Winning Words 3/8/13
“Tears may be dried up, but the heart, never.”  (Marguerite de Valois)  Do you know of someone who’s in a “grief experience?”  50 years ago Granger Westberg wrote a little book called, “Good Grief,” and it’s still in print.  One chapter says, “Hope gradually comes through.”  As a 21-yr-old student I had a one-on-one role play experience with Westberg.  He was the patient; I was the pastor.  A good “grief” lesson!.    ;-)  Jack

   FROM HONEST JOHN:  I wonder if she traces her lineage to the Valois dynasty in France?////JACK: I usually look up information about the author before I post a quote.  In this case, I didn't.  But you're right about her ancestry.  It's said that she was a very beautiful woman (a knock-out) and didn't mind using her beauty for nefarious reasons.  You'd also be interested to know that Shakespeare's "Love's Labor's Lost" was probably inspired by her life.////JOHN:  Thanks for the info....very interesting....I was never tempted to use my beauty for nefarious reasons....I wonder why that was?????////JACK:  In your case, it's the inner beauty that counts!

 FROM WALMART REV:  Seemingly in our ministry, Jack . . . it's like the little Dutch boy trying to poke his finger in every hole in the dam . . . always having grieving situations, one after another to contend with . . . Good grief, it sure is helpful for another to come along beside and offer a prayer, a word of hope and presence . . . that's you and me, Jack in Christ!////JACK:  That's why the Gospel means: "The Good News."  The bad news of of Good Friday turns into the good news of Easter.  We are privileged to share that news.

   FROM PASTY PAT IN JERUSLALEM:  I am amazed at the stories of hope we are hearing in a situation that seems hopeless.  Time and time again we hear "We are not our situation" and "Live life and live it abundantly".////JACK:  Hope is a beautiful word.

 FROM GUSTIE MARLYS:  I understand that statement completely.  I will always grieve for my husband--but the tears don't come all the time now.   I think I met Granger Westberg one time.////JACK:  There are different kinds of healing that take place, but usually  there's a scar.

 FROM RI IN BOSTON:  For anyone grieving, hope and optimism are the best means of overcoming it, the belief that just over the horizon there's something good awaiting us.  The sight of a rainbow after a storm is such a good symbol of brighter times ahead.  As Dorothy in Oz said, "We're not in Kansas anymore!"  ////JACK:  A book could be written, "The Gospel According to the Wizard of Oz."  There's already one called, "The Gospel according to the Simpsons."

 FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  The heart and head start to make progress while grieving and turn a tear into a loving sweet memory.  There are no tears left for our loved ones, only Hope and memories.////JACK:  It's interesting that the author connects good with grief...sort of like Good with Friday.

 FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Memories of deep grief are especially  close to the surface this week (3rd anniversary of my twin's death...late husband's birthday)....another helpful book is Healing After Loss by Martha Hickman, but it takes time, lots of time! Always appreciate your WW, Jack. Interesting that you knew and actually interacted with the author of Good Grief.////JACK:  I remember a song from long ago... "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through."  The 2nd stanza begins: "They're all expecting me, and that's one thing I know..."  That is our hope...our belief!