00:06:36.752
- And then i realized, that when we go to god knowing he can answer yes
- 00:06:36.819 --> 00:06:38.020
- That when we go to god knowing he can answer yes and knowing he can answer no,
- 00:06:38.087 --> 00:06:39.755
- Knowing he can answer yes and knowing he can answer no, we are first of all
- 00:06:39.822 --> 00:06:41.090
- And knowing he can answer no, we are first of all being obedient to worship him
- 00:06:41.157 --> 00:06:42.525
- We are first of all being obedient to worship him when the outcome may
- 00:06:42.592 --> 00:06:43.693
- Being obedient to worship him when the outcome may or may not be what
- 00:06:43.759 --> 00:06:45.127
- When the outcome may or may not be what we want it to be.
- 00:06:45.194 --> 00:06:47.129
- Or may not be what we want it to be. and b, he is drawing you
- 00:06:47.196 --> 00:06:48.731
- We want it to be. and b, he is drawing you closer to who he is
- 00:06:48.798 --> 00:06:50.900
- And b, he is drawing you closer to who he is and separating that
- 00:06:50.967 --> 00:06:52.168
- Closer to who he is and separating that from what he does.
- 00:06:52.235 --> 00:06:53.569
- And separating that from what he does. and that was a hard lesson
- 00:06:53.636 --> 00:06:54.604
- From what he does. and that was a hard lesson for me.
- 00:06:54.670 --> 00:06:55.905
- And that was a hard lesson for me. to be like if god doesn't
- 00:06:55.972 --> 00:06:57.273
- For me. to be like if god doesn't do what you want,
- 00:06:57.340 --> 00:06:58.574
- To be like if god doesn't do what you want, will you still love him
- 00:06:58.641 --> 00:06:59.675
- Do what you want, will you still love him for who he is to you?
- 00:06:59.742 --> 00:07:00.810
- Will you still love him for who he is to you? and that's a big call.
- 00:07:00.877 --> 00:07:02.578
- For who he is to you? and that's a big call. that was a big call for me
- 00:07:02.645 --> 00:07:03.613
- And that's a big call. that was a big call for me to write this book
- 00:07:03.679 --> 00:07:04.680
- That was a big call for me to write this book which is so just drenched
- 00:07:04.747 --> 00:07:06.516
- To write this book which is so just drenched in scripture and the gospel.
- 00:07:06.582 --> 00:07:07.884
- Which is so just drenched in scripture and the gospel. i'll tell you, i just
- 00:07:07.950 --> 00:07:08.885
- In scripture and the gospel. i'll tell you, i just did the audiobook
- 00:07:08.951 --> 00:07:09.986
- I'll tell you, i just did the audiobook and i was going back through
- 00:07:10.052 --> 00:07:11.087
- Did the audiobook and i was going back through and i was like, girl,
- 00:07:11.153 --> 00:07:12.221
- And i was going back through and i was like, girl, you were not light
- 00:07:12.288 --> 00:07:13.222
- And i was like, girl, you were not light on the gospel.
- 00:07:13.289 --> 00:07:14.290
- You were not light on the gospel. like i'm glad.
- 00:07:14.357 --> 00:07:15.358
- On the gospel. like i'm glad. i was like we did not
- 00:07:15.424 --> 00:07:16.559
- Like i'm glad. i was like we did not sugarcoat this.
- 00:07:16.626 --> 00:07:18.194
- I was like we did not sugarcoat this. but my big lesson was
- 00:07:18.261 --> 00:07:19.562
- Sugarcoat this. but my big lesson was when god's hand doesn't
- 00:07:19.629 --> 00:07:20.630
- But my big lesson was when god's hand doesn't feel good in your life,
- 00:07:20.696 --> 00:07:22.098
- When god's hand doesn't feel good in your life, where do you go to learn
- 00:07:22.164 --> 00:07:23.132
- Feel good in your life, where do you go to learn that his heart is still good?
- 00:07:23.199 --> 00:07:24.433
- Where do you go to learn that his heart is still good? and it is in his word.
- 00:07:24.500 --> 00:07:25.501
- That his heart is still good? and it is in his word. so that's what sustained me
- 00:07:25.568 --> 00:07:26.936
- And it is in his word. so that's what sustained me and that's what brought me
- 00:07:27.003 --> 00:07:28.004
- So that's what sustained me and that's what brought me back to prayer is just
- 00:07:28.070 --> 00:07:29.805
- And that's what brought me back to prayer is just as much about drawing
- 00:07:29.872 --> 00:07:31.607
- Back to prayer is just as much about drawing near to god as it is about
- 00:07:31.674 --> 00:07:33.576
- As much about drawing near to god as it is about getting the outcome you want.
- 00:07:33.643 --> 00:07:35.978
- Near to god as it is about getting the outcome you want. because sometimes you do,
- 00:07:36.045 --> 00:07:37.046
- Getting the outcome you want. because sometimes you do, and sometimes you don't.
- 00:07:37.113 --> 00:07:38.147
- Because sometimes you do, and sometimes you don't. that's tragic. it is!
- 00:07:38.214 --> 00:07:39.382
- And sometimes you don't. that's tragic. it is! tammy: totally.
- 00:07:39.448 --> 00:07:40.516
- That's tragic. it is! tammy: totally. i think that's what
- 00:07:40.583 --> 00:07:41.584
- Tammy: totally. i think that's what i love, mattie about
- 00:07:41.651 --> 00:07:42.652
- I think that's what i love, mattie about your devotional too because
- 00:07:42.718 --> 00:07:43.819
- I love, mattie about your devotional too because it is drenched
- 00:07:43.886 --> 00:07:44.921
- Your devotional too because it is drenched in the word of god.
- 00:07:44.987 --> 00:07:46.122
- It is drenched in the word of god. so many times it is easy
- 00:07:46.188 --> 00:07:47.256
- In the word of god. so many times it is easy for us especially when
- 00:07:47.323 --> 00:07:48.357
- I mean grief looks like
- 00:07:49.492 --> 00:07:50.793
- I mean grief looks like a lot of things, whether
- 00:07:50.860 --> 00:07:52.194
- A lot of things, whether it is loss that we've gone
- 00:07:52.261 --> 00:07:53.496
- It is loss that we've gone through, divorce,
- 00:07:53.563 --> 00:07:55.064
- Through, divorce, the death of a dream,
- 00:07:55.131 --> 00:07:56.432
- The death of a dream, a ministry that didn't
- 00:07:56.499 --> 00:07:57.667
- Or a friendship that failed.
- 00:07:59.001 --> 00:08:00.336
- Or a friendship that failed. i mean loss is loss and
- 00:08:00.403 --> 00:08:01.704
- Or a friendship that failed. i mean loss is loss and it feels deep in the heart,
- 00:08:01.771 --> 00:08:04.173
- I mean loss is loss and it feels deep in the heart, and lonely and painful.
- 00:08:04.240 --> 00:08:06.976
- It feels deep in the heart, and lonely and painful. if we are constantly in
- 00:08:07.043 --> 00:08:08.711
- And lonely and painful. if we are constantly in a place where we are saying,
- 00:08:08.778 --> 00:08:10.947
- If we are constantly in a place where we are saying, well, i say this
- 00:08:11.013 --> 00:08:12.281
- A place where we are saying, well, i say this about the situation
- 00:08:12.348 --> 00:08:13.649
- Well, i say this about the situation or i feel this about it.
- 00:08:13.716 --> 00:08:14.917
- About the situation or i feel this about it. well, what does god say?
- 00:08:14.984 --> 00:08:16.385
- Or i feel this about it. well, what does god say? and if we don't know
- 00:08:16.452 --> 00:08:17.553
- Well, what does god say? and if we don't know the word, then we don't know
- 00:08:17.620 --> 00:08:18.821
- And if we don't know the word, then we don't know what god is saying
- 00:08:18.888 --> 00:08:19.989
- The word, then we don't know what god is saying to our loneliness,
- 00:08:20.056 --> 00:08:21.123
- What god is saying to our loneliness, to the feeling of isolation,
- 00:08:21.190 --> 00:08:22.358
- To our loneliness, to the feeling of isolation, to the feeling of loss,
- 00:08:22.425 --> 00:08:23.726
- To the feeling of isolation, to the feeling of loss, to the feeling of
- 00:08:23.793 --> 00:08:24.727
- To the feeling of loss, to the feeling of i'm not worthy,
- 00:08:24.794 --> 00:08:25.895
- To the feeling of i'm not worthy, i'm not good enough,
- 00:08:25.962 --> 00:08:27.029
- I'm not worthy, i'm not good enough, i'm not smart enough,
- 00:08:27.096 --> 00:08:28.264
- I'm not good enough, i'm not smart enough, i'm without.
- 00:08:28.331 --> 00:08:29.632
- I'm not smart enough, i'm without. and if we don't know
- 00:08:29.699 --> 00:08:30.866
- I'm without. and if we don't know the word of god then we will
- 00:08:30.933 --> 00:08:32.068
- And if we don't know the word of god then we will stay in that rather than
- 00:08:32.134 --> 00:08:33.302
- The word of god then we will stay in that rather than what does god say?
- 00:08:33.369 --> 00:08:34.670
- Stay in that rather than what does god say? i can't do this.
- 00:08:34.737 --> 00:08:36.038
- What does god say? i can't do this. well, with all things
- 00:08:36.105 --> 00:08:37.273
- I can't do this. well, with all things it is possible.
