This Is Not The End of The Story...
By Michael Q. Pink
January 28, 2010“And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel.” (Isaiah 45:3)
Less than ninety days ago my life was full, my heart content and my future bright. I enjoyed a rare communion with my wife. We were a circle of two, endlessly supporting, encouraging, comforting and loving each other in so many ways I cannot count. God was in the middle of that circle, but few others were invited in, preferring the intimacy that comes with time well spent with just each other.
Then, like the setting of the sun, her life began to wane. Daylight turned to twilight, the shadows grew long and then darkness came. It was not sudden, but it was relentless until her light was snuffed out like a flickering candle when an unwelcome breeze blows over it. I tried to stop the wind, but could not. I thought the sun would always shine, that darkness would never come (at least not until we were so old as to welcome that day) but I was wrong. Darkness came when her light left my life. And it is thick.
But that is not the end of the story. As surely as night follows day, joy comes again in the morning. While for me the new morning has not yet broken, I am learning to find the treasures found only in darkness. As Emerson wrote, “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.” There are simply some treasures that can only be found in dark places. Rather than mourn the night and howl at the moon, I search for the treasures God has laid up for me in this dark place I find myself in. And there are many to be found if I can shut my eyes and see, close my ears and listen and close my mouth to release the groaning of the Spirit which simply cannot be uttered.
I did not choose this dark place, nor would I have, if asked. But I was not asked. Rather than fall into utter despair, my choice is to mourn deeply, but not endlessly; to remember fondly, but not to enshrine the past; to celebrate the past, but look to the future. As I walk out of this valley, I will seek the treasures found only in darkness and I will find them, savor them and share them with you. We will all be richer for it. For this, I am already thankful.
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For you, I am thankful.
Susan at 11:29am EST - January 28, 2010
You never get over it, but you get used to it.
Matt at 11:30am EST - January 28, 2010
May God bless you more than you ever thought possible, Michael.
Lorisa at 11:31am EST - January 28, 2010
YOUR....Words the last few lines.. so right on...prophetic"I did not choose this dark place, nor would I have, if asked. But I was not asked. Rather than fall into utter despair, my choice is to mourn deeply, but not endlessly; to remember fondly, but not to enshrine the past; to celebrate the past, but look to the future. As I walk out of this valley, I will seek the treasures found only in darkness and I will find them, savor them and share them with you. We will all be richer for it. For this, I am already thankful. "
Lyn Sorensen at 11:33am EST - January 28, 2010
I continue to be amazed at God's mighty power at work in you, Michael. He has brought you far and times like this show the fullness of the maturity He has wrought in you. I know it is His work, but you must cooperate. I cheer you on, my brother! Continue the adventure, there is yet more in store. I feel His Spirit rise up in me as I type this. He is so excited that you have decided to move ahead. He is tingling with joy at what is yet to come. I know Brenda is smiling as she sees the fuller revelation and is proud of your commitment to the Eternal View point and the adventure of serving His majesty. He, Christ is worthy of all praise. I am remote from you but can feel both the heart ache and the excitement you seem to emanate. Daily, my wife and I continue to lift up you and the ministry God has yet to unfold in you. De ColoresDuane Thurmond
H. Duane Thurmond at 11:34am EST - January 28, 2010
My heart goes out to you for I know the pain and ache of having someone taken from you before what we understand to be the right time. Every day I yearn to see my daughter again and to hear her voice but the blessings from her children keep me going. My prayer is for you to be still in your grief but be loud in your love of the Lord. His mercies are new every morning and the treasures of life will be abundant to you. In our weakness He is strong. God be with you.
Jacki Hamlin at 11:37am EST - January 28, 2010
Thanks for being real. Thanks for being human at all times. Thanks for your honesty.You will not know how many times I have prayed Lord let me know just one real human child of God without all the Christen make up I experienced around me. Suddenly my life make sense to knowing that I am okay human at all times regenerated by the Most High to reflect His image through my human make up even though circumstances cry out there is no God your life shout He is there at all times.Thank you and thank you.
Beuhla at 11:41am EST - January 28, 2010
Michael, your story touches me deeply. I have been praying for you and Brenda from the beginning. At the same time, I am also fighting for the life of both of my parent-in-laws who have each had a stroke within the past 18 months. Both are paralyzed on opposite sides. He cannot talk but is fully cognizant. She, on the otherhand, can talk but her mind is not working correctly. He now has cancer for the third time. Along with that, my brother-in-law is fighting for his very life today. He was first diagnosed with ALS but through divine connections, we now know that it is Lyme's disease. The doctors was to incubate but he would never be removed from the ventilator after that leaving him unable to talk. He has chosen no to the ventilator. Thankfully, all three of them have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior in the past year. I do believe in miracles. Sometimes our miracles come in different ways such as yours. Brenda's story is not over and has already brought life to so many others. My heart is with you!
