Linda Roorda
Linda (Visscher) Roorda (Edward W., Jr.), lives in Spencer, NY, former members of the Christian Reformed Church. She is a mother and grandmother, retired hospital medical/radiology transcriptionist, retired worship music leader, member of The Dry Bones band, an empty-nest author, past speaker at a multi-church women’s retreat, now substitute teacher in local school system. She published some of her ancestral genealogy research in the “New York Genealogical and Biographical Record” in 2004, 2005 and 2008, writing personal-interest interview articles and a genealogy how-to research column for a local newspaper. An online blogger for several years, Linda enjoys sharing her faith in poetry and reflections at her blog, “Poetic Devotions by Linda”, and genealogy tutorials and early history research articles at “Homespun Ancestors”, also under the website Twin Tiers Living. She has written several articles for both the CRC/RCA Disability Concerns newsletter and The Network. Her hobbies include gardening, making silk floral arrangements, sewing, quilting, designing and making fabric handbags.
Posted in: 10 Things Not to Say to a Grieving Parent
You said this so well, Angie! I am so sorry about the loss of your precious baby. No, nothing can ever replace any child you lose. We understand from our own losses - losing a 6-month pregnancy of twins who didn't separate, almost losing a 16-y.o. son, and then losing a 25-y.o. daughter. Your words speak eloquently to each of us. We, too, continue to grieve after all these yrs, but in a different way now than the immediate pain of loss. God bless you and your family as you travel this journey forward together on a path you never expected. With much love and hugs...
Posted in: 10 Things Not to Say to a Grieving Parent
Thank you, Angie. One other thought that came to mind this morning was when our daughter was dying, I had asked God, "Why? I don't understand." Not out of anger, but simply at a loss, at a place you've been I'm sure. Later that morning, as we waited in the Rochester NY airport for our other dau to fly in, a plaque above where we sat had the words to Ps.139:13-16 written out. I literally felt a wave of peace come over me as I read them and clung to those verses in my own days of grief, tears and turmoil, with an eventual peace I can only say is from our Lord. My heart goes out to you and your family. It's a long journey, and just know that you will be in my prayers. Blessings to you also!
Posted in: When Healing is Elusive
Thank you for your comments, Michele - well said.
Posted in: When Healing is Elusive
Thank you so much for your comment. I'm so sorry about your husband's illness, Cindy. Yes, that's exactly the element within our small rural community that has affected us, too. But I'm glad to hear you and your husband can also encourage others from your journey, just as we're able to do. It's such a blessing to know God has grown us and uses us in ways we never could have imagined without the difficulties, just like He uses you and your husband!
Posted in: When Healing is Elusive
Thank you for your kind words, Angela! and thanks for sharing how God has used you to reach others, and may He continue to bless you richly, too!
Posted in: When Healing is Elusive
Thank you so much for sharing your experience here, too, Jill. I really like Paul's example of praying for his "thorn" to be removed; tho God told him no, yet Paul could share with the rest of us that in his weakness, Christ made him strong... and be an example for the rest of us. I've also leaned on that message during struggles. Thank you for your own encouraging words. Blessings to you too!
Posted in: When Healing is Elusive
Thank you for your kind words, Staci! I appreciate hearing this was encouraging to you, too.
Posted in: You Lead Me On
Thank you, Diane! Yes, I wrote it, and yes, you have my permission to share it with your church community. God bless you all richly in this coming new year :)