- 00:08:37.340 --> 00:08:38.541
- Well, with all things it is possible. i've not given you
- 00:08:38.608 --> 00:08:39.675
- It is possible. i've not given you a spirit of fear.
- 00:08:39.742 --> 00:08:40.977
- I've not given you a spirit of fear. there are so many promises
- 00:08:41.043 --> 00:08:42.244
- A spirit of fear. there are so many promises from god.
- 00:08:42.311 --> 00:08:43.546
- There are so many promises from god. what i love about
- 00:08:43.613 --> 00:08:44.814
- From god. what i love about through the valley of grief ,
- 00:08:44.914 --> 00:08:46.182
- What i love about through the valley of grief , there is so much.
- 00:08:46.248 --> 00:08:47.416
- Through the valley of grief , there is so much. and it was good for me.
- 00:08:47.483 --> 00:08:48.784
- There is so much. and it was good for me. mattie, 23 years later
- 00:08:48.851 --> 00:08:50.186
- And it was good for me. mattie, 23 years later in my own loss, there was
- 00:08:50.252 --> 00:08:51.520
- Mattie, 23 years later in my own loss, there was so much in this book,
- 00:08:51.587 --> 00:08:52.822
- In my own loss, there was so much in this book, probably every day
- 00:08:52.888 --> 00:08:54.023
- So much in this book, probably every day there was something
- 00:08:54.090 --> 00:08:55.291
- Probably every day there was something where i thought, wow!
- 00:08:55.358 --> 00:08:56.659
- There was something where i thought, wow! i needed this today.
- 00:08:56.726 --> 00:08:57.860
- Where i thought, wow! i needed this today. i thought i handled
- 00:08:57.927 --> 00:08:59.161
- I needed this today. i thought i handled something right
- 00:08:59.228 --> 00:09:00.329
- I thought i handled something right and i didn't and i needed
- 00:09:00.396 --> 00:09:01.497
- Something right and i didn't and i needed this truth from god's word.
- 00:09:01.564 --> 00:09:02.698
- And i didn't and i needed this truth from god's word. but you know what?
- 00:09:02.765 --> 00:09:03.933
- This truth from god's word. but you know what? there are a lot of people
- 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:05.201
- But you know what? there are a lot of people that are probably watching
- 00:09:05.267 --> 00:09:06.569
- There are a lot of people that are probably watching today that feel like
- 00:09:06.636 --> 00:09:08.204
- That are probably watching today that feel like their whole future has been
- 00:09:08.270 --> 00:09:09.572
- Today that feel like their whole future has been erased because of the path
- 00:09:09.639 --> 00:09:12.341
- Their whole future has been erased because of the path that's been chosen for them
- 00:09:12.408 --> 00:09:14.543
- Erased because of the path that's been chosen for them or that they're on,
- 00:09:14.610 --> 00:09:15.611
- That's been chosen for them or that they're on, that they're taking.
- 00:09:15.678 --> 00:09:17.046
- Or that they're on, that they're taking. what would you say to somebody
- 00:09:17.113 --> 00:09:18.414
- That they're taking. what would you say to somebody that feels like that?
- 00:09:18.481 --> 00:09:19.749
- What would you say to somebody that feels like that? because in the season
- 00:09:19.815 --> 00:09:20.983
- That feels like that? because in the season they're in
- 00:09:21.050 --> 00:09:22.251
- Because in the season they're in like their whole future
- 00:09:22.318 --> 00:09:23.452
- They're in like their whole future is erased. it is done.
- 00:09:23.519 --> 00:09:24.654
- Like their whole future is erased. it is done. this is all it will ever be.
- 00:09:24.720 --> 00:09:25.755
- Is erased. it is done. this is all it will ever be. mattie: i would say
- 00:09:25.821 --> 00:09:26.889
- This is all it will ever be. mattie: i would say first of all, i've written
- 00:09:26.956 --> 00:09:28.124
- Mattie: i would say first of all, i've written and spoken those exact words
- 00:09:28.190 --> 00:09:29.225
- First of all, i've written and spoken those exact words over and over that
- 00:09:29.291 --> 00:09:30.426
- And spoken those exact words over and over that my future looked like
- 00:09:30.493 --> 00:09:31.494
- Over and over that my future looked like it was erased.
- 00:09:31.560 --> 00:09:32.762
- My future looked like it was erased. because for all intents
- 00:09:32.828 --> 00:09:33.896
- It was erased. because for all intents and purposes, a lot
- 00:09:33.963 --> 00:09:34.964
- Because for all intents and purposes, a lot of it was, right?
- 00:09:35.031 --> 00:09:36.132
- And purposes, a lot of it was, right? that i had dreamed
- 00:09:36.198 --> 00:09:37.333
- Of it was, right? that i had dreamed and planned, so i get it.
- 00:09:37.400 --> 00:09:38.734
- That i had dreamed and planned, so i get it. and that is a very hopeless
- 00:09:38.801 --> 00:09:39.869
- And planned, so i get it. and that is a very hopeless and helpless feeling
- 00:09:39.935 --> 00:09:41.103
- And that is a very hopeless and helpless feeling and it is very disorienting
- 00:09:41.170 --> 00:09:42.338
- And helpless feeling and it is very disorienting from every direction.
- 00:09:42.405 --> 00:09:43.606
- And it is very disorienting from every direction. so you're not alone in it.
- 00:09:43.673 --> 00:09:45.941
- From every direction. so you're not alone in it. the next thing i would say
- 00:09:46.008 --> 00:09:47.643
- So you're not alone in it. the next thing i would say is to be in god's word.
- 00:09:47.710 --> 00:09:49.712
- The next thing i would say is to be in god's word. he says in isaiah that
- 00:09:49.779 --> 00:09:50.780
- Is to be in god's word. he says in isaiah that he makes streams
- 00:09:50.846 --> 00:09:51.847
- He says in isaiah that he makes streams in the desert
- 00:09:51.914 --> 00:09:52.915
- He makes streams in the desert and he makes ways
- 00:09:52.982 --> 00:09:53.983
- In the desert and he makes ways where there are no ways.
- 00:09:54.050 --> 00:09:55.151
- And he makes ways where there are no ways. that's what he does.
- 00:09:55.217 --> 00:09:56.285
- Everything new.
- 00:09:57.553 --> 00:09:58.587
- Everything new. and you are the pinnacle
- 00:09:58.654 --> 00:10:00.056
- And you are the pinnacle of what he creates
- 00:10:00.122 --> 00:10:01.223
- Of what he creates so he's creating something
- 00:10:01.290 --> 00:10:02.625
- So he's creating something new and beautiful.
- 00:10:02.692 --> 00:10:03.959
- New and beautiful. i know it is horrible
- 00:10:04.026 --> 00:10:05.494
- And i know that it is scary
- 00:10:06.796 --> 00:10:07.830
- And i know that it is scary when you can't see it.
- 00:10:07.897 --> 00:10:09.298
- And i know that it is scary when you can't see it. i hope that you can see hope
- 00:10:09.365 --> 00:10:10.966
- When you can't see it. i hope that you can see hope in my life when you can't
- 00:10:11.033 --> 00:10:12.868
- I hope that you can see hope in my life when you can't see hope in yours because
- 00:10:12.935 --> 00:10:14.236
- In my life when you can't see hope in yours because tammy, that's what i had.
- 00:10:14.303 --> 00:10:15.638
- See hope in yours because tammy, that's what i had. we were talking backstage.
- 00:10:15.705 --> 00:10:18.174
- Tammy, that's what i had. we were talking backstage. i had widows who lost husbands
- 00:10:18.240 --> 00:10:20.242
- We were talking backstage. i had widows who lost husbands in their 30s
- 00:10:20.309 --> 00:10:21.744
- I had widows who lost husbands in their 30s who were then in their 50s
- 00:10:21.811 --> 00:10:23.179
- In their 30s who were then in their 50s who walked with me.
- 00:10:23.245 --> 00:10:24.380
- Who were then in their 50s who walked with me. and i saw their life
- 00:10:24.447 --> 00:10:25.748
- Who walked with me. and i saw their life full of joy, remarried,
- 00:10:25.815 --> 00:10:27.116
- And i saw their life full of joy, remarried, with children, thriving,
- 00:10:27.183 --> 00:10:28.451
- Full of joy, remarried, with children, thriving, ministering.
- 00:10:28.517 --> 00:10:29.618
- With children, thriving, ministering. and when none of that
- 00:10:29.685 --> 00:10:30.786
- Ministering. and when none of that seemed possible for me,
- 00:10:30.853 --> 00:10:32.088
- And when none of that seemed possible for me, i could see it in them
- 00:10:32.154 --> 00:10:33.355
- Seemed possible for me, i could see it in them and they could speak it to me.
- 00:10:33.422 --> 00:10:34.490
- I could see it in them and they could speak it to me. they would speak
- 00:10:34.557 --> 00:10:35.558
- And they could speak it to me. they would speak god's truth back to me.
- 00:10:35.624 --> 00:10:36.826
- They would speak god's truth back to me. when you go back to his word
- 00:10:36.892 --> 00:10:38.461
- God's truth back to me. when you go back to his word you see him make new things
- 00:10:38.527 --> 00:10:40.529
- When you go back to his word you see him make new things out of broken things,
- 00:10:40.596 --> 00:10:41.697
- You see him make new things out of broken things, and you see him restore.