Christy at 11:43am EST - January 28, 2010
I have been reading your emails daily for about a year after I somehow stumbled upon your site. You never seize to amaze me! I just want to say thank you so much for being so open, for sharing your most personal thoughts and hurts. You are a breath of fresh air, even when my eyes are gushing with tears and what I read breaks my heart. I thank God for you and your beautiful wife, the example you have been and continue to be. May God richly bless and comfort you. Toni
Toni Bessette at 11:49am EST - January 28, 2010
Michael,Thank you for the courage, faith, and faithfulness you have shown over the past few months. I have read every email you sent out during this time. My wife and I prayed and agreed with you for your wife's healing. We are now praying for you, that in this time of Darkness you will find the treasures God has for you. I have never lost a spouse to death, but I have been divorced and know the pain of being alone without the person you love. It was during these times that I learned things about God, His grace, His fathfulness, and the fact that He never leaves or forsakes us. Really, He does't. These times of darkness allowed me to grow as an individual and in the end God blessed me with a wife that is so lovely, Godly, and anointed. May God bless you greatly during this time. May His light shine on you and the path ahead!Sincerely,G Samuel Verret
G Samuel Verret at 11:53am EST - January 28, 2010
In as much as possible, we are walking this valley with you Brother. Dark though it may be and not to our liking, the Light and glory of our Lord still does shine. It is only time that will allow each of us to see it more clearly. Lifting you in prayer.
Bonnie at 11:54am EST - January 28, 2010
Oh, to have had such a relationship here on earth - it must have seemed much like heaven right here. God has blessed with you so much more than you even know and you are blessing all of us by allowing us into your circle as you do mourn for precious Brenda. May God bless you a thousandfold as you have blessed all of us. Thank you for letting us in.
Terry Chapman at 11:55am EST - January 28, 2010
Wow. I love when God does this sort of thing. I'm referring to one segment of what you wrote, "not to enshrine the past; to celebrate the past, but look to the future." Just this morning, before I read your post, I was looking through a magazine and saw a plaque that says "Never let your memories be greater than your dreams." Now from what I've read, it sounds to me like your memories with Brenda are nothing short of utopia. But I am ever so glad to hear how you maintain an eternal perspective of it all, which guarantees your future will eventually be unimaginably perfect. Mourning is healthy and necessary when it is not permitted to stay beyond the prescribed time. May God lead you through that perfect amount of time and bring you to a place of abundant joy, both in this life and in the life to come!
Teresa Wooley at 12:03pm EST - January 28, 2010
I cannot remember a time when I grieved so for anyone. I do not know you, personally that is. Nor did I know the lovely Brenda Pink. But the spirit inside me most assuredly did/does know both of you and I find myself grieving deeply with you. I know NOT the words to say to encourage or comfort you. I cannot fathom your loss or circumstances. I so desire to offer something (a Word, a prayer, a common ground) to lessen your pain. But instead, I find that you seem to be the one to have the Words of comfort, as the Comforter Himself ministers to you. I will however, continue to stand beside you in prayer, if only as a sister longing for our Father to pour out His unending Love, Grace and Glory upon my brother. Glory, Glory, Glory
Holly Berry Cosentino at 12:03pm EST - January 28, 2010
Michael, you are a gem! May God continue to receive glory as you walk out your destiny in Him. Thanks for allowing me to trail along. His Love and mine, Judy
Judith Jordan at 12:05pm EST - January 28, 2010
Thanks for being real. Thanks for being human at all times. Thanks for your honesty.You will not know how many times I have prayed Lord let me know just one real human child of God without all the Christen make up I experienced around me. Suddenly my life make sense to knowing that I am okay human at all times regenerated by the Most High to reflect His image through my human make up even though circumstances cry out there is no God your life shout He is there at all times.Thank you and thank you.
Beuhla at 12:07pm EST - January 28, 2010
Thanks a lot for share with us this difficult time, I admire your way to think, your vision, your strength. You encourage me a lot too.
