Separation-Pain-Love-Hope: An Interview

This is a story about painful separation. About two parents who are estranged from their loved ones, not by their choice. Angie H and her husband Tim H are adapting to a life without their daughter and three grandchildren. Although hopeful they will one day be reunited, they are coping by being servants of the LORD through volunteering and in their service to their community projects. They are both retired and in good health. However, during their trials and tribulations – although angry and disappointed – their faith never wavered. It is a story about painful separation, loss, and a sense of never-ending hope, deep faith and an all-encompassing love combined. It is one that might resonate with many on various levels. It is my hope that you will find it inspiring, and perhaps, helpful to those who are going through similar circumstances or know someone who is.  This story is similar to another couple I had written about, almost identical in the reason for the separation, due to politics. But it is quite different in other ways. So without further ado, here now is the interview.

Matthew 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

CD: Angie, thank you so much for joining us today. I understand that you haven’t seen your daughter or grandchildren in nine years. Can you share with us what happened?

Angie: Thank you for having me. Yes, it’s been a long and painful journey. It all started after the 2016 election. My daughter was very upset with my choice, and she decided to cut me out of her life. It wasn’t just her; many of my friends also distanced themselves from me. It was a very lonely time.

CD: That sounds incredibly tough. How did you initially react to this separation?

Angie: At first, I was filled with anger and hurt. I couldn’t understand why my own daughter would turn her back on me. But in my darkest moments, I turned to God for comfort. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” I clung to that promise and found solace in His presence.

CD: It’s inspiring to hear how you found strength in your faith. How have you been coping with this separation over the years?

Angie: My husband Tim and I have found solace in our faith and in serving others. We started volunteering at nursing homes and homeless shelters, and it has given us a sense of purpose and value. We’ve made new friends and have been able to help others cope with loneliness and some even have found God. Proverbs 11:25 says, “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” By giving of ourselves, we’ve found healing and hope, it’s truly a miraculous discovery what being a servant of the LORD really means to the whole person.

CD: That’s wonderful! How has your faith helped you maintain hope for reconciliation with your daughter?

Angie: My faith has been my anchor. I hold onto the hope that one day, our daughter will come back into our lives. Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.” We keep reaching out to her, and we will never stop praying for reconciliation. I believe that with God, all things are possible, and we’ve been witness to that many times over. In fact, we might write a journal book about it and publish it one day. Although, we will be ‘anonymous’ cause we wouldn’t want the glory, that belongs to God alone!

CD: Wow! That is so powerful Angie. It’s clear that your faith has played a significant role in your journey. What message would you like to share with others who might be going through similar struggles?

Angie: I want to encourage others to never lose hope and to lean on God for strength. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Trust in God’s timing and His plan for your life. Keep praying and never give up, because He never gives up on us! Keep moving, serving and believing that reconciliation is possible.

CD: Thank you, Angie, for sharing your story with us. Before we end, would you like to join me in a prayer for reconciliation and hope?

Angie: Absolutely!

CD: Dear LORD our Father, we come before You with hearts full of hope, love anticipation and faith. We lift up Angie, her husband Time and her entire family to You, asking for Your healing touch and for a reconciliation with her daughter and grandchildren, if it is Your will LORD. We pray that You soften hearts and open doors for communication and forgiveness. We trust in Your perfect timing and Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Angie: Amen! And thank you so much for that beautiful prayer. Thank you!

CD: Of course. Angie, before we conclude, do you have any final words or advice for our readers?

Angie: As a matter of fact -Yes, I do. To all those reading this, I urge you to reach out to those who are struggling or in pain and dire loneliness. Extend a hand of friendship and show them the love of God. If my daughter or any other children who have cut their parents out of their lives are reading this, please know how deeply hurtful it is not only to the parents but to God Himself. Ephesians 6:2-3 says, “Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” It is dishonoring to God and jeopardizes your salvation to hold onto anger and resentment. Reconciliation is pleasing in God’s eyes. And forgiveness is the way to heaven. Amen.

CD: Beautiful, so touching and heartfelt! Thank you, Angie. I’d like to end with a scripture to meditate and reflect upon in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” May we all find comfort and hope in God’s promises, hope in His Word, and great comfort and peace in His love.

Angie: God bless all your readers.

CD: Thank you, Angie, God Bless you.