- 00:10:41.764 --> 00:10:43.399
- Out of broken things, and you see him restore. what you can't picture
- 00:10:43.466 --> 00:10:45.601
- And you see him restore. what you can't picture god has already written.
- 00:10:45.668 --> 00:10:47.103
- What you can't picture god has already written. i know that may sound trite
- 00:10:47.169 --> 00:10:48.904
- God has already written. i know that may sound trite but like dream big with him.
- 00:10:48.971 --> 00:10:50.673
- I know that may sound trite but like dream big with him. imagine the beauty.
- 00:10:50.740 --> 00:10:52.041
- But like dream big with him. imagine the beauty. imagine the restoration
- 00:10:52.108 --> 00:10:53.709
- Imagine the beauty. imagine the restoration because he'll do it
- 00:10:53.776 --> 00:10:55.077
- Imagine the restoration because he'll do it in his way.
- 00:10:55.144 --> 00:10:56.779
- Because he'll do it in his way. stick around to see
- 00:10:56.846 --> 00:10:57.880
- In his way. stick around to see what it is because his way
- 00:10:57.947 --> 00:10:58.948
- Stick around to see what it is because his way is awesome eventually.
- 00:10:59.014 --> 00:11:00.015
- What it is because his way is awesome eventually. tammy: i love that you said
- 00:11:00.082 --> 00:11:01.250
- Is awesome eventually. tammy: i love that you said his way.
- 00:11:01.317 --> 00:11:02.551
- Tammy: i love that you said his way. so we have to be careful,
- 00:11:02.618 --> 00:11:03.686
- His way. so we have to be careful, even for me, i remember
- 00:11:03.753 --> 00:11:05.287
- So we have to be careful, even for me, i remember a lot of people thought
- 00:11:05.354 --> 00:11:06.455
- Even for me, i remember a lot of people thought for me, the redemption story,
- 00:11:06.522 --> 00:11:07.957
- A lot of people thought for me, the redemption story, the resolve would be that
- 00:11:08.023 --> 00:11:09.225
- For me, the redemption story, the resolve would be that i would find love again.
- 00:11:09.291 --> 00:11:10.860
- The resolve would be that i would find love again. then she'll be whole,
- 00:11:10.926 --> 00:11:12.061
- I would find love again. then she'll be whole, then she'll be healed.
- 00:11:12.128 --> 00:11:13.662
- Then she'll be whole, then she'll be healed. but i think that looks like --
- 00:11:13.729 --> 00:11:15.831
- Then she'll be healed. but i think that looks like -- look our stories
- 00:11:15.898 --> 00:11:17.066
- But i think that looks like -- look our stories are parallel but your story
- 00:11:17.133 --> 00:11:18.534
- Look our stories are parallel but your story is different than mine
- 00:11:18.601 --> 00:11:19.668
- Are parallel but your story is different than mine right now.
- 00:11:19.735 --> 00:11:20.870
- Is different than mine right now. but i am healed, mattie.
- 00:11:20.936 --> 00:11:22.338
- Right now. but i am healed, mattie. you are healed, and that story
- 00:11:22.404 --> 00:11:24.607
- But i am healed, mattie. you are healed, and that story looks a little bit different.
- 00:11:24.673 --> 00:11:26.075
- You are healed, and that story looks a little bit different. so we have to be careful
- 00:11:26.142 --> 00:11:27.209
- Looks a little bit different. so we have to be careful not to say, it needs
- 00:11:27.276 --> 00:11:28.511
- So we have to be careful not to say, it needs to look exactly like this
- 00:11:28.577 --> 00:11:30.546
- Not to say, it needs to look exactly like this or then god's not in it.
- 00:11:30.613 --> 00:11:32.782
- To look exactly like this or then god's not in it. god is in the business
- 00:11:32.848 --> 00:11:34.183
- That looks like for mattie,
- 00:11:35.651 --> 00:11:36.952
- That looks like for mattie, whatever that looks like
- 00:11:37.019 --> 00:11:38.220
- Whatever that looks like for tammy, whatever
- 00:11:38.287 --> 00:11:39.488
- For tammy, whatever that looks like for you.
- 00:11:39.555 --> 00:11:40.723
- That looks like for you. it might look different
- 00:11:40.790 --> 00:11:42.124
- It might look different and you have to be willing
- 00:11:42.191 --> 00:11:43.692
- To god's way, and trust
- 00:11:45.728 --> 00:11:47.563
- To god's way, and trust god's will for your life.
- 00:11:47.630 --> 00:11:48.964
- To god's way, and trust god's will for your life. so can pain and joy coexist?
- 00:11:49.031 --> 00:11:52.902
- God's will for your life. so can pain and joy coexist? mattie: this is one of
- 00:11:52.968 --> 00:11:54.103
- So can pain and joy coexist? mattie: this is one of my favorite topics honestly,
- 00:11:54.170 --> 00:11:56.272
- Mattie: this is one of my favorite topics honestly, now, to speak about
- 00:11:56.338 --> 00:11:57.606
- My favorite topics honestly, now, to speak about to people
- 00:11:57.673 --> 00:11:58.808
- Now, to speak about to people and conversations to have.
- 00:11:58.874 --> 00:12:00.176
- To people and conversations to have. because for all intents
- 00:12:00.242 --> 00:12:01.410
- And conversations to have. because for all intents and purposes, he wired me
- 00:12:01.477 --> 00:12:02.678
- Because for all intents and purposes, he wired me as a pretty joyful person.
- 00:12:02.745 --> 00:12:04.113
- And purposes, he wired me as a pretty joyful person. i'm grateful for that.
- 00:12:04.180 --> 00:12:05.347
- As a pretty joyful person. i'm grateful for that. i'm just a glass half full
- 00:12:05.414 --> 00:12:07.016
- I'm grateful for that. i'm just a glass half full almost to a fault.
- 00:12:07.082 --> 00:12:08.450
- I'm just a glass half full almost to a fault. so when i lost ben,
- 00:12:08.517 --> 00:12:09.919
- Almost to a fault. so when i lost ben, those were very foreign
- 00:12:09.985 --> 00:12:11.487
- So when i lost ben, those were very foreign feelings to me.
- 00:12:11.554 --> 00:12:12.955
- Those were very foreign feelings to me. like just feelings of despair,
- 00:12:13.022 --> 00:12:14.890
- Feelings to me. like just feelings of despair, feelings of darkness.
- 00:12:14.957 --> 00:12:16.625
- Like just feelings of despair, feelings of darkness. that was just not something
- 00:12:16.692 --> 00:12:18.194
- Feelings of darkness. that was just not something i had ever traversed.
- 00:12:18.260 --> 00:12:19.662
- That was just not something i had ever traversed. and so for me, one of
- 00:12:19.728 --> 00:12:21.597
- I had ever traversed. and so for me, one of the biggest lessons was
- 00:12:21.664 --> 00:12:23.632
- And so for me, one of the biggest lessons was you don't have to
- 00:12:23.699 --> 00:12:24.767
- The biggest lessons was you don't have to come out of that
- 00:12:24.834 --> 00:12:26.035
- You don't have to come out of that to experience joy again.
- 00:12:26.101 --> 00:12:27.403
- Come out of that to experience joy again. because in this type of loss,
- 00:12:27.469 --> 00:12:29.305
- To experience joy again. because in this type of loss, you don't come out of it,
- 00:12:29.371 --> 00:12:30.773
- Because in this type of loss, you don't come out of it, you just keep moving forward
- 00:12:30.840 --> 00:12:33.509
- You don't come out of it, you just keep moving forward and healing forward.
- 00:12:33.576 --> 00:12:35.044
- You just keep moving forward and healing forward. but you don't have to be
- 00:12:35.110 --> 00:12:37.112
- And healing forward. but you don't have to be in your better place
- 00:12:37.179 --> 00:12:38.347
- But you don't have to be in your better place or your new normal
- 00:12:38.414 --> 00:12:39.949
- In your better place or your new normal to experience joy.
- 00:12:40.015 --> 00:12:41.350
- Or your new normal to experience joy. i think that was a lesson
- 00:12:41.417 --> 00:12:43.652
- To experience joy. i think that was a lesson the lord taught me
- 00:12:43.719 --> 00:12:44.854
- I think that was a lesson the lord taught me early in my grief.
- 00:12:44.920 --> 00:12:46.055
- The lord taught me early in my grief. not because of me but
- 00:12:46.121 --> 00:12:47.156
- Early in my grief. not because of me but really because of ben.
- 00:12:47.223 --> 00:12:48.657
- Not because of me but really because of ben. i write about him often.
- 00:12:48.724 --> 00:12:49.859
- Really because of ben. i write about him often. just like i said earlier,
- 00:12:49.925 --> 00:12:51.093
- I write about him often. just like i said earlier, he was the most abundant man
- 00:12:51.160 --> 00:12:52.995
- Just like i said earlier, he was the most abundant man i have ever experienced.
- 00:12:53.062 --> 00:12:55.698
- He was the most abundant man i have ever experienced. and so in a way, it was
- 00:12:55.764 --> 00:12:57.199
- I have ever experienced. and so in a way, it was god saying carry on
- 00:12:57.266 --> 00:12:58.467
- And so in a way, it was god saying carry on ben's legacy.
- 00:12:58.534 --> 00:12:59.668
- God saying carry on ben's legacy. don't miss these joys.
- 00:12:59.735 --> 00:13:01.203
- Ben's legacy. don't miss these joys. celebrate the things
- 00:13:01.270 --> 00:13:02.404
- Don't miss these joys. celebrate the things he would celebrate.