Martha Dominguez at 12:09pm EST - January 28, 2010
Alias Job2 of the DOOR2WORLD MINISTRY: many years ago God granted me something extra special...it was on a Christmas Day morning as I was waking with a very vivid dream in which God showed me what my wife, Gladys, would look like in her glorified body. I was left speechless and was astounded at her beauty...glowing so brightly!!!! To say the least I was jolted awake with such strong images. God had granted me this heavenly "sight" so that in seeing the final outcome...I would have more patience with her present struggles and weaknesses. So with that special picture of her in my mind, I strive to help her reach her heavenly potential.I share this only to encourage you to fully realize that your precious wife is enjoying so much greater "life"...the life after graduation into the heavenlies with God! May God grant to you "this" to you also...with your spiritual God inspired imagination "see" your loved one as she presently and forever will be and is!!!! ...in her glorified body!!!!
Donald French at 12:14pm EST - January 28, 2010
He loves you Michael. He's not done with you. In fact, you are just starting to see the Blessings come rolling in. Be patient, He wants you to have a close and intimate relationship with Him. He wants to shower His love upon you, hold your hands and speak to you if you will only spend more time with Him.It takes time, but you will get over it if you will just focus on Him "Be still and know that I am the Lord". He loves and cares for widows and widowers.God Bless You richly.
Rev. Jeanne Lee at 12:21pm EST - January 28, 2010
Treasures of darkness - that verse has been such a blessing in my own life over the years, and I am glad that you are aware of it. Yes, this is a time of intense darkness and pain in your life, to lose someone as precious as your wife was to you. My wish for you would be to have God lead you through this quickly and take away the pain and darkness quickly too, but to be honest, I suspect that some of your darkest times may still be ahead as you come to terms with this loss. Grieving is a process and it will take time. My prayer is that you will be able to stay as real through that process too. And that you will indeed come through this finding yourself abundantly blessed with those treasures of darkness - because they are definitely there for you.
Evelyn at 12:22pm EST - January 28, 2010
Who is this that comes up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? It is YOU, Michael, and you can rest on your beloved, for surely He is holding onto you, and will not let you go. He is going to make this desert place, a beautiful garden of Eden...and it will blossom like the rose...abundantly...and there will be joy and singing in this garden where you will walk in His Presence. This garden will be filled with the Glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God. You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who are just through the veil in a higher realm in Heavenly places. One of them is your lovely wife, Brenda. They will be cheering you on as you head for the finish line, crying out for you to walk in the victory you have in Christ, and to keep running the race. At any moment, they may step out of the Glory even as Elijah and Moses did as Jesus stood transfigured in the glory...to bring you encouragement to remain on the course set before you. You are surrounded by the saints still alive, who are covering you with their own prayers and interceedings, not willing for even one to be left behind because of their sufferings. We are all here for you, Michael, and you can hold onto us...your brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus...and lean on us as well. We are going up this mountain of the Lord together in unity, and God's giving us "hinds feet" for the slant of the mountain is so steep. The victory is ours because of what Jesus did for us upon the Cross. The darkness will never overcome the light He's hidden in our hearts, and our flickering flames are going to become a bonfire for the Lord, and reveal His glory around the world. Arise and shine, for the Glory of the Lord is rising upon you! Hallelujah! We praise Him for giving you peace beyond understanding, and for allowing your transparency to be a tremendous testimony to the truth that we really can "do ALL THINGS through Christ who will strengthen us." God bless you today, and forever!
Donna Nefferdorf at 12:34pm EST - January 28, 2010
We are to embrace the pain and not shut it out. Somehow, it eventually dissipates, and we find ourselves stronger and wiser, more stable, settled and mature.
judith smith at 12:36pm EST - January 28, 2010
One of our favorite sayings is that 'It is always darkest just before dawn." We really appreciate your perspective in spite of the heart-rending experience you are in right now. We are praying for you, knowing that our loving Abba is holding you so close you can feel His heartbeat and hear His 'still, small voice.' May He be to you all that you need, and continue to fulfill the desires of your heart as we await His heavenly summons, too.
Pastor Rich at 1:00pm EST - January 28, 2010
Your courage is amazing and a true testimony of God's grace which is suffecint for every situation we face. I have never written before although I have been following your blog for years, I could not resist the pull of the Spirit to say thank you today! I rejoice in your courage and strength because I know it comes from God. Ps. 62 states that poer and strength belong to God and he is distributing it to you now. Be blessed my bother, Musch Love
NAOMI at 1:04pm EST - January 28, 2010
AMEN!
vilma at 1:12pm EST - January 28, 2010
God isn't finished with you yet. As so many before me have told you and you yourself say, It is the darkest before the dawn. May it be "The Dawn" NOW!My prayers go with you Michael.William
William Robinson at 1:13pm EST - January 28, 2010
Michael,My heart aches for you. I know deep in my soul that you are blessed. For all that you have shared with your friends over the past few months, I am grateful. YOU have been a blessing to all of us. Thank you!Take care, Holly
Holly Magister at 1:24pm EST - January 28, 2010
Thank you for continuing to share. It has been a blessing to read these emails.
