By Elizabeth Vinturella

“Mom, what does God tell you about all this?” Brooke asked as she scanned the shelves of the refrigerator. It looked as though Brooke was searching for something to eat when asking this fateful question. But, deep inside, I knew she was seeking so much more.

When life takes a sudden shift, the new set of circumstances creates a myriad of unanswered questions. Brooke was searching for solid ground. She was attempting to create a feeling of security by collecting information and threading together the knowledge she would gain. Then, I knew, because it is human tendency, she would mentally map out potential outcomes, to create scenarios that sounded good, and to carve out a story she created.

Standing on the other side of the kitchen counter, I longed to paint the easiest picture for her; one where everything goes just right and everyone involved is immediately excited. Someone has broken before her heart. I resist a knee-jerk reaction to protect her from any more pain.

However, I simply didn’t have the authority to do that. I didn’t have any facts to share. Nor was there a road map to refer to. Yes, this next God appointed adventure guaranteed a tremendous amount of uncertainty.

Even though it wasn’t voiced, I think Brooke subconsciously knew. I couldn’t predict the future. Nor how it would unfold. Hence, in her wisdom and quest for something solid, she aimed her question towards my Savior and the counsel He might offer.

I was grateful she knew I would seek God’s advice. And be interested in what He had to say. She acknowledged and honored the relationship I had with Him.

And that is when I knew it was time to share what had settled in my heart. For days, I had rumbled with how God wanted me to respond to this new unexpected blessing. Trust me, as beautiful and unbelievable as it is, it held the power to shake the trusted ties that united our weathered family.

Rounding the edge of the counter, I walked towards Brooke and stopped in front of the stove. By now, her perusal of food had ended, and she turned toward me with her full attention.

I paused before I answered. Not because I didn’t have an answer. God had already given me His sense of response before Brooke ever inquired about our inner conversations. Instead, I took a second before responding so the air would settle, and my words heard.

Surmising the fore coming series of events and the twisting and turning it would take to assimilate and comprehend this new chapter of life was impossible. But better than giving Brooke a sense of security by speculating on earthly events, I affirmed who I would follow to lay a solid foundation for all things going forward.

“Brooke, God has made it very clear to me that all of this can stay very uncomplicated if we simply love. That is all there is to it, simply love,” I explained.

We continued our conversation about Christ’s instructions. I chose my words carefully to get Brooke to accept the truth that God doesn’t want us to find security in knowing the outcome before it happens.

Instead, He asks us to move forward in faith. To be OK with not knowing everything. And to trust that as we make room for the Holy Spirit, everything falls into place. Control does not guarantee comfort. It is the power of Jesus that brings peace!

Brooke seemed satisfied with my reply. She turned her attention to the simmering contents in the pan. But, the goodness didn’t end there because I had more to share.

“Brooke, there is something else I sense.”

With the wooden spoon in her hand, she turned and readied herself to receive.

“The spirit inside of me says, don’t flinch and have absolutely no fear!” I expounded on God’s guidance wanting Brooke to understand that as we stepped into this next leg of life, it was important for me, for her and for all of us to cast off any thought that might prevent us from fully embracing the fullness of what was yet to be. Holding back because something might go wrong would not work.

Brooke relaxed into the words. Her shoulders relaxed and the edges of her lips inched up to form a smile. She understood that if we allowed love and the Spirit of Christ to set our course, it might be a bumpy ride, but Jesus would make it beautiful!

Romans 8:28

 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. KJV