I had a great time in Belfast and Rostrevor, Northern Ireland since I last wrote. I had several productive meetings and feel like God has been speaking some exciting things to me. I am thrilled about possibilities for the future.

One of the ministry locations here in Northern Ireland had a time of prayer on Wednesday where they prayed for the project I hope to be a part of launching in the future. I didn’t get to be there, but someone sent me photos of some of the prayers written down and a word someone felt God spoke for me. Here is the photo of that word:

 As I read that word on Wednesday afternoon, I had a picture in my mind of an acorn and an oak tree. I have often marveled at how something so small can hold the beginning of something so massive which can be a blessing to many.

Yes, leaving Sligo felt like a death of dreams. At times, my grief threatened to swallow me as I looked for comfort in people or food or the mindless entertainment of movies and television, anything to distract from the gnawing ache within. And yet, through it all, God was there, using the pain I felt to grow my roots deeper into Him. He used the tears that flowed so freely for a time to water the seed that He had planted.

Before I could experience new dreams growing inside me, I had to bury the ones that had fallen. I had to let go and trust that the God who spoke the universe into existence would show up and bring life again.

I am glad to be on the other side of that journey for now. I have no doubt other deaths will come. Dreams will bloom and grow. Some will come to fruition; others will fade. Some will look beautiful for a time and then bring disappointment. Whatever grows from the dreams blossoming in my heart now, I know one thing: God is faithful.

Sometimes seeds fall and die. Grieve them. Grief can be a sacred and holy thing. It is in the midst of those times of mourning that Jesus comes by His Spirit to give those who mourn “a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor” (Isaiah 61:1-3).

“Oaks of Righteousness” declare God’s glory, are not easily moved by storms, provide shade and shelter for many, and grow out of seeds that have fallen to the ground and died. The process isn’t fun, but God meets us there, and the outcome is worth every tear that waters those fallen seeds.