Chris and Stacy Zimmerman at 1:24pm EST - January 28, 2010
Michael,My heart is so full as I read of your journey. I pray God will take away your grief in due season (remember to ask, okay) and bring that sunshine to you. Joy does come with the morning. I have been single over 15 years and believing God for a life partner. After a long wait (very long!) he has arrived. As your love of your life ends, mine is just beginning. I feel very connected to you in this way and greatly encouraged by your great unwavering faith. God Bless you Brother. I really want to come to Denver and meet you and all the other people...I am feeling called and will decide in the next few days. Thank you for being you and documenting your journey. As I am sure you have heard there are many who will also be blessed by this story, so thank God for giving you such a wonderful gift of writing. In Christ, Patrice
Patrice Lynn at 1:24pm EST - January 28, 2010
'As surely as night follows day, joy comes again in the morning. While for me the new morning has not yet broken, I am learning to find the treasures found only in darkness'. Spoken through an experiance that knows a loving God and waits patiently with Him. God bless you Michael as you discover the treasures awaiting you 'found only in darkness'. Once discovered, surely joy will come again in the morning. God bless you brother.
Bill Boesterd at 2:18pm EST - January 28, 2010
Thank you for sharing even this season. For many of us, these times of seeming darkness revealed beauty yet unexpressed and some levels of intimacy that only God Himself and I can know.I salute you for your vulnerability and hold you tenderly with arms that understand brokenness.May the stars, and the treasures, shine softly in the darkness, my brother.E
Eric Waterbury at 2:23pm EST - January 28, 2010
Just as you know that joy will come in the morning, so too, will a new birth come out of your and Brenda's continued faithfulness even through the death, loss and grief that you have traveled through. Brenda has been brought from glory to glory in the heavenly places. And, you too will be birthing a new thing in your life and spirit, because after all, our God is the giver of Life and abundant life He will give.Just as our Jesus is walking beside you, so too, is your lovely wife present in heart and in spirit cheering you on and looking for you to finish the race that has been set before you, Michael. You are a gift to the church and an example of the victory that Christ places in our lives even through the darkest of times when we submit our hearts, minds, souls to HIM.We honor you Michael as you honor our heavenly father and the loving memory of your beautiful wife there is so much more for you and the best is yet to come!
Kelly Anne Liberto at 2:24pm EST - January 28, 2010
DEAREST MICHAEL....Jesus IS our Light.....that is the light that will dispel even the darkest hour such as the one you are living in now. Hang onto HIM and what seems dark now will eventually become the brightest day because of his love for you......and your friends. I love you very much.......
MARINA VISHANOFF at 2:55pm EST - January 28, 2010
Thank you so much for your walk with Father, Son and Holy Ghost! And for sharing the bad as well as the good with us! I have been so blessed by your faithfulness in the hard times! And continually giving praise and honor to Him who is truly your lifeline! And He is so faithful to reward those who diligently seek Him, as you have! I have lost a dear husband in a somewhat similar way - several years ago, I understand your grief ....and your faith! Again, Thanks for sharing!
Joy Brandstetter at 3:06pm EST - January 28, 2010
I cannot thank you enough for sharing this season with such candidness and vulnerability. Your insights are precious, because they are so genuine and honest. I am encouraged by your determination to experience the Father during this time, and am praying that you will be able to grieve in a healthy way and experience the Comforter, and share your experiences with us so we may believe for and experience the same.
christy at 3:22pm EST - January 28, 2010
We have been following with passion and humility all that you have been 'allowed to suffer'. It has truly been an inspiration and encouragement to 'walk by faith, and not by sight,.' as we followed each heart-wrenching account. Our hearts and prayers have jointed the 'great cloud of witnesses' that truly surround you.If 'the heavens declare the glory of God' (as Psalm 19 states), and it is only in the darkness that the light of the stars shines through, then we cannot help but wonder if the glory of God is more brillant, more real, and speaks more loudly in the darkness than when the Sun is shining. As Psalm 19 continues, 'the voice of the stars in evidence goes out through all the earth, their sayings to the end of the world.' You are right, it is not over and this is not the end of your story! The light in the darkness continues to shine! Shalom
Catharine at 3:36pm EST - January 28, 2010
I have enjoyed your emails daily. They go deep and give life as He does. While reading these coments I am amazed at the eternal picture. They valley is where the good food is not on the mountain tops also came to me. When you look back you will see the rich time you are having. I am not being cruel but real. I can not see the dark place your in, we all have had our times and when we look back we see God in it as He see us through it. I am sure He will bring you through and will build on this as hard as this seems right now. I put my shoulder to your shoulder and lift you and suport you as we can in prayer.
