July 4. Independence Day. A day of celebration for most. A day of dark memories for me.

Two months, to the day, my husband’s broken body was discovered deep in the woods, and I learned he had left me for his true Home. A day forever etched in my mind, and if I think too intently about it, grief implodes my heart to learn of another marriage ended.

I say “another marriage” as it was eight years ago – to the day – that my first marriage dissolved as well. God certainly redeemed the years eaten by locusts, but it tears at my heart to know that I had to walk the road of divorce. Many times, I thought it would be easier to be an inmate in a real prison, because the stigma of divorce, regardless of the reasons – of which most reading this will never know – the stigma…created a life of prison for me. Until…I chose joy. I chose to be joyful for that time, because God deeply revealed Himself to me then. He not only showed me who He is, but he unveiled who I am IN HIM!

So, as I chose joy eight years ago in the darkest of times, the deepest of failures and regrets and “why me’s?”… I couldn’t have imagined that now…I find myself two months beyond a time even darker. A time drenched with the greatest of sorrow over the loss of an earthly love greater than I’ve ever known. Again, I enter the “why me?” stage…again, I question my failures. Again, I choose joy. And, my friends…it IS a CHOICE! Joy doesn’t blanket me without my first choosing it to be my covering. Taking a fly over view of my circumstances produces no joy, but looking microscopically, I can’t help but choose joy.

I was deeply loved by this sweet man that, for vague reasons, took his own life.

I was given nearly three years of marital bliss with him. And, I do mean bliss!

I felt worthy of being loved again, as he reminded me daily how special I was to him.

But, you know why else I choose joy?

Because I AM deeply loved by a Precious King that chose to die for Me – insignificant me!

I have been given a future of being the redeemed bride of The Bridegroom, Who is even now preparing a marriage feast for me in Heaven! That is an eternal bliss that will never end!

I have been reminded by my one true Love that I am always worthy of His love – the only love that will ever be complete!

For that…

…on this day that the enemy seeks to steal from me
…on this day that the enemy wants to find me miserable and drowning in a pit of sorrow
…on this day that the Lord has made

…I CHOOSE JOY!

Each and every week, I’m blessed to be part of a God-fearing, God-loving, God-exalting, God-glorifying church that unabashedly teaches the truths of God’s Word. In my 7+ years there, I’ve sat through some pretty amazing worship services, but I honestly believe today tops them all (or comes pretty close in my recollection).

As I sat through the symphonic sounds coming from the orchestra, the presentation of our Nation’s colors, the spine chilling rendition of God Bless America, worship songs that ushered me to the very throne of God, and a message by the cleansed-by-the-blood-of-Jesus Oliver North, I was blessed beyond words! Simultaneously, I was saddened…deeply saddened…that Chris was not here to experience this. To top it off, we sung one of Chris’ favorite worship songs, Chris Tomlin’s Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone). We played that at his funeral as well, and it continues to wet my eyelashes each time I hear it.

No sooner as the thought of Chris missing this blessed service crossed my mind, God spoke quickly and deeply into my spirit something like this…

“Daughter, if you think he would enjoy the worship you’re experiencing right now…just wait…he’s currently experiencing the ultimate worship service here in heaven. And…for the record…his chains ARE gone!”

Thank you, sweet Father! Thanks totally and completely to you and you alone…HIS CHAINS ARE GONE!