grief

Your grief shall be turned to joy✨🌟💫

One of my favorite pastors, Greg Boyd, had once said, ‘God lives in our imagination.’ Meaning, we can only see God through our imagination while we’re here. In this culture we’re taught not to use it. We’re taught it’s silly if we imagine things without seeing them and some may even mock you for believing in God. But this Bible verse explains it. He who has not ‘seen,’ yet believes is blessed. Jesus saith unto him, ‘Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.’ Jesus at one point also says it is because his father has revealed it. Do you believe? Are you able to believe without directly seeing? Christianity is based on faith. Without faith it’s hard to accept. Imagine how Mary Magdalene felt when she saw the Lord, risen, standing outside of the tomb? Imagine how her faith and belief was not only verified, but how she at that moment knew she was worshipping the one and only Lord! How excited must she have been? The Bible also says: ‘Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy’ (John 16:20-22).🎄♥️🎁

About Zina

Zina Hermez has authored the best selling book, Not Without God: A Story of Survival. She’s been featured in numerous articles, guest posts, podcasts, websites, newsletters, and magazines. Recently she was featured on ESPN’s ‘Solutions from the Huddle’ broadcast and on Grace and Truth Radio World. Zina’s written hundreds of articles and has taught thousands of students from all over the world spanning many different backgrounds and cultures. She’s appeared in Christianity Today, the Suite T blog and Southern Writers magazine among other places. She writes on faith, science, and overcoming adversity. She is also a major foodie and loves to help others. You can connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, Linked In, or Twitter.

Heaven Is For Real!

“Life has a myriad of opportunities that await us!”

As I read this line, I almost can’t believe I wrote it. All of the positive things I’ve written, make so much sense, but none of them feel as powerful as they once did—since I lost my father a month ago. Dad departed this earth and went to heaven on November 23, 2019, and my life will never be the same again. My dad and I were close. While I know he is in a better place, and I don’t mean that to sound cliché, I still miss him so very much!

My mind swirls with things I could’ve done different, more time I could’ve spent, I am filled with sadness, and the pain of knowing I won’t get to see him on a daily basis anymore really hurts. I visited him every chance I got and was his caregiver for many years. I really watched over him as best I could! Apparently, that wasn’t enough. The disease still got him in the end. It’s hard for me to even write this post.

I don’t want to work anymore. I wonder why I aspired to do so much before this, my dad was more important to me than anyone. If only I hadn’t traveled, if only I hadn’t extended myself and been so busy, if only I would’ve stayed at home more.

While I know it was REALLY hard for him here, I am still sad that he is not with me anymore. I keep thinking, if only I had more time… At the same time I know there is hope, I feel a peace and warmth of love that I have never quite felt before. It is coming from my dad and Jesus. With that said, I’d like to leave you with this video—this miraculous story that I believe to be true!

It was a book that became a New York Times bestseller that sold over 13,000,000 copies and even became a movie! This is a one-of-a-kind interview with Pastor Todd and Colton Burpo! I have had some correspondence with them by email and they are genuine people. I am sure you will be able to spot that from watching the video.

Heaven is for real, yes, and we will be there. Heaven is a journey, also, not only a destination. Our journey to heaven has already begun. With that said, one piece of scripture I want to leave you with is this one: “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything (John 16:22-23).” ~Jesus

And I hope you enjoy the video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmNrQ7Smung

With much love & respect,

-Zina

XoXo

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About Zina

Zina Hermez authored Not Without God: A Story of Survival. Her stories have been featured in various guest articles, medical journals, magazines, newsletters, and 200+ of her very own blog posts. As a long-time educator, she’s had the privilege of working with thousands of students from different backgrounds and parts of the world. She’s taught at automotive corporations like General Motors, Ford, Nissan, Bosch, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and she’s worked with students of all ages, K-adult. She began her own teaching services incorporating math and other subjects. Her writing endeavors have earned her an invitation to speak at the Harvard Faculty Club’s “Business Expert Forum.” Zina’s goal is to help others overcome adversity. Socializing with friends, taking trips, listening to music, and networking are among her hobbies. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter.

Are You Grieving?

Grief can be an interesting thing. You may be grieving and not even know it. Life can take you through phases, and sometimes it takes a while to adjust to the fact that things aren’t going to be the same. But you will eventually accept them and even see life through a different lens.

Never believe you’ve hit a dead end. Life has a myriad of opportunities that await us. Keep a good attitude. You may think you cannot accomplish something, or that it is too late. But life is full of new beginnings!

It can take a long time to accept your circumstances. Denial is the first stage. But you will be happy. You will smile and believe. You will hope. You will plan. You will open your heart to new experiences again!

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