- 00:13:02.471 --> 00:13:03.906
- Celebrate the things he would celebrate. in that way, he taught me
- 00:13:03.973 --> 00:13:05.140
- He would celebrate. in that way, he taught me how to do that.
- 00:13:05.207 --> 00:13:06.442
- In that way, he taught me how to do that. he taught me how
- 00:13:06.508 --> 00:13:07.610
- How to do that. he taught me how to keep my eyes open
- 00:13:07.676 --> 00:13:09.011
- He taught me how to keep my eyes open for small goodnesses.
- 00:13:09.078 --> 00:13:10.346
- To keep my eyes open for small goodnesses. and really, i think
- 00:13:10.412 --> 00:13:11.947
- For small goodnesses. and really, i think we overuse the word
- 00:13:12.014 --> 00:13:13.148
- And really, i think we overuse the word gratitude now.
- 00:13:13.249 --> 00:13:14.216
- We overuse the word gratitude now. but can you really overuse
- 00:13:14.283 --> 00:13:15.417
- Gratitude now. but can you really overuse the word gratitude ?
- 00:13:15.484 --> 00:13:16.585
- But can you really overuse the word gratitude ? like to pause
- 00:13:16.652 --> 00:13:17.786
- The word gratitude ? like to pause and thank him.
- 00:13:17.853 --> 00:13:18.921
- Like to pause and thank him. to pause and worship him
- 00:13:18.988 --> 00:13:20.089
- And thank him. to pause and worship him when i didn't feel
- 00:13:20.155 --> 00:13:21.090
- To pause and worship him when i didn't feel like worshipping.
- 00:13:21.156 --> 00:13:22.258
- When i didn't feel like worshipping. i think keeping my eyes
- 00:13:22.324 --> 00:13:23.425
- Like worshipping. i think keeping my eyes open and my heart open,
- 00:13:23.492 --> 00:13:24.560
- I think keeping my eyes open and my heart open, and literally praying,
- 00:13:24.627 --> 00:13:25.661
- A little joy, a tiny joy
- 00:13:26.929 --> 00:13:28.864
- A little joy, a tiny joy today, and let me see it.
- 00:13:28.931 --> 00:13:30.599
- Today, and let me see it. that accrues
- 00:13:30.666 --> 00:13:31.901
- That accrues and that adds up,
- 00:13:31.967 --> 00:13:33.102
- And that adds up, and then you learn to look
- 00:13:33.168 --> 00:13:34.236
- And then you learn to look for those things the moment
- 00:13:34.303 --> 00:13:35.871
- On the floor weeping.
- 00:13:37.106 --> 00:13:38.240
- On the floor weeping. and both are true.
- 00:13:38.307 --> 00:13:40.042
- On the floor weeping. and both are true. they just are.
- 00:13:40.109 --> 00:13:41.243
- And both are true. they just are. it is miraculous!
- 00:13:41.310 --> 00:13:42.878
- They just are. it is miraculous! tammy: so let's talk about
- 00:13:42.945 --> 00:13:44.246
- It is miraculous! tammy: so let's talk about grace now.
- 00:13:44.313 --> 00:13:46.081
- Tammy: so let's talk about grace now. and where god has brought you
- 00:13:46.148 --> 00:13:47.516
- Grace now. and where god has brought you now to this day
- 00:13:47.583 --> 00:13:48.951
- And where god has brought you now to this day and the beautiful story
- 00:13:49.018 --> 00:13:51.020
- Now to this day and the beautiful story that he's continued to write
- 00:13:51.086 --> 00:13:52.655
- And the beautiful story that he's continued to write for your life.
- 00:13:52.721 --> 00:13:54.123
- That he's continued to write for your life. mattie: yeah.
- 00:13:54.189 --> 00:13:55.424
- For your life. mattie: yeah. so i appreciate what
- 00:13:55.491 --> 00:13:56.659
- Mattie: yeah. so i appreciate what you said earlier about
- 00:13:56.725 --> 00:13:57.893
- So i appreciate what you said earlier about redemption and restoration
- 00:13:57.960 --> 00:13:59.261
- You said earlier about redemption and restoration not looking cookie cutter.
- 00:13:59.328 --> 00:14:00.829
- Redemption and restoration not looking cookie cutter. you didn't use those words
- 00:14:00.896 --> 00:14:01.964
- Not looking cookie cutter. you didn't use those words but it is not cookie cutter.
- 00:14:02.031 --> 00:14:04.199
- You didn't use those words but it is not cookie cutter. there was a part of me
- 00:14:04.266 --> 00:14:05.501
- But it is not cookie cutter. there was a part of me that before i met my
- 00:14:05.567 --> 00:14:07.303
- There was a part of me that before i met my now husband connor,
- 00:14:07.369 --> 00:14:09.104
- That before i met my now husband connor, and before we remarried
- 00:14:09.171 --> 00:14:10.406
- Now husband connor, and before we remarried last year, praise god,
- 00:14:10.472 --> 00:14:11.674
- And before we remarried last year, praise god, and before we had
- 00:14:11.740 --> 00:14:12.808
- Last year, praise god, and before we had our baby boy three months ago,
- 00:14:12.875 --> 00:14:14.076
- And before we had our baby boy three months ago, just unbelievable
- 00:14:14.143 --> 00:14:15.644
- Our baby boy three months ago, just unbelievable the direct answer
- 00:14:15.711 --> 00:14:16.879
- Just unbelievable the direct answer to these prayers
- 00:14:16.946 --> 00:14:18.247
- The direct answer to these prayers that i prayed tearfully
- 00:14:18.314 --> 00:14:19.748
- To these prayers that i prayed tearfully for years and years and years.
- 00:14:19.815 --> 00:14:22.318
- That i prayed tearfully for years and years and years. i just tell people,
- 00:14:22.384 --> 00:14:23.585
- For years and years and years. i just tell people, remember, the first redemption
- 00:14:23.652 --> 00:14:25.421
- I just tell people, remember, the first redemption was me like you just said.
- 00:14:25.487 --> 00:14:26.989
- Remember, the first redemption was me like you just said. there was a point where
- 00:14:27.056 --> 00:14:28.857
- Was me like you just said. there was a point where i could sit with myself
- 00:14:28.924 --> 00:14:30.559
- There was a point where i could sit with myself and i could sit with the lord
- 00:14:30.626 --> 00:14:31.794
- I could sit with myself and i could sit with the lord and i could sit with
- 00:14:31.860 --> 00:14:32.928
- And i could sit with the lord and i could sit with my very best friends where
- 00:14:32.995 --> 00:14:34.063
- And i could sit with my very best friends where i don't sugarcoat things
- 00:14:34.129 --> 00:14:35.431
- My very best friends where i don't sugarcoat things and say, if this isn't it
- 00:14:35.497 --> 00:14:38.467
- I don't sugarcoat things and say, if this isn't it if god healing me
- 00:14:38.534 --> 00:14:40.836
- And say, if this isn't it if god healing me and him giving me
- 00:14:40.903 --> 00:14:42.104
- If god healing me and him giving me this beautiful love story
- 00:14:42.171 --> 00:14:43.672
- And him giving me this beautiful love story that only lasted three years,
- 00:14:43.739 --> 00:14:45.774
- This beautiful love story that only lasted three years, one year in marriage,
- 00:14:45.841 --> 00:14:47.476
- That only lasted three years, one year in marriage, then that's enough.
- 00:14:47.543 --> 00:14:50.279
- One year in marriage, then that's enough. then he is enough
- 00:14:50.346 --> 00:14:51.647
- Then that's enough. then he is enough and i will live my life
- 00:14:51.714 --> 00:14:52.748
- Then he is enough and i will live my life as best i can,
- 00:14:52.815 --> 00:14:53.849
- And i will live my life as best i can, and some days i do it great,
- 00:14:53.916 --> 00:14:54.917
- As best i can, and some days i do it great, and some days i don't,
- 00:14:54.984 --> 00:14:56.218
- And some days i do it great, and some days i don't, as if everything else
- 00:14:56.285 --> 00:14:57.486
- And some days i don't, as if everything else is a cherry on top.
- 00:14:57.553 --> 00:14:58.587
- As if everything else is a cherry on top. i really feel like
- 00:14:58.654 --> 00:15:00.222
- Is a cherry on top. i really feel like when you get to the depths
- 00:15:00.289 --> 00:15:02.291
- I really feel like when you get to the depths through the valley
- 00:15:02.358 --> 00:15:03.359
- When you get to the depths through the valley with the lord, he teaches you
- 00:15:03.425 --> 00:15:05.361
- Through the valley with the lord, he teaches you in a way that he doesn't
- 00:15:05.427 --> 00:15:06.829
- With the lord, he teaches you in a way that he doesn't teach you anywhere else,
- 00:15:06.895 --> 00:15:08.030
- In a way that he doesn't teach you anywhere else, i am enough and
- 00:15:08.097 --> 00:15:09.631
- Teach you anywhere else, i am enough and everything else is a bonus.
- 00:15:09.698 --> 00:15:11.233
- I am enough and everything else is a bonus. and like connor
- 00:15:11.300 --> 00:15:12.601
- Everything else is a bonus. and like connor and my baby boy
- 00:15:12.668 --> 00:15:13.702
- And like connor and my baby boy are the biggest bonus
- 00:15:13.769 --> 00:15:14.870
- And my baby boy are the biggest bonus i've ever experienced.