Richard Chaffee at 4:10pm EST - January 28, 2010
Your words never cease to amaze me and the message you relay in the midst of your sorrow is amazing to us who receive it. I know only you are going through your personal journey and no one else can really be there with you in a sense, however you point out just how individual and human this journey is and enlighten others to what we can only imagine and may know through our own suffering. Thank you for continuing to see and speak of God's hand in all of it, even though it is dark it must be comforting to know in the end of an exhausting day or even hour, that he is still and always there. Thank you for sharing your experiences and feelings with us, I feel it is a gift to receive from you and am grateful that all of us in this human race and in Christ are one and that alone is victory...my heart and prayers think of you often.
Tracy Hmura at 4:23pm EST - January 28, 2010
You never cease to amaze me with your insight and obvious connection with our God.
Yvonne C. Hyde at 6:25pm EST - January 28, 2010
Michael, this is beautiful and inspiring. As the unwilling recipient of some profound losses, your words and your attitude and your willingness to walk in God's way has given me hope and courage. It will take a little time, but you will again welcome the light as it floods back into your life.God bless you.Cina Carrigan
Cina Carrigan at 6:54pm EST - January 28, 2010
So beautiful...What a gifted writer you are! Words escape me but my heart is full...Even though we have never met, I prayed with you and for Brenda...I traveled this journey in a tiny way since I first learned of your wife's diagnosis...Thank you for sharing...You have gone where few have and many have yet to go and you have survived to remain faithful to your God....
Joyce at 7:21pm EST - January 28, 2010
Michael, my prayers are with you. What a wonderful insight about finding the 'treasures in darkness'. It really touched my heart. Though I didn't love a wife, I lost a girlfriend who I cared alot about recently. I've been dealing with the mourning of the end of the relationship. This message of finding the treasures in darkness spoke to me in a powerful manner. Your point of view of mourning - but not forever - and looking to the future, really helped. God bless you brother, and I pray that God comfort you as you 'mourn in Zion' and give you 'beauty instead of ashes, the oil joy instead of mourning, and the garment of praise instead of the spirit of despair, that you would be a tree of righteousness - the planting of the Lord for the display of His spendor.." God loves you and so do I...
Micah at 8:00pm EST - January 28, 2010
This is so rich and so deep. My prayers go to you at this time still. For you are still in the darkness and the grief still so fresh. How I too, have had a suddenly moment that has driven me to my knees like never before and I am in a dark place. It is different than yours, however, the dark is still the dark. My one and only son did something very bad and is in jail and will be there for awhile just to go to trial. He loves God and is saved but the last month has been making some very wrong choices and this last one sent him to jail. I realize this is the dealings of God and that is a comfort, yet a mother wants to comfort and I cannot as he is so far away. God knows though...doesn't he! He is the seed of God though and God is his Judge. I must trust in this dark time. Today was a very hard phone call from my son, Aaron, and he was sick in jail with the flu. My mother wanted to rescue him and comfort him. This came at the time when I needed it most. NEVER underestimate what God is doing through you and your openess to all of us. You are truly being used in your dark place and I can only pray that I too, will be used in my dark place. God bless you!! Leisa Coburn
Leisa Coburn at 8:13pm EST - January 28, 2010
Michael,It seems you are doing really well. If I may be so bold in commenting, I would say that you have found that place in God that only those who have gone through the same thing hopefully find. It is an awesome place of peace when the pain is too much to bear, it is knowing that He is as close as the air we breathe, it is when everything in the natural falls into place and you know His hand is upon you. He will hold you in the midnight hour when your spouse no longer can. Been there Michael, and believe me when I say again, lean into him and you will never be disappointed with what he will have to say to you. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with all of us....bless you MichaelIn HimLorraine
Lorraine Hawkins at 10:57pm EST - January 28, 2010
You are a blessing,Michael
Wayne Mitchell at 10:58pm EST - January 28, 2010
Peace will come Michael. I don't know how long it will take for you I only know how long it took me to find the peace of God. Keep talking to Him. He's right next to you day and night. Bless you Michael. You are in my prayers constantly.
