The following story first appeared in this book.
Available at your favorite bookseller.

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A quick personal note: For those who sign up to follow Echoes of Grace, I also send a brief devotional email. I add a bit more to what I share on the blog. And I always include the link to the current blog, a reminder that new words are live. If you haven’t signed up, please do! I’d like to include you with my friends who receive this Mailchimp note.  Now for a story from our wedding.   FMA, sue

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“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you;
I will never leave nor forsake you.”
Joshua 1:5

My wedding day, the day I had dreamed about since I was a little girl, was arriving soon. I had reserved the church, hired the caterer, and invited the wedding party. My gown waited for me in the bridal salon.

And then, the hurtful phone call: both friends who had agreed to stand up with me changed their minds and backed out! Both of my bridesmaids deserted me.

Abandoned by those I called friends, my grief was real and deep. Feelings of loneliness overwhelmed me as questions raced through my mind. How do I share this news with my mother? What will people think of my friends?

I was confused and devastated as my dream wedding turned into a nightmare. Tears and more tears fell until I thought I’d have none left to cry.

And then Jesus’ cry to God from the cross echoed in my heart. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46).

I found comfort in knowing that Jesus knew what it was to be forsaken, abandoned, and alone. I heard God whisper, Sue, I am trusting you with this story. How will you respond? Will you return My trust?

And I remembered.

“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:5-7).

God is near. He hears my prayers. His peace goes beyond my understanding, and my responsibility is to trust Him.

And to forgive as Christ forgave me (Ephesians 4:32).

By the grace of God, I am friends with both of these ladies today. God say my hurt and whispered truth. I forgave and received His peace. I was never alone.

Father, thank You for the stories You entrust me with–
even those that are painful in the moment.
Thank You that You are forever with me.
Even when I felt abandoned and alone, You were working in my heart to show Your wisdom and glory.
Thank you for Your trustworthiness and grace.
And thank You for how this story echoes Your heart.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

God works through abandonment and loneliness to demonstrate His trustworthiness and grace.

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This is one of my stories shared in Praying Through Loneliness. This 90 day devotional book includes stories from several women from college age to grandmas (like me). You will recognize the names of some of the contributors, others will be new to you. Although you may not identify with the specific stories shared in each devotional, you will be able to plug in your own story and you’ll identify with the feelings each brings. I highly recommend this book for your edification.

My Bridesmaids, December 9, 1972.
My cousin (back left) joined my 3 sisters.