- 00:15:14.937 --> 00:15:16.105
- Are the biggest bonus i've ever experienced. and my joy for that
- 00:15:16.171 --> 00:15:17.172
- I've ever experienced. and my joy for that is even deeper than
- 00:15:17.239 --> 00:15:18.307
- And my joy for that is even deeper than it's ever been because
- 00:15:18.374 --> 00:15:19.375
- Is even deeper than it's ever been because of what i've gone through.
- 00:15:19.441 --> 00:15:20.542
- It's ever been because of what i've gone through. but if god didn't take me to
- 00:15:20.609 --> 00:15:22.244
- Of what i've gone through. but if god didn't take me to the god-you-and-me-are-enough
- 00:15:22.311 --> 00:15:24.046
- But if god didn't take me to the god-you-and-me-are-enough place, i would be right back
- 00:15:24.113 --> 00:15:26.215
- The god-you-and-me-are-enough place, i would be right back where i was which is
- 00:15:26.281 --> 00:15:27.416
- Place, i would be right back where i was which is just taking it for granted
- 00:15:27.483 --> 00:15:29.084
- Where i was which is just taking it for granted or thinking it is
- 00:15:29.151 --> 00:15:30.152
- Just taking it for granted or thinking it is what is going to complete me.
- 00:15:30.219 --> 00:15:31.420
- Or thinking it is what is going to complete me. or thinking being a wife
- 00:15:31.487 --> 00:15:32.788
- What is going to complete me. or thinking being a wife again is my identity
- 00:15:32.855 --> 00:15:34.023
- Or thinking being a wife again is my identity when it is just the cherry
- 00:15:34.089 --> 00:15:35.391
- That god already gave me.
- 00:15:36.692 --> 00:15:37.760
- That god already gave me. and that is a life-changing
- 00:15:37.826 --> 00:15:39.495
- And that is a life-changing lesson to learn at 28,
- 00:15:39.561 --> 00:15:41.030
- Lesson to learn at 28, 30, 34 years old.
- 00:15:41.096 --> 00:15:42.798
- 30, 34 years old. not to my credit.
- 00:15:42.865 --> 00:15:44.233
- Tammy: amen for that.
- 00:15:45.834 --> 00:15:47.102
- Tammy: amen for that. let's talk about
- 00:15:47.169 --> 00:15:48.237
- Tammy: amen for that. let's talk about through the valley of grief .
- 00:15:48.337 --> 00:15:49.371
- Let's talk about through the valley of grief . what do you hope
- 00:15:49.438 --> 00:15:50.472
- Through the valley of grief . what do you hope for this devotional
- 00:15:50.539 --> 00:15:51.540
- What do you hope for this devotional and how did it even
- 00:15:51.607 --> 00:15:52.574
- For this devotional and how did it even come about?
- 00:15:52.641 --> 00:15:53.876
- And how did it even come about? mattie: well, it came about
- 00:15:53.942 --> 00:15:55.044
- Come about? mattie: well, it came about because i wrote
- 00:15:55.110 --> 00:15:56.178
- Mattie: well, it came about because i wrote those entries to myself.
- 00:15:56.245 --> 00:15:58.047
- Because i wrote those entries to myself. when i was grieving
- 00:15:58.113 --> 00:15:59.181
- Those entries to myself. when i was grieving in the first year,
- 00:15:59.248 --> 00:16:00.315
- When i was grieving in the first year, long story short,
- 00:16:00.382 --> 00:16:01.350
- In the first year, long story short, my mom's best friend gave me
- 00:16:01.417 --> 00:16:02.651
- Long story short, my mom's best friend gave me a similar book but
- 00:16:02.718 --> 00:16:03.919
- My mom's best friend gave me a similar book but it was just quotes.
- 00:16:03.986 --> 00:16:05.220
- A similar book but it was just quotes. it was called
- 00:16:05.287 --> 00:16:06.221
- It was just quotes. it was called healing after loss
- 00:16:06.321 --> 00:16:07.222
- It was called healing after loss and it was specifically about
- 00:16:07.289 --> 00:16:08.624
- Healing after loss and it was specifically about when you've lost someone
- 00:16:08.690 --> 00:16:09.725
- And it was specifically about when you've lost someone to death.
- 00:16:09.792 --> 00:16:10.926
- When you've lost someone to death. it spoke so directly
- 00:16:10.993 --> 00:16:12.127
- To death. it spoke so directly to my experience that
- 00:16:12.194 --> 00:16:13.328
- It spoke so directly to my experience that i read it every day but
- 00:16:13.395 --> 00:16:14.363
- To my experience that i read it every day but it wasn't scripture-based.
- 00:16:14.430 --> 00:16:15.497
- I read it every day but it wasn't scripture-based. it wasn't a christian book.
- 00:16:15.564 --> 00:16:16.832
- It wasn't scripture-based. it wasn't a christian book. i said every day
- 00:16:16.899 --> 00:16:17.933
- It wasn't a christian book. i said every day i wish this was god's word.
- 00:16:18.000 --> 00:16:19.034
- I said every day i wish this was god's word. i wish these words
- 00:16:19.101 --> 00:16:20.102
- I wish this was god's word. i wish these words shepherding me
- 00:16:20.169 --> 00:16:21.203
- I wish these words shepherding me were god's word.
- 00:16:21.270 --> 00:16:22.371
- Shepherding me were god's word. so i started writing
- 00:16:22.438 --> 00:16:24.173
- Were god's word. so i started writing the entries like they were
- 00:16:24.239 --> 00:16:25.441
- So i started writing the entries like they were written in that book but
- 00:16:25.507 --> 00:16:26.508
- The entries like they were written in that book but with scripture
- 00:16:26.575 --> 00:16:27.709
- Written in that book but with scripture instead of just quotes.
- 00:16:27.776 --> 00:16:29.211
- With scripture instead of just quotes. so i started doing that
- 00:16:29.278 --> 00:16:30.312
- Instead of just quotes. so i started doing that as my daily routine.
- 00:16:30.379 --> 00:16:31.413
- So i started doing that as my daily routine. and then i thought,
- 00:16:31.480 --> 00:16:32.548
- As my daily routine. and then i thought, my goodness like other people
- 00:16:32.614 --> 00:16:34.049
- And then i thought, my goodness like other people probably want this too.
- 00:16:34.116 --> 00:16:35.684
- My goodness like other people probably want this too. and this is just a resource
- 00:16:35.751 --> 00:16:36.919
- Probably want this too. and this is just a resource that i wanted.
- 00:16:36.985 --> 00:16:38.187
- And this is just a resource that i wanted. my hope for it is that
- 00:16:38.253 --> 00:16:39.354
- That i wanted. my hope for it is that it is not only a soft place
- 00:16:39.421 --> 00:16:41.223
- My hope for it is that it is not only a soft place for people to land
- 00:16:41.290 --> 00:16:42.891
- It is not only a soft place for people to land in the comfort of god's arms.
- 00:16:42.958 --> 00:16:44.426
- For people to land in the comfort of god's arms. i heard a quote one time,
- 00:16:44.493 --> 00:16:45.627
- In the comfort of god's arms. i heard a quote one time, "when you hit rock bottom
- 00:16:45.694 --> 00:16:46.695
- I heard a quote one time, "when you hit rock bottom he's the softest place
- 00:16:46.762 --> 00:16:47.763
- "when you hit rock bottom he's the softest place you can land."
- 00:16:47.830 --> 00:16:48.864
- He's the softest place you can land." so i hope it is that
- 00:16:48.931 --> 00:16:50.065
- You can land." so i hope it is that from a spiritual perspective.
- 00:16:50.132 --> 00:16:51.233
- So i hope it is that from a spiritual perspective. and honestly,
- 00:16:51.300 --> 00:16:52.301
- From a spiritual perspective. and honestly, from a practical perspective,
- 00:16:52.367 --> 00:16:53.502
- And honestly, from a practical perspective, i hope it gives people
- 00:16:53.569 --> 00:16:54.970
- There is a call to meditate
- 00:16:56.138 --> 00:16:57.473
- There is a call to meditate or pray or do some sort
- 00:16:57.539 --> 00:16:59.108
- Or pray or do some sort of call to action
- 00:16:59.174 --> 00:17:00.375
- Of call to action at the end of every day
- 00:17:00.442 --> 00:17:01.577
- At the end of every day to practice one of
- 00:17:01.643 --> 00:17:02.644
- To practice one of these four rhythms
- 00:17:02.711 --> 00:17:03.779
- These four rhythms that i think ended up saving
- 00:17:03.846 --> 00:17:04.913
- What they were
- 00:17:06.215 --> 00:17:07.116
- What they were and how to do them
- 00:17:07.182 --> 00:17:08.417
- What they were and how to do them in a practical daily way.
- 00:17:08.484 --> 00:17:09.852
- And how to do them in a practical daily way. tammy: mattie, this is
- 00:17:09.918 --> 00:17:10.986
- You and i both needed.
- 00:17:12.154 --> 00:17:13.489
- You and i both needed. we needed this.
- 00:17:13.555 --> 00:17:14.556
- We needed this. and i think we as widows
- 00:17:14.623 --> 00:17:16.291
- And i think we as widows early on in life,
- 00:17:16.358 --> 00:17:17.459
- Early on in life, we searched for things
- 00:17:17.526 --> 00:17:18.627
- We searched for things -- i did.
- 00:17:18.694 --> 00:17:19.795
- -- i did. i'm sure you did too.
