With end of the year celebrations approaching, family and togetherness is what many think Thanksgiving and the holidays are all about. But when family and friends aren’t around due to death, sadness and grief can replace all happy feelings.
Ruth Williams’ pregnant daughter died from complications due to lupus, and what were once happy occasions became sad and depressing.
“My daughter cooked her first Thanksgiving dinner before she passed on and it reminds me of that,” recalls Williams.
It took a while, but through her belief in God’s word, she was able to begin You Are Not Alone Ministries. Relying on Scriptures such as “I’ll never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) and “when you faint I will mount you up with wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31) only added fuel to the fire of helping those who were also missing loved ones.
“I felt like I was in a spiritual straight jacket because he was holding me so tight and when I wanted to fall, he kept me upright,” added Williams.
For Williams, it was easier than most to rely solely on God to get her through, but she doesn’t want to use her annual event to only preach to the grieving. Her main goal is to encourage those in melancholy spirits to understand they are not alone in feeling sorrow and share what God is doing in her life.
You Are Not Alone Ministries began six years ago in Williams’ spa with six women and has now grown to over 100 people. The emotionally wounded now come to Berean Bible church to hear testimonies, singing, and a spiritual message from people of all walks of life who share at least one thing in common.
The event, which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 2-5 p.m., is not meant to be morbid, but a chance for fellowship, breakthroughs, and support.
By hearing the stories from people such as Pastor Herald Ward of Blessed Hope Baptist Church whose son was killed and William Gordon, the grieving can also have the opportunity to come to the Lord about their pain instead of outside forces such as drugs, alcohol and psychiatrists.
At an early age, Gordon learned to rely on God when he underwent multiple surgeries for a brain tumor. Although Gordon initially didn’t enjoy telling others about his struggles, at age 18 he realizes the power in helping others during difficult times.
“People asked me a lot about my scars, but I realized they need my testimony to keep going on. People tell me I’m their inspiration because I’ve been through so much and still press on with a good attitude,” said Gordon.
In addition to using the free event to bring the grieving together, Williams wants to use her ministry to connect people she meets to other resources such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Brooke’s Place, an organization for grieving children to further aid their struggle.
Like many who are missing a loved one during the holidays, it’s easy to become immersed in misery. Yet many are confident only God can bring them through their tough time.
Those who are skeptical of the event and God’s power are encouraged to come and see what the ministry is about and learn from others who have walked in the same shoes.
“Even Job questioned God. When you are devastated during a loss, you really think that no one understands, even God. He gave his only son so he knows what pain and suffering is all about. He made us so he knows our emotions. Since he’s the potter, he ought to know how to fix the clay,” said Williams.
For more information call (317) 223-3063, (317) 722-1197, or e-mail youarenotaloneministry@yahoo.com.
