Nothing Can Separate

by Shirley Mozena

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39 NIV

“I’m sorry to tell you, your baby is dead,” the obstetrician told me.

I could scarcely take it in. My baby? The baby that moved and nearly leapt out of my womb? Who regularly hiccupped? The little one I hoped was a girl? The doctor went on to tell me they would send me home and wait for my labor to start.

I didn’t want to go home to the little nursery I had prepared for this third baby. I had two children. One who was ten, the other three. This was our bonus baby. Tears began to flow and wouldn’t stop. They continued for hours.

I had been a Christian for quite a few years, but it had been in the past three years that I had really learned who Jesus was to me. I sensed his presence. I wanted to be a more patient wife and mother and the Holy Spirit was helping me. I read my Bible daily, and it opened up in fresh new ways.

After this dreadful news, my only option was to rest in his love for me.

I had a C-section a few days later, and after surgery, the nurse took me up to my room. She gave me a card; in it, she quoted the above verse and told me she was praying for me. I won’t forget the kindness of that nurse and how her words helped me turn to the One who loved me so much.

The first Sunday I attended church after losing the baby, the pastor spoke on those same verses in Romans 8. Hearing them once again, I am convinced that neither death nor life…nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, confirmed what I knew in my head and now in my heart. God loved me. He cared about my pain in the loss of this child. And in my pain, there was the assurance in my soul that I was not alone.

I mourned the loss of the child who died in my womb, but even now, after so many years have passed,  I am assured by the loving God who was there with me in that loss.

Perhaps you are mourning a death–or deaths–of loved ones. An illness that cannot be cured? Loss of livelihood? Loss of home? A marriage that is collapsing? I pray the verses above might remind and comfort you; because nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.

Thank you Lord, that although I never got to meet my baby we named Carrie here on earth, I know I will meet her in heaven. Please give comfort to those who need your care. Thank you that we cannot be separated from your love.

About the author: Shirley Quiring Mozena is a retreat speaker and national speaker for Stonecroft Ministries; she has three-hundred plus followers who read her weekly blog on encouragement and hope. Shirley has a presence on FaceBook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. Her website includes her blogs, and speaking schedule: www.shirleymozena.com. She has published articles in the newspaper and Christian publications. She was awarded winner from Oregon Christian Writers (OCW) Cascade Awards for an unpublished article entitled, “Two Amazing Prayers.”

Shirley has authored three books: Second Chances At Life and Love, With Hope (Redemption Press, 2012), Beyond Second Chances: Heartbreak to Joy (Redemption Press, 2015), finalists in the OCW Cascade Awards.  With her husband Jim, have co-authored a book Second Chance at Love: Navigating the Path to Remarriage (Redemption Press, 2020), was a finalist in the 2021 Selah Awards.

She and her husband, Jim, facilitate GriefShare where they work with those grieving the loss of a loved one in death. They especially have compassion for those experiencing the death of a spouse.

Join the conversation: What are you mourning today?

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