- 00:17:19.862 --> 00:17:21.296
- You took the time
- 00:17:22.631 --> 00:17:23.732
- You took the time to write this devotional.
- 00:17:23.799 --> 00:17:25.100
- You took the time to write this devotional. because again, i don't think
- 00:17:25.167 --> 00:17:26.368
- To write this devotional. because again, i don't think it is just for someone
- 00:17:26.435 --> 00:17:27.569
- Because again, i don't think it is just for someone who has lost.
- 00:17:27.636 --> 00:17:28.670
- It is just for someone who has lost. it can be grief
- 00:17:28.737 --> 00:17:29.805
- Who has lost. it can be grief on any level.
- 00:17:29.872 --> 00:17:31.106
- It can be grief on any level. it will minister to
- 00:17:31.173 --> 00:17:32.307
- On any level. it will minister to so many people who just need
- 00:17:32.374 --> 00:17:34.843
- It will minister to so many people who just need the word of god,
- 00:17:34.910 --> 00:17:36.111
- So many people who just need the word of god, who need a little help,
- 00:17:36.178 --> 00:17:37.379
- The word of god, who need a little help, who need a tool,
- 00:17:37.446 --> 00:17:38.547
- Who need a little help, who need a tool, and every day --
- 00:17:38.614 --> 00:17:40.048
- Who need a tool, and every day -- every day there is just
- 00:17:40.115 --> 00:17:41.283
- And every day -- every day there is just a little nugget
- 00:17:41.350 --> 00:17:42.551
- Every day there is just a little nugget where you walk away.
- 00:17:42.618 --> 00:17:43.785
- A little nugget where you walk away. i did!
- 00:17:43.852 --> 00:17:45.020
- Where you walk away. i did! day 30: "any time the lord
- 00:17:45.087 --> 00:17:46.355
- I did! day 30: "any time the lord allows you to struggle
- 00:17:46.421 --> 00:17:47.689
- Day 30: "any time the lord allows you to struggle is because he can already
- 00:17:47.756 --> 00:17:49.124
- Allows you to struggle is because he can already see the magnificent fruit
- 00:17:49.191 --> 00:17:50.692
- Is because he can already see the magnificent fruit on the other side.
- 00:17:50.759 --> 00:17:52.361
- See the magnificent fruit on the other side. when you rejoice,
- 00:17:52.427 --> 00:17:53.529
- On the other side. when you rejoice, pray and thank him
- 00:17:53.595 --> 00:17:55.097
- When you rejoice, pray and thank him even in your low valleys.
- 00:17:55.164 --> 00:17:56.832
- Pray and thank him even in your low valleys. that's when your heart
- 00:17:56.899 --> 00:17:58.133
- Even in your low valleys. that's when your heart is most open to receive
- 00:17:58.200 --> 00:17:59.434
- That's when your heart is most open to receive his divine work
- 00:17:59.501 --> 00:18:00.869
- Is most open to receive his divine work of sanctifying your soul.
- 00:18:00.936 --> 00:18:02.971
- His divine work of sanctifying your soul. his ultimate will is
- 00:18:03.038 --> 00:18:04.439
- Of sanctifying your soul. his ultimate will is to lead each one of us
- 00:18:04.506 --> 00:18:05.674
- His ultimate will is to lead each one of us to become more and more
- 00:18:05.741 --> 00:18:06.942
- To lead each one of us to become more and more like christ even in
- 00:18:07.009 --> 00:18:09.178
- To become more and more like christ even in the struggle."
- 00:18:09.244 --> 00:18:10.312
- Like christ even in the struggle." mattie, i cannot thank you
- 00:18:10.379 --> 00:18:12.548
- The struggle." mattie, i cannot thank you enough for today,
- 00:18:12.614 --> 00:18:14.516
- Mattie, i cannot thank you enough for today, for you, for your life.
- 00:18:14.583 --> 00:18:18.120
- Enough for today, for you, for your life. it is not even that
- 00:18:18.187 --> 00:18:19.388
- For you, for your life. it is not even that your prayer was to be known
- 00:18:19.454 --> 00:18:22.891
- It is not even that your prayer was to be known and seen, but to be known
- 00:18:22.958 --> 00:18:25.594
- Your prayer was to be known and seen, but to be known and seen by jesus.
- 00:18:25.661 --> 00:18:27.596
- And seen, but to be known and seen by jesus. he sees every piece of you,
- 00:18:27.663 --> 00:18:29.264
- And seen by jesus. he sees every piece of you, every part of your life
- 00:18:29.331 --> 00:18:30.866
- He sees every piece of you, every part of your life and nothing is wasted.
- 00:18:30.933 --> 00:18:33.235
- Every part of your life and nothing is wasted. i love that about
- 00:18:33.302 --> 00:18:34.403
- And nothing is wasted. i love that about the connection we had
- 00:18:34.469 --> 00:18:35.504
- I love that about the connection we had just briefly in 2018.
- 00:18:35.571 --> 00:18:37.706
- The connection we had just briefly in 2018. we get to be in this space
- 00:18:37.773 --> 00:18:39.208
- Just briefly in 2018. we get to be in this space together today to say,
- 00:18:39.274 --> 00:18:40.342
- We get to be in this space together today to say, look!
- 00:18:40.409 --> 00:18:41.777
- Together today to say, look! look at what god has done
- 00:18:41.843 --> 00:18:43.412
- Look! look at what god has done in our lives.
- 00:18:43.478 --> 00:18:44.580
- Look at what god has done in our lives. it is possible
- 00:18:44.646 --> 00:18:46.048
- In our lives. it is possible to breathe again.
- 00:18:46.114 --> 00:18:47.115
- It is possible to breathe again. it is possible to live again.
- 00:18:47.182 --> 00:18:48.884
- To breathe again. it is possible to live again. it is possible to be restored.
- 00:18:48.951 --> 00:18:51.186
- It is possible to live again. it is possible to be restored. it is possible to be healed.
- 00:18:51.253 --> 00:18:53.522
- It is possible to be restored. it is possible to be healed. our stories look entirely
- 00:18:53.589 --> 00:18:54.823
- It is possible to be healed. our stories look entirely different than what we thought
- 00:18:54.890 --> 00:18:56.158
- Our stories look entirely different than what we thought they would look like.
- 00:18:56.225 --> 00:18:57.659
- Different than what we thought they would look like. but we are here today,
- 00:18:57.726 --> 00:18:58.794
- They would look like. but we are here today, strong women of god
- 00:18:58.860 --> 00:19:00.229
- But we are here today, strong women of god who are growing and breathing
- 00:19:00.295 --> 00:19:01.697
- Strong women of god who are growing and breathing and moving because of what
- 00:19:01.763 --> 00:19:02.864
- Who are growing and breathing and moving because of what god has done in our lives.
- 00:19:02.931 --> 00:19:06.268
- And moving because of what god has done in our lives. i love you.
- 00:19:06.335 --> 00:19:07.402
- God has done in our lives. i love you. i appreciate you.
- 00:19:07.469 --> 00:19:08.770
- I love you. i appreciate you. and i'm so glad you're here.
- 00:19:08.837 --> 00:19:10.105
- I appreciate you. and i'm so glad you're here. you know there are
- 00:19:10.172 --> 00:19:11.273
- And i'm so glad you're here. you know there are a lot of people in the world
- 00:19:11.340 --> 00:19:13.175
- You know there are a lot of people in the world right now all around
- 00:19:13.242 --> 00:19:14.376
- A lot of people in the world right now all around the world that are struggling,
- 00:19:14.443 --> 00:19:16.878
- Right now all around the world that are struggling, that are facing loss,
- 00:19:16.945 --> 00:19:18.046
- The world that are struggling, that are facing loss, that are facing grief.
- 00:19:18.113 --> 00:19:20.182
- That are facing loss, that are facing grief. i've had the privilege
- 00:19:20.249 --> 00:19:21.483
- That are facing grief. i've had the privilege and opportunity to travel
- 00:19:21.550 --> 00:19:22.751
- And i've seen a lot of it.
- 00:19:24.119 --> 00:19:26.054
- And i've seen a lot of it. one of the most
- 00:19:26.121 --> 00:19:27.189
- One of the most heartbreaking things
- 00:19:27.256 --> 00:19:28.390
- Heartbreaking things i've witnessed
- 00:19:28.457 --> 00:19:29.625
- I've witnessed is the food crisis
- 00:19:29.691 --> 00:19:30.759
- Is the food crisis and many people,
- 00:19:30.826 --> 00:19:31.893
- And many people, many children
- 00:19:31.960 --> 00:19:33.061
- Many children starving to death.
- 00:19:33.128 --> 00:19:35.030
- It is overwhelming
- 00:19:35.497 --> 00:19:36.732
- When you ask the mothers
- 00:19:36.798 --> 00:19:37.899
- How many children they've lost
- 00:19:37.966 --> 00:19:39.067
- Because of it
- 00:19:39.134 --> 00:19:40.235
- And hands go up everywhere.
- 00:19:40.302 --> 00:19:41.870
- And not just one child,
- 00:19:41.937 --> 00:19:43.605
- Many have lost
- 00:19:43.672 --> 00:19:44.840
- Multiple children.
- 00:19:44.906 --> 00:19:46.508
- To be there with them
- 00:19:46.575 --> 00:19:47.776
- Personally, seeing firsthand
- 00:19:47.843 --> 00:19:49.278
- Suffering and losing so much
- 00:19:49.344 --> 00:19:51.680
- Because of the lack of food,
- 00:19:51.747 --> 00:19:53.282
- Well, it is devastating.
