Wrestling with Jacob

A journal of faith, grief and devotional musings

sorrow

  • 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

  • Overcoming seasonal depression by the two advents of hope.

    This Christmas is our fourth holiday season without our beloved Jacob. Much has changed in our lives since his departure. Much is an understatement of the truth I suppose. Truth is, everything has changed and nothing is the same for us in life which especially includes our holiday observances. Stacey and I have often said Read more

  • Purpose in the pain

    The following is something I wrote a few short months after my son Jacob died. My hope is that it may help you better understand the purposes of God in the midst of pain. Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that is the end Read more

  • Every rose has its thorn

    Grief still lingers. I suppose that many around me that know the story of the loss of our son, and 3 other loved ones are happy for us when good and positive blessings happen in our lives. We get all the smiles, congratulations and pats on the back and all the while grief still lingers Read more

  • Even the birds have a song

    I still have no song in my heart and I feel almost unchristian to make such an honest confession. I do not make melody in my heart, or whistle a tune or catch myself humming a hymn. My harmonica is tarnished and dusty from lack of use and I have not desired to play it Read more