Isabella at 12:28am EST - January 29, 2010
Michael, your words surround my heart and my spirit like a warm cashmere blanket and cause my soul to be calmed and quited. I too am walking through a time and place of darkness that I did not choose. The only difference is that the the light of my life went out when he chose to close the door on our relationship. Moment by moment I fight a battle to not receive a spirit of rejection and to continue to see myself as a priceless, precious treasure created by the breath of my Poppa and desired by the King of the universe. There are not words in this earth realm to relate to you the healing and peace that I am finding in your words. I cannot thank you enough for your transparency and for giving me hope that somewhere, somehow, someway there truly are men who love their wives as Jesus loves His Bride. Thank you for restoring my faith and trust in men of God. May you know right here, right now on earth the Kingdom of Heaven in all it glory. In Yeshua's Name.
Keturah Ogletree at 1:10am EST - January 29, 2010
Michael, your words surround my heart and my spirit like a warm cashmere blanket and cause my soul to be calmed and quited. I too am walking through a time and place of darkness that I did not choose. The only difference is that the the light of my life went out when he chose to close the door on our relationship. Moment by moment I fight a battle to not receive a spirit of rejection and to continue to see myself as a priceless, precious treasure created by the breath of my Poppa and desired by the King of the universe. There are not words in this earth realm to relate to you the healing and peace that I am finding in your words. I cannot thank you enough for your transparency and for giving me hope that somewhere, somehow, someway there truly are men who love their wives as Jesus loves His Bride. Thank you for restoring my faith and trust in men of God. May you know right here, right now on earth the Kingdom of Heaven in all it glory. In Yeshua's Name.
Keturah Ogletree at 1:10am EST - January 29, 2010
After walking in my own dark years, I met and married a man I love more than life. Some folks said I was a gold-digger (they assumed he was rich!) A year or two later a prophet came by our church and declared over my husband that he has a huge amount of gold in him. I reckon I am mining it each day! But really, it is in the darkness that gold is formed and the vein is found. The river of God eventually brings it into the light. We are seeing that working out, just as you will in His good time. Be encouraged Michael.
Chrissie - NZ at 1:52am EST - January 29, 2010
nothing to say...you said it ...i sit with it... and just be
Stacey at 3:02am EST - January 29, 2010
Your insight simply profound, Michael. Walking in darkness of which our God uses for His covering, the same Spirit uncovers from you for us to be edified. Thank you...More blessings,BenjieC / Manila
Benjie B. Caballero at 6:20am EST - January 29, 2010
Michael is plumbing the depths of the valley of the shadow of death to bring us those apples of gold and morsals of silver to the rest of us. Thank you, my brother, for melting and not hardening under the hot sun. Heaven will be all the more glorious, and though of little comfort in this valley, "this light affliction will give way to a far more eternal weight of glory." This present will be a memory. Won't it be wonderful!
Brad Richards at 7:37am EST - January 29, 2010
Michael is plumbing the depths of the valley of the shadow of death to bring us those apples of gold and morsals of silver to the rest of us. Thank you, my brother, for melting and not hardening under the hot sun. Heaven will be all the more glorious, and though of little comfort in this valley, "this light affliction will give way to a far more eternal weight of glory." This present will be a memory. Won't it be wonderful!
Brad Richards at 7:38am EST - January 29, 2010
Dear Michael," This is not the end of the story" is a manifestation of what we have been praying for you. Judy and I pray for you daily. We have felt that God was going to show Himself strong in what seems like defeat. Through natural eyes the cross looked like defeat, but if you had eyes to see in the spirit it was the greatest victory ever! We have received some great treasures from out of the darkness in our lives. We thank God for you and the beautiful way you express God's work in your life. We look forward to all God is going to do. With God there is never an end to the story!Love,Terry
Terry at 7:59am EST - January 29, 2010
You sharing inspires others for their times of darkness. Thank you for being real. God is closest to those who hurt, so we know He is very close to you and will bring you through victorious. Death could not defeat Jesus and it will not defeat you!
Carole PIgeon at 8:58am EST - January 29, 2010
We thank you for your transparency. With your words and your sharing, you have blessed each and every one of us. Some of us have not experienced the loss such as you, but we all experience some form of darkness and for this, your words will be healing for us all. May God bless you richly as you travel this path. Know that joy cometh in the morning.