- 00:19:53.348 --> 00:19:55.384
- You know what?
- 00:19:55.450 --> 00:19:56.818
- These families are not
- 00:19:56.885 --> 00:19:58.086
- Asking for much --
- 00:19:58.153 --> 00:19:59.388
- Just enough to survive.
- 00:19:59.454 --> 00:20:01.523
- But without it,
- 00:20:01.590 --> 00:20:02.924
- Without our help,
- 00:20:02.991 --> 00:20:04.226
- Many will perish,
- 00:20:04.293 --> 00:20:05.560
- Especially those precious,
- 00:20:05.627 --> 00:20:06.995
- Precious little children,
- 00:20:07.062 --> 00:20:08.130
- And babies.
- 00:20:08.196 --> 00:20:09.331
- So if the lord is moving
- 00:20:09.398 --> 00:20:10.532
- Your heart today to come
- 00:20:10.599 --> 00:20:11.900
- Alongside us to help bring
- 00:20:11.967 --> 00:20:13.702
- Relief, hope, and the love
- 00:20:13.769 --> 00:20:16.171
- Of jesus, then please,
- 00:20:16.238 --> 00:20:19.074
- Please consider
- 00:20:19.141 --> 00:20:20.242
- Giving that gift.
- 00:20:20.309 --> 00:20:21.610
- We are currently feeding
- 00:20:21.677 --> 00:20:22.711
- 350,000 children
- 00:20:22.778 --> 00:20:25.480
- In desperate need
- 00:20:25.547 --> 00:20:26.715
- Throughout africa.
- 00:20:26.782 --> 00:20:28.417
- So if you haven't yet
- 00:20:28.483 --> 00:20:29.885
- Had the chance to give,
- 00:20:29.951 --> 00:20:31.119
- I encourage you right now
- 00:20:31.186 --> 00:20:32.321
- To take a moment and pray.
- 00:20:32.387 --> 00:20:33.855
- Just ask the lord if today
- 00:20:33.922 --> 00:20:35.557
- Is the day to partner with us.
- 00:20:35.624 --> 00:20:38.694
- Because together, i know
- 00:20:38.760 --> 00:20:40.228
- We can help change lives
- 00:20:40.295 --> 00:20:41.697
- And bring hope
- 00:20:41.763 --> 00:20:43.165
- Through mission feeding.
- 00:20:43.231 --> 00:20:44.599
- This is what
- 00:20:44.666 --> 00:20:45.734
- That would look like.
- 00:20:45.801 --> 00:20:47.302
- For $30 that will help feed
- 00:20:47.369 --> 00:20:49.338
- And minister to three children
- 00:20:49.404 --> 00:20:51.340
- For three full months.
- 00:20:51.406 --> 00:20:53.141
- $50 will help feed and
- 00:20:53.208 --> 00:20:55.010
- Minister to five children.
- 00:20:55.077 --> 00:20:57.012
- $100 will help ten children.
- 00:20:57.079 --> 00:20:59.314
- And for those who are able,
- 00:20:59.381 --> 00:21:00.749
- $1,000 will help feed
- 00:21:00.816 --> 00:21:02.284
- And minister to 100 children
- 00:21:02.351 --> 00:21:04.086
- For three full months.
- 00:21:04.152 --> 00:21:07.089
- I believe god reveals
- 00:21:07.155 --> 00:21:08.423
- Many things to us
- 00:21:08.490 --> 00:21:09.791
- For so many reasons.
- 00:21:09.858 --> 00:21:11.293
- So i pray today,
- 00:21:11.360 --> 00:21:12.661
- Just as he has shown us
- 00:21:12.728 --> 00:21:14.029
- This need that we will
- 00:21:14.096 --> 00:21:15.697
- Be faithful.
- 00:21:15.764 --> 00:21:16.965
- Not to ignore it,
- 00:21:17.032 --> 00:21:18.233
- But to respond to it.
- 00:21:18.300 --> 00:21:19.468
- So please, go to your phone,
- 00:21:19.534 --> 00:21:20.902
- Or go online and give --
- 00:21:20.969 --> 00:21:22.270
- Just give something today.
- 00:21:22.337 --> 00:21:24.706
- Right now across the continent of africa,
- 00:21:25.707 --> 00:21:28.176
- Children are suffering,
- 00:21:28.176 --> 00:21:30.278
- Facing severe malnutrition and even death.
- 00:21:30.278 --> 00:21:33.115
- Extreme drought and famine
- 00:21:33.115 --> 00:21:35.183
- Putting at risk thousands of lives
- 00:21:35.183 --> 00:21:37.686
- Means we must replenish food supplies immediately
- 00:21:37.686 --> 00:21:40.255
- To keep feeding the 350,000 children
- 00:21:40.255 --> 00:21:43.492
- And help reach more people in desperate need.
- 00:21:43.492 --> 00:21:46.862
- Through life's mission feeding outreach,
- 00:21:46.862 --> 00:21:49.030
- Your gift of love can be an answer to prayer
- 00:21:49.030 --> 00:21:51.166
- For a hurting and hungry child in their time of need.
- 00:21:51.166 --> 00:21:54.736
- Call now with your life-saving gift
- 00:21:54.736 --> 00:21:57.072
- Of $30, $50, or $100
- 00:21:57.072 --> 00:22:00.075
- To help feed and care for
- 00:22:00.075 --> 00:22:02.144
- Three, five, or ten children
- 00:22:02.144 --> 00:22:04.146
- For three full months.
- 00:22:04.146 --> 00:22:06.214
- With your gift of any amount,
- 00:22:06.214 --> 00:22:08.283
- We'll send the daily life devotional calendar.
- 00:22:08.283 --> 00:22:10.585
- This perpetual calendar has 365 days' worth of scriptures
- 00:22:10.585 --> 00:22:14.523
- And inspirational thoughts to remind you
- 00:22:14.523 --> 00:22:16.491
- Of the rest you can find in god's loving arms.
- 00:22:16.491 --> 00:22:19.828
- With your gift of $100 or more,
- 00:22:19.828 --> 00:22:21.930
- You may request the "the light of life" desk lamp.
- 00:22:21.930 --> 00:22:24.199
- Find comfort and encouragement
- 00:22:24.199 --> 00:22:26.301
- From jesus' words in john 8:12
- 00:22:26.301 --> 00:22:29.070
- Displayed on this stand-alone acrylic gas lamp,
- 00:22:29.070 --> 00:22:31.873
- Perfect for home or office décor
- 00:22:31.873 --> 00:22:33.942
- As a reminder that jesus is the light of the world.
- 00:22:33.942 --> 00:22:37.379
- Finally, with your gift of $1,000 or more
- 00:22:37.379 --> 00:22:40.382
- To help feed and care for 100 children,
- 00:22:40.382 --> 00:22:42.784
- Be sure to request our inspiring
- 00:22:42.784 --> 00:22:44.953
- Bronze sculpture, "a cup of water."
- 00:22:44.953 --> 00:22:48.056
- Please call, write, or make your gift online today.
- 00:22:48.056 --> 00:22:55.897
- Tammy: i hope
- 00:22:55.997 --> 00:22:56.998
- Tammy: i hope you're going online
- 00:22:57.065 --> 00:22:58.066
- Tammy: i hope you're going online and giving the best gift
- 00:22:58.133 --> 00:22:59.100
- You're going online and giving the best gift you possibly can give.
- 00:22:59.167 --> 00:23:00.168
- And giving the best gift you possibly can give. you must know it will
- 00:23:00.235 --> 00:23:01.403
- You possibly can give. you must know it will make such a huge difference
- 00:23:01.470 --> 00:23:02.471
- You must know it will make such a huge difference in so many lives.
- 00:23:02.537 --> 00:23:03.605
- Make such a huge difference in so many lives. and for whatever gift
- 00:23:03.672 --> 00:23:04.773
- In so many lives. and for whatever gift that you can give today,
- 00:23:04.840 --> 00:23:06.141
- And for whatever gift that you can give today, we want to send you
- 00:23:06.208 --> 00:23:07.275
- That you can give today, we want to send you mattie jackson smith's
- 00:23:07.342 --> 00:23:08.743
- We want to send you mattie jackson smith's devotional,
- 00:23:08.810 --> 00:23:09.878
- Mattie jackson smith's devotional, through the valley of grief .
- 00:23:09.978 --> 00:23:10.946
- Devotional, through the valley of grief . mattie, thank you so much
- 00:23:11.012 --> 00:23:12.013
- Through the valley of grief . mattie, thank you so much for being here.
- 00:23:12.080 --> 00:23:13.081
- Mattie, thank you so much for being here. is there anything
- 00:23:13.148 --> 00:23:14.149
- For being here. is there anything you want to say at all,
- 00:23:14.216 --> 00:23:15.217
- Is there anything you want to say at all, one last little something?
- 00:23:15.283 --> 00:23:16.852
- You want to say at all, one last little something? mattie: i would just say,
- 00:23:16.918 --> 00:23:18.453
- One last little something? mattie: i would just say, your pain is not wasted.
- 00:23:18.520 --> 00:23:20.055
- Mattie: i would just say, your pain is not wasted. that was my greatest fear.
