Wrestling with Jacob

A journal of faith, grief and devotional musings

grief

  • How I know heaven is for real

    Today marks 8 years since our son Jacob left us. What is heaven like for him? What does he see? What does he hear? I’ve been thinking about these things today. If he could return and tell us of heaven, which he will not, would it bring unbelievers to faith? No, it cannot. Paul the… Read more

  • Wetting the shoulders of others.

    I know far too many parents who have lost children. It’s been nearly 8 years since our son Jacob died of an overdose. Over those years we have been called upon a number of times to comfort parents that are new members to the club. I remember the faces, the tears and the comfort provided… Read more

  • The Comforter has come

    The image of a mother kneeling and lamenting at her sons coffin draped with an American flag has troubled me this week. We know all too well the depth of sorrow the death of a child brings on a soul. Grief grips you tightly. There were days that I thought I’d never be free from… Read more

  • The saplings in our lives

    I called my friend Barry when I was deep in grief and unloaded all my burdens on him. I was angry. I was angry with people and circumstances that day. I spewed all my frustrations on my friend that sunny afternoon. After my release of emotion I apologized for my rant. He replied, “Mike, if… Read more

  • If tomorrow never comes

    I am not absolutely sure, but I think the death of a child might be the deepest pain that an individual can experience in life. I am confident however it has been my deepest hurt in life. There are things I would do differently if I had known Jake would die at 22. Tuned into… Read more