Nancy Lee at 9:45am EST - January 29, 2010
Rejoice with those that rejoice and weep with those that weep I have done this with you and appreciate your strength under such utter darkness that only one who has gone can understand.God Bless . My prayers are with you.Faith
Faith Robinson at 10:36am EST - January 29, 2010
AMAZING.....AWESOME.....THANK YOU!
Adam Pendleton at 11:05am EST - January 29, 2010
I love you Michael Q Pink. You do know that your very open, transparent battle helped us all! Be encouraged that none of it was in vain!
Pamela Greene-Jones at 12:02pm EST - January 29, 2010
Sobering...Profound...Captivating...and Heartfelt! You are at the right place at the right time my friend(in terms of your heart attitude). GOD IS GOING TO AMAZE YOU! You are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. There is a strength and a power that comes from deep darkness such as this, that we cannot explain. But when we go through it in the way that God has ordained us to (and He is watching) we can come out of the fire and not even smell of smoke. The Lord, Himself, will carry you through this dark night of your soul and bring you into the light of your brand new day! Peace be with you!
Rita Young at 12:15pm EST - January 29, 2010
I just want you to know you remain in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Tamera Marshall at 4:31pm EST - January 29, 2010
Dear Michael,We are a few months out from your place of grief and truly can relate to your incredible loss.It makes me know how much you love the lord that you will look for treasures in those darkest places of the night. I understand.Our sweet Joshie shows us some of those treasures hidden as he is very busy doing his Fathers will.The other day a fellow came to me with a story of how a little boy named Joshie helped him. He was a man of crime and selfishness. Somewhere he found Joshies story and followed it He said he kept track of the struggle and pain only to find God using the story to show him a new way to live.He found out a little boy of 11 could be so strong and so caring. He found out Joshie was willing to do it all over again if someone could find their way. This man was able to find his way from drugs crime and reunite with his family.The man did not know I was Joshies grandmom.Joshie while alive had a thing about pennies, We his family find pennies in the oddest of places. The other day Joshies class were skeeing and his very best friend fell while skeeing as he gained composure he went to put his hand out to push himself up from the snow. There layed a penny in all that snow out in the middle of a Wisconsin hill we call a mountain. Joshies brother was there helping the friend up when he found the penny. Both boys cried. Joshie was there.At times grief is almost way beyond human endurance.There in the black of night is the love of the Lord. His soft touch, His care. His song. There as well are land mines as we call them. Deep dark pits so dark that one must pull themselves out. Sometimes it seems justified and only right to enter these places only to realize NO this is self pity this is self distruction. Thats when the Lord extends His hand and He walks awhile with us.So many people thanked us for bieng so open with our struggle and loss I can now understand why. Keeping abreast with your story has helped me in a strange sort of way. Thank you Micheal.If I could give advice to you it would be to let yourself grieve, Let yourself feel, Talk openly using Brendas name it brings comfort just to hear that name. You are lovedJudy Holm
judy holm at 7:49pm EST - January 29, 2010
I sigh deeply at these words and just open my mouth is amazement. Gold is never refined but in FIRE. You grief biblically. It is easy for us to encourage you, when we are not in the furnace, but you are your best encouragement in the Lord, Yeshua, while we receive the insights for our own evening someday.Shalom. Okotch (Kenya)
Okotch Mondoh at 5:36am EST - January 30, 2010
I sigh deeply at these words and just open my mouth is amazement. Gold is never refined but in FIRE. You grief biblically. It is easy for us to encourage you, when we are not in the furnace, but you are your best encouragement in the Lord, Yeshua, while we receive the insights for our own evening someday.Shalom. Okotch (Kenya)
Okotch Mondoh at 5:38am EST - January 30, 2010
Dear Michael, This is awesome. While I share your grief with you, I know God has allowed it for a purpose. I look forward to sharing the treasures you find in this dark place with you as you discover them. Its amazing how God can bring something beautiful out of our pain. May God continue to comfort and strenghthen you. My heart is with you. And thanks for choosing to be a blessing even in this season of your life.