- 00:23:20.121 --> 00:23:21.323
- Your pain is not wasted. that was my greatest fear. in the hands of god,
- 00:23:21.389 --> 00:23:22.591
- That was my greatest fear. in the hands of god, everything is made new
- 00:23:22.657 --> 00:23:23.658
- In the hands of god, everything is made new and every story is redeemable.
- 00:23:23.725 --> 00:23:25.527
- Everything is made new and every story is redeemable. tammy: pain is real
- 00:23:25.594 --> 00:23:26.595
- And every story is redeemable. tammy: pain is real but so is hope.
- 00:23:26.661 --> 00:23:27.863
- Tammy: pain is real but so is hope. i love you.
- 00:23:27.929 --> 00:23:29.164
- But so is hope. i love you. gosh, and i want to leave you
- 00:23:29.231 --> 00:23:30.332
- I love you. gosh, and i want to leave you with a little something
- 00:23:30.398 --> 00:23:31.433
- Gosh, and i want to leave you with a little something from day 147.
- 00:23:31.500 --> 00:23:33.235
- With a little something from day 147. mattie says, "you may not
- 00:23:33.301 --> 00:23:34.469
- From day 147. mattie says, "you may not fathom it now, but
- 00:23:34.536 --> 00:23:35.837
- Mattie says, "you may not fathom it now, but the lord has dreams
- 00:23:35.904 --> 00:23:37.105
- Fathom it now, but the lord has dreams in mind for your future.
- 00:23:37.172 --> 00:23:38.507
- The lord has dreams in mind for your future. he has plans to bring you
- 00:23:38.573 --> 00:23:39.708
- In mind for your future. he has plans to bring you back, bring your life back
- 00:23:39.774 --> 00:23:41.710
- He has plans to bring you back, bring your life back into your barren heart.
- 00:23:41.776 --> 00:23:43.678
- Back, bring your life back into your barren heart. not to replace what
- 00:23:43.745 --> 00:23:44.946
- Into your barren heart. not to replace what you've lost but
- 00:23:45.013 --> 00:23:46.214
- Not to replace what you've lost but to restore the days of joy."
- 00:23:46.281 --> 00:23:48.650
- You've lost but to restore the days of joy." psalms 126:5 says,
- 00:23:48.717 --> 00:23:50.085
- To restore the days of joy." psalms 126:5 says, "those who plant in tears
- 00:23:50.151 --> 00:23:51.753
- Psalms 126:5 says, "those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts
- 00:23:51.820 --> 00:23:53.088
- "those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy!"
- 00:23:53.154 --> 00:23:54.489
- Will harvest with shouts of joy!" thank you so much
- 00:23:54.556 --> 00:23:55.624
- Of joy!" thank you so much for watching.
- 00:23:55.690 --> 00:23:56.758
- Thank you so much for watching. we'll see you next time
- 00:23:56.825 --> 00:23:57.792
- For watching. we'll see you next time right here on life today .
- 00:23:57.859 --> 00:24:00.061
- ♪
- 00:24:03.465 --> 00:24:15.243
- ♪ right now i want that mountain moved ♪
- 00:24:16.211 --> 00:24:18.780
- ♪ right now i want that ocean to part ♪
- 00:24:18.780 --> 00:24:21.583
- ♪ right now, god, i'm looking for you ♪
- 00:24:21.583 --> 00:24:24.019
- ♪ and i'm wondering where you are ♪
- 00:24:24.019 --> 00:24:26.288
- ♪ but why do i worry? ♪
- 00:24:26.288 --> 00:24:29.090
- ♪ god, i know you haven't failed me yet ♪
- 00:24:29.090 --> 00:24:31.760
- ♪ why do i worry ♪
- 00:24:31.760 --> 00:24:34.529
- ♪ you prove it over and over again ♪
- 00:24:34.529 --> 00:24:37.866
- ♪ every, every, every day ♪
- 00:24:37.866 --> 00:24:41.136
- ♪ jesus ♪
- 00:24:41.136 --> 00:24:43.138
- ♪ you're right on, right on, right on time ♪
- 00:24:43.138 --> 00:24:46.508
- ♪ jesus ♪
- 00:24:46.508 --> 00:24:48.510
- ♪ never been a minute, hour, day ♪
- 00:24:48.510 --> 00:24:50.779
- ♪ where my god has ever shown up late ♪
- 00:24:50.779 --> 00:24:53.648
- ♪ because every, every, every time ♪
- 00:24:53.648 --> 00:24:56.885
- ♪ you're right there right on time ♪
- 00:24:56.885 --> 00:25:03.959
- ♪ like a movie when all hope is lost ♪
- 00:25:04.893 --> 00:25:07.696
- ♪ and the hero comes and saves the day ♪
- 00:25:07.696 --> 00:25:10.632
- ♪ that's who you are to me you're never far from me ♪
- 00:25:10.632 --> 00:25:13.568
- ♪ even when i have to wait ♪
- 00:25:13.568 --> 00:25:15.570
- ♪ so why do i worry? ♪
- 00:25:15.570 --> 00:25:18.139
- ♪ god, i know you haven't failed me yet ♪
- 00:25:18.139 --> 00:25:20.775
- ♪ why do i worry? ♪
- 00:25:20.775 --> 00:25:23.511
- ♪ you prove it over and over again ♪
- 00:25:23.511 --> 00:25:27.048
- ♪ every, every, every day ♪
- 00:25:27.048 --> 00:25:30.151
- ♪ jesus ♪
- 00:25:30.151 --> 00:25:32.153
- ♪ you're right on, right on, right on time ♪
- 00:25:32.153 --> 00:25:35.557
- ♪ jesus ♪
- 00:25:35.557 --> 00:25:37.559
- ♪ never been a minute, hour, day ♪
- 00:25:37.559 --> 00:25:39.861
- ♪ when my god has ever shown up late ♪
- 00:25:39.861 --> 00:25:43.064
- ♪ cause every, every, every time ♪
- 00:25:43.064 --> 00:25:46.001
- ♪ he's right there right on time ♪
- 00:25:46.001 --> 00:25:49.237
- ♪ hallelujah! hallelujah! ♪
- 00:25:49.237 --> 00:25:51.906
- ♪ got a god who will always come through, yeah ♪
- 00:25:51.906 --> 00:25:54.609
- ♪ hallelujah! hallelujah! ♪
- 00:25:54.609 --> 00:25:57.278
- ♪ there ain't nothing my god can't do, yeah ♪
- 00:25:57.278 --> 00:26:00.048
- ♪ hallelujah! hallelujah! ♪
- 00:26:00.048 --> 00:26:02.717
- ♪ got a god who will always come through, yeah! ♪
- 00:26:02.717 --> 00:26:05.553
- ♪ hallelujah! hallelujah ♪
- 00:26:05.553 --> 00:26:08.223
- ♪ there ain't nothing my god can't do, yeah! ♪
- 00:26:08.223 --> 00:26:15.430
- ♪ every, every, every day ♪
- 00:26:16.164 --> 00:26:19.267
- ♪ jesus ♪
- 00:26:19.267 --> 00:26:21.269
- ♪ you're right on right on, right on time ♪
- 00:26:21.269 --> 00:26:24.706
- ♪ jesus ♪
- 00:26:24.706 --> 00:26:26.708
- ♪ never been a minute, hour, day ♪
- 00:26:26.708 --> 00:26:28.977
- ♪ when my god has ever shown up late ♪
- 00:26:28.977 --> 00:26:32.213
- ♪ cause every, every, every time ♪
- 00:26:32.213 --> 00:26:35.116
- ♪ you're right there right on time ♪
- 00:26:35.116 --> 00:26:38.286
- ♪ hallelujah! hallelujah! ♪
- 00:26:38.286 --> 00:26:40.989
- ♪ got a god who always comes through, yeah ♪
- 00:26:40.989 --> 00:26:43.658
- ♪ hallelujah! hallelujah! ♪
- 00:26:43.658 --> 00:26:46.428
- ♪ there ain't nothing my god can't do, yeah! ♪
- 00:26:46.428 --> 00:26:49.130
- ♪ hallelujah! hallelujah! ♪
- 00:26:49.130 --> 00:26:51.866
- ♪ got a god who always comes through, yeah ♪
- 00:26:51.866 --> 00:26:54.602
- ♪ hallelujah! hallelujah! ♪
- 00:26:54.602 --> 00:26:57.138
- ♪ there ain't nothing my god can't do, yeah! ♪
- 00:26:57.138 --> 00:27:01.342
- >> during my battle with crohn's disease,
- 00:27:02.310 --> 00:27:04.312
- I took 30 different products, not capsules a day, bottles.
- 00:27:04.312 --> 00:27:06.581
- None of them worked.
- 00:27:06.581 --> 00:27:08.583
- The one element that changed jordan rubin's life.
- 00:27:08.583 --> 00:27:10.652
- Tomorrow!
- 00:27:10.652 --> 00:27:12.654
- Life today is made possible by the supporters of life outreach international.
- 00:27:12.654 --> 00:27:16.157
- Your gift will be used exclusively for the exempt purposes of life.
- 00:27:16.157 --> 00:27:19.260
- The ministry features specific outreaches
- 00:27:19.260 --> 00:27:21.329
- As examples of the programs it supports and conducts.
- 00:27:21.329 --> 00:27:23.398
- Gifts are considered to be without restriction
- 00:27:23.398 --> 00:27:25.467
- As to use unless explicitly stipulated by the donor.
- 00:27:25.467 --> 00:27:27.602
- The ministry is a member of the ecfa.
- 00:27:27.602 --> 00:27:27.602