When Innocence Faces a Cruel World: Book Preview!

When Innocence Faces a Cruel World // reflections on loss from https://smartkids101.com

Hard to believe another tragedy this week.  The images from the Boston Marathon and now an explosion in a small town in Texas are enough to make you physically ill.  The world shakes, explodes and shatters, and what are we to do?  The once happy-go-lucky, everything’s fine mentality is ripped to shreds and all that’s left is disbelief and questions. Lots of questions.

I’ve lived this scenario.  The one where one minute everything is fine, you kiss the one you love good-bye and hours later, you’re in a critical care unit saying good-bye to the life you shared for 22 years. Trauma wants to and can cripple you for life, but my resolve for living wouldn’t let it.  I didn’t know how I would make it, but I knew I would, because I trusted. Not in me, but in the One — the only One — who is able.

When Innocence Faces a Cruel World // reflections on loss from https://smartkids101.com

I’m currently writing my story of loss, widowhood, and hope.  This is from my chapter called, “The First Daddy-Daughter Dance:”

I’ve learned through my journey of grief  that while the easy question is “why God, why?”  … it isn’t the right question.  Every time I asked it, I never got an  answer because there was no answer.  I’ll never forget the day, in my small condo, when I was screaming at God, why did you let this happen?  You took the wrong parent, it should’ve been me!  I don’t know how to live without David.  I don’t know how to do this!!!

I heard with my heart a voice say, “Julie, why don’t you stop asking why, and let me answer another question for you.  Why don’t you ask me, ‘how?’  How will I turn this tragedy around for good?  How will I sustain you and the kids to not only survive, but have victory through it?”

Through tears and a trembling voice I said aloud, “Okay, I give up, I surrender the why.  But please show me how we’ll do this?”
“Let’s dance, daughter, let me take you in my arms and love you back to life.”

For the better part of an hour, I let God treat me like a new bride on a dance floor with her daddy, twirling her around, and delighting in every move of her body.  I laughed, I cried, I twirled, I rested.  That morning changed everything.  My perspective was never introverted again.  My eyes looked up and trusted Him who is able to keep me from falling.

Peace is available on this side of eternity.  If your heart is troubled today, close your eyes and whisper to the only One who can give true peace. Get the things that matter settled today.  Don’t let time slip away.  Don’t live in regret.  When the world seems uncertain, anchor yourself to the ONLY thing that is certain: the God of the Universe, who loves you dearly!

About Julie Hunt
I’ve lived a full life with many unimaginable joys and heartache like you wouldn’t believe. Our blog exists to encourage folks to slow down, chill out, and love more.

10 thoughts on “When Innocence Faces a Cruel World: Book Preview!”

  1. well said Julie! I admire you for so many things, and this is one of those. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Thanks Daniela! Your kind words mean a lot to me!

  2. Your life is a phenomenal testimony to the grace and faithfulness of God to His children in the face of tragedy.
    You yourself are living proof.
    I’m so glad I know you: you have the street creds to back up every word you’ve written.

    1. Thank you Susan! In the beginning of the journey I used to wonder if anything would ever make sense again. I’m so grateful to be in healed up days, where the scars are beginning to fade.

  3. Diane says:

    Beautifully written Julie. The best part is, we are all invited to the dance.

    1. Oh YES! Isn’t that the best part? No matter where you were born, the color of your skin, your age, beliefs, etc. ALL are invited to dance!

  4. So beautifully said! I will never forget how you made me feel welcome when we came to Nashville for the wedding over 10 years ago. Thank you!

    1. Thanks for reading the blog and sharing it Lynn. You are a dear, dear friend with your own powerful testimony of God’s grace through the storms of life. His grace gives us the ability to keep on going. That’s the hope I have for my Oklahoma friends over the upcoming months and years. Oklahomans are tough AND they KNOW the ONE WHO gives them their strength!

  5. Hi Julie – I just discovered your blog through Kye’s FB. My heart rejoices for you and all the hearts that will read your testimony and HOPE!!

  6. Thanks Diane! So glad you enjoyed this post. HOPE is key in our journey and, as we both know, it doesn’t disappoint! 😉

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