Thank you, Joe, for starting this group....My FAITH IN GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON & GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT is what has strengthened me and sustained during Snake's illness, and since his passing...it is part and parcel of who I am and I can no more refrain from expressing it than I can refrain from breathing....

Joe, thank you. You are not only a man of faith, but of conviction. I am here and welcome the opportunity to be a part of this group because without God there is no purpose in this life. As a mother, I have personally experienced the miracle of a child -- to me the ultimate experience. I have to understand that it was not God who took my husband, but it was God's will that allowed my husband freedom from his carnal body in order for his soul to be free of his disease! Am I upset? Of course! I did not want to lose my husband and he did not want to die. But that is part of life -- we just have to go on. The only way of going on in this journey is opening our hearts to the Lord, welcoming what we do not understand, and embracing our faith as the only way to heal. I feel very lost and scared, and the only one who understands me is God -- it is He who helps me get through each day, one at a time. I look to him for his guidance, his strength and his wisdom. As a child of God, I have the faith that slowly I will find meaning to my life again! Many blessings to you!

Thank you, Nidia.......I am being criticized for doing this, but I just want a place where I don't have to hide my faith at all. As you know, I have only recently found the faith that I had lost, and I do not intend to stifle my beliefs in the name of political correctness or other such nonsense. Thank you for taking a stand and joining us. God IS great.......you're not so shabby, either....lol.....Joe...:-)

Joe, thank you so much for inviting me into this group. No matter how others feel, I don't know where I would be today if it was not for my faith & trust in the Lord. I cannot tell you how many times I was upset or bothered by something, maybe took a minute out to pray and later I felt a sense of peace and it felt like a weight was lifted, How could I not believe?? You should not be criticized as Mark had even suggested maybe starting a group for non-believers. I will still check into Widow & Widowers as I did get a lot of comfort & support there. Glad to see some other familiar ones here also. CHERI

Joe, thank you for inviting me to join. I'm looking forward to many wonderful discussions here. Blessings to all.

Carla

Joe,
I am proud to be a member of this group. As stated earlier I am struggling with the loss and also trying to find my way back to my religious belief slowly. This new group will be very helpful. Like you I had put religion on the back burner but Rene's death was a wake up call for me. I plan on continuing the search.
Dave

Hi again......It was brought to my attention that my placing of the Christian Flag for the group header was insensitive and exclusionary. I apologize for my indiscretion. I meant no offense. My intention is that this group be a safe place for ALL people of faith to express it if it helps them process their grief.

Allow me to restate: This group is open to everyone....even atheists. Just expect that God, however you understand Him, will be discussed here.

I have changed the flag to the United States Flag. While I realize that many folks are of a different nationality, DS is an American company, and "Old Glory" is a symbol of the melting pot that is America. No offense intended, nor will I ever apologize for the American Flag!!!

Have a blessed day, my friends............

Joe

I am honored to be recognized as a Christian. That is the ultimate satisfaction to feel They will know you are a Christian by your love, as the song goes. Having a place to learn how others use their faith to make them stronger is important to me. Also we need the fellowship of other believers to challange us to know that with our hope in the Lord we can not fail.

It was 3 years ago that I lost my beloved husband of 40 years. I'm happy to have found someone who cherrishes me in my life and someone to spend time with. We met in February of this year, orchestrated by the Lord. I was not open to another relationship because I didn't want to lose my husband's memory. I felt I always wanted be connected to him and felt there was no room in my life for another man. The Lord felt different and I honored his direction. It doesn't mean I am without the sadness of losing my love. It just means I have enough love inside me to share it with another.

Looking forward to learning and sharing with you. Sharon

What a wonderful thing to start here on DS, Joe, and I can honestly say that it is needed. I am so thankful for what I believe in and it is the only way I can endure. I am so thankful for my testimony of Jesus Christ. I am so proud to be called a Christian. I love Him and I am so thrilled to have this site. Thank you again Joe, and may you continue to be guided by God. Hugs~Shelley

thank you for inviting me to join. It's an honor to be part of this group. All I said in a post was that I felt sorry for those that don't believe and that I would pray for them. Wow, I can't believe the controversy, but as Christians, we need to stick together. Again, thank you
Julie

Thank you for inviting me to join. I am happy to join this group and think that it will be a very good thing. Blessings and the peace beyond all understanding to all.

Joe,

Thank you for the invitation to a group of FAITH. I plan to still participate in the original Ds W/W, but, hopefully, will enjoy this one very much. Jesus is my personal Saviour, and w/o HIM I would not be able to function. As everyone knows, if you've read any of my journals, replies to discussions, or replies to journals, usually I employ my writings with my faith. That is really the only way that I can write, as I am a Christian.
I understand that all faiths are welcome here, and I also welcome other faiths. It is not my place to judge anyone's faith, that is left up to God. I do not intend or plan to criticize anyone's beliefs, but, I also expect the same.....to be treated with respect.
Thanks again, Joe, for standing tall and originating a "NEW" GROUP.
Blessings to you and all of my fellow DS'ers, in any group.
Hugs, Joely

Joely, you could have written that for me, as well as yourself...Jesus is my Savior, my faith in him is part and parcel of who I am...I can no more refrain from expressing it than I can refrain from breathing....Like you, I welcome & will respect those of other faiths, & I will not judge or criticize...but, I expect the same courtesy to be extended to me...I'm going to remain active in the main group, but anticipate to be active here as well...I hope we all will....
Blessings & Hugs to you, and all those who walk this path we are traveling...
~E~

Good Evening Joe,
Thanks for the invitation to be part of this faith based group. I am proud to be an American, and doing my best to be a good follower of Jesus Christ. I confess, I stumble and fall short of where I should be on a daily basis. The important thing is that He forgives me, and that I get up, and try again. Sorry to hear there has been some controversy about this group. If we do our best to follow the examples and priniciples of Christ we have nothing to regret or be ashamed of. Count me in as part of the group. One last statement which just might draw some fire: "Boomer Sooner" Go OU!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Score is tied at 7. Beat those Missouri Tigers.

I'm proud to be a member of this group! Thanks for the invite.