Susan at 9:59am EST - January 30, 2010
This is very deep. We have to be fashioned in God's furnace sometimes, but if you trust Him wholeheartedly, He will bring you out like shining gold. May you experience His assurance and His faithfulness. And remember, if He takes you to it, He will bring you through it. May He continue to strengthen you.LeoJamaica, West Indies
Leo Goodin at 11:07am EST - January 30, 2010
Michael, I am sorry I haven't written sooner, as I kept up with Brenda's fight for life, I was also keeping up with my Father in law and my Mom, who now both require 24 hour care and live in two different towns an hour apart. I am an encourager by Divine Design of the Lord. I want you to know that even though I haven't met you, your family, ministry and life have truly impacted me, my family and my business. We are truly thankful for God's mercies that are new every morning. Our fight is not over, it has been going on since May of 2008, my Mom is 67, my Father in law is 79. Both of them are in great need of love and support and my husband and I and my step Dad are all doing that work. We have help as well from church
Sherrie Slayton at 10:09pm EST - January 31, 2010
For a while I was depressed by everything that was happening to you I did not want to read it. Now I am encouraged by you because of the strength God has given you. I miscarried at 7months and prayed for resurrection etc it did not happen and my faith was really shaken. seeing how you are pulling through makes me know that I do not need all the answers I need to know God is faithful even if his ways are beyond me.
martha at 4:21am EST - February 1, 2010
I am a hospice chaplain in Idaho. I just met with a man whose wife died two weeks ago. I will also meet today with a women whose husband died last week. Michael's willingness to talk so openly and realistically about the pain of the death of someone close, and to offer real and solid hope, not wishful dreaming type of hope, will be of great comfort to many. I will offer Michael's account for a breath of hope to those who are grieving. My wife and my first born boy was still born after a completely wonderful pregnancy. I held his lifeless shell soon after he was delivered, and was filled with faith for a miracle. I asked Jesus for his life to be restored, knowing I would watch that little chest rise with breath. That was my plan, my expectation. Instead, the presence of Jesus was more real than I have ever experienced. I felt loved in the middle of the darkest loss I had ever faced. Pain was shrouded in thick peace. Confusion existed, but comfort arose in greater measure. Jesus himself was our peace, and I knew God had a different plan and purpose than my expectation. Through that situation, family members were reconciled to each other, and healing was one of many "treasures found only in darkness," as Michael so deeply described it. Thank you for chronicling your certain discoveries of treasures in darkness.
Danny Harry at 2:28pm EST - February 1, 2010
Michael,When I read that your wife had passed, I mourned with you and prayed for you wondering what, if anything would next. Imagine my surprise in receiving this latest blog and how inspiring and deeply touched I am by your sharing this insightful and wise blog. I am enjoying your maturity in the Lord as well as your commitment to us, your readers. I only regret is not having met with you sooner to be blessed with such a treasure as you. I am sure you are and will continue to miss and grieve your lovely wife but know that God has something great deposited within you that you must share with us before it's all said and done.I will continue to pray healing, encouragement, peace, comfort and love as you continue this walk now without the company of your beloved. Remember you are not alone but now a new depth has come for which we shall all be blessed because of it.Be strong in the power of His might - MIghty Man of Valor!
Darlene at 4:37pm EST - February 1, 2010
Michael, the Spirit of Courage and Encouragement dwells in you. Even in your dark place of grief you shine the light of comfort and encouragement for others. Thank you for not deciding to travel this path alone, but to grant us the privilege of travelling with you. I am so encouraged how you are allowing the Lord to take you through at His pace and allowing Him to reveal to you the beauty of His wonders as you just let Him lead you. I am really learning from your experience which I feel has culminated into my experience as I follow you as you follow the Lord. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. As the Lord said to Joshua after He took Moses to be with Him, "only be strong and of good courage" The weaker you are , The stronger you become in His strength for that is when His strength is made perfect.Be Blessed
Cheryl R. Cheong at 7:53pm EST - February 1, 2010
Michael, Your journey has not been in a vacuum, and nothing God does ever is. Your faith and raw openess have been a true blessing to myself and I know countless others. May our Lord continue to lift you and sustain you until we are all gathered to HIm.
Jason Evans at 9:52am EST - February 2, 2010
Dear Michael: May you find great treasures in the darkness as the Lord leads you. He created it all and is there to meet you. Be blessed in His warm embrace.
Terry at 2:21pm EST - February 5, 2010
Michael u have so many people who love u and support u dear. I'm one of them. Here for u. Lean on me whenever u need to! Love u bro!
Tamara Lowe at 3:52am EST - February 7, 2010
Michael,I have only met you and heard your story a few days ago, but I know God connected us to glorify Him in all things. As a widow, I truly feel your pain, but also know the rest of the story does come through the power of God's mercy and love in all we experience on this earth. You have the heart of God and the greatest faith I have ever known. Know I am your friend forever and am there for you!
sherron lane at 1:07pm EST - February 7, 2010