Memorial Box Monday: Remember. Rejoice.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary,

you have been grieved by various trials, 
so that the tested genuineness of your faith--

more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--

may be found to result in praise and glory and honor 
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:6-7

I woke this morning to the news that Osama Bin Laden has finally been killed. I'm so thankful to the U.S. Military and our friends around the globe who helped along the way. The news triggered a flood of memories, catching me off-guard.

The attacks on New York and Washington sent me into a deep crisis of faith. I spiraled into a deep depression and intense, paralyzing fear. My world screeched to a halt. My kids essentially lost their mom for several months. My husband somehow loved me through it all.

Of course, that's not me now. God's love, the promises of hope in His Word, and the love and care of faithful friends helped me overcome. Those friends spoke God's truth into me and pulled me out of the pit. I stand, now, on solid ground... my faith in Jesus.

This morning, with the news of Bin Laden's death, I rejoice. Not so much that he is dead... his journey ends tragically, forever burning in hell. I rejoice that God is bigger than him. God used the events of 9/11 to draw me close to Him. I am forever changed.

Memorial Box Monday started at "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced me to it, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7).