The woman sitting in the airport that night was completely unassuming and nondescript; there was nothing about her that stood out or promoted itself in any way. In fact, I scarcely noticed her as I carefully arranged my small bags on the floor and took my seat beside her. The airport was crowded and I was exhausted after the first leg of a long flight from Hawaii to Dallas. My husband and I had traveled to the beautiful island a week earlier to celebrate our wedding anniversary. While I was completely worn from nearly half a day in the air, my mind was still replaying images of the breathtaking scenery we left in Hawaii and the wonderful time we had.
As we sat at the gate waiting for our connecting flight, I took note, as is my usual habit, of the many people moving about the expansive airport. I am, and have always been, a people-watcher. I pay attention to facial expressions, mannerisms, body language, and often wonder to myself, Where is he going? What is her story?
Everyone, I learned that day, has a story.
Several minutes passed and I had almost completely immersed myself in the bustling activity and goings-on around me. I spoke a casual word or two to my husband every few moments, but was otherwise silent as we waited. Then something happened that altered the shape of my entire experience that day.
The woman, the unassuming and nondescript woman sitting right next to me, announced suddenly and to no one in particular, “I buried my son today.”
Her words, quickly jarring me back to the reality I had momentarily escaped, took my breath away and I don’t know what I found more striking: her statement and the abruptness with which she made it, or the sobering pain I felt as memories of my own son’s death flooded my consciousness. In either case, this woman, this stranger who now seemed so familiar, had my undivided attention.
I turned to face her and my eyes met her tears as they fell aimlessly down her cheeks. As I placed my arms around her to offer what comfort I could, she explained that her twenty-one-year-old son died suddenly and she was traveling back home after the funeral. She handed me a tear-stained program from the service and I glanced at the handsome young man’s picture, not wanting to take my eyes off of his mother.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)
We talked for what seemed like hours, but I know it was no more than 45 minutes. In our short time together, she shared with me the circumstances surrounding her son’s untimely death and I encouraged her with my own testimony. I assured her that if she would give her grief to the Lord, He and He alone could heal her heart.
I am sure of this because He did it for me. I miss my son terribly — every day — but the Lord has given me “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” and I know we will meet again.
As women, we are often brought together as strangers who become friends, united by a single tie that binds us. Whatever that tie, that universal theme that initiates us into a sometimes unfortunate sorority, we are friends, and we are sisters in Christ.
Everyone has a story and God can uniquely position us to add to that story’s narrative in a positive way that glorifies Him. I’m so thankful that the Lord used me that night when He sat me down next to the stranger who seemed like a friend. She was an unassuming, nondescript woman in the airport and I know her story so well.
Leave a Comment
Angela Brown says
Beautiful! So eloquently written.
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Thank you, Angela! God bless you!
Jennifer OKeefe says
I too lost my son in May suddenly and tragicly.. he was 22.. we are heartbroken and taking each day at a time.. I pray God can use me too. Thank you for sharing
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Jennifer,
I am saddened to hear of your son’s passing. I am praying for you and your family as you deal with such a tremendous heartache. What I can say for sure is this: God knows all about your pain and HE cares. I encourage you to seek His guidance as you move through the coming days and please know that it’s okay to grieve.
I say that because I was initially afraid to let others know how badly I was hurting. It seems silly now, but I thought I would be letting God down if I fell apart. Not true. It’s okay to grieve, but we “do not grieve as those who have no hope…”.
I will keep you and your family lifted in prayer. May the Lord bless you, keep you, and grant you the peace and comfort that only He can.
Jennifer OKeefe says
Thank you so very much. I know our God is with us… and walks with us through the bad as well as the good.. never to leave us
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Rashawnda,
We aren’t given all the reasons why these awful things happen other than to know that we live in a fallen world. I have never lost a son and I cannot even pretend to know the grief you have experienced and still experience. I do know that God has used all the pain and trials in my life to allow me to minister to someone else. I believe this is one of the ways He brings beauty from the ashes. What better gift to be able to give someone than to truly understand their pain and be able to say God will, indeed, bring you through and your presence there is living proof. God definitely ordained your meeting that day and I’m sure you brought her some measure of hope.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Bev,
I couldn’t agree with you more; my meeting was certainly ordained by God and I’m grateful that He placed me there to provide some measure of hope.
I am convinced that the greatest sorrow one’s heart can know is that which comes at the death of a child. I am also equally convinced that God is able to heal the broken places and help us through the pain with His unbelievable love and grace. All glory belongs to Him.
God bless you, and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Nancy says
Rashawnda, my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your precious son. What an amazing God we serve, that He placed you right alongside another grieving mother to offer her hope, and comfort at just the right moment. Peace and love to you and your family as you celebrate our Saviour’s birth with many loving, beautiful memories of your son, and the promise that you will see him again one day. xoxo
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Thank you so much, Nancy! I greatly appreciate your words. One Scripture in particular has been a tremendous blessing for me: “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:13,14
I am so thankful for our risen Savior and knowing that I will see my son again! Glory to God!
Blessings to you and Merry Christmas!
Joann Riggio says
Yes, He does bind up the broken-hearted. Thank you for sharing the loss of a child and the chance of meeting someone who had a story just like yours. Peace.
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Thank you, Joann! I can attest to His goodness and His power to heal the broken-hearted. He has been mighty kind!
God bless you!
Nancy says
Wow, a God-moment for sure. Dare I say Holy? It was no coincidence that you sat down next to that woman. One of the lessons I have learned from the death of loved ones is that we must minister to others in their grief. No one understands the pain better than someone else who has experienced it. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your son. Thank you for sharing.
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Thank you so much, Nancy! Shortly after my son passed away, a friend gave me a book and one section has always stood out in my mind: The author asked, “How can you know God to be a healer if you’ve never been sick?” And so it is with heartache and grief. Those of us who’ve been through the darkest places and still have our praise are uniquely equipped, divinely equipped, to speak about God’s awesome power. I can’t thank Him enough for showering me with His peace and comfort during that time and for so graciously continuing to do so.
Peace and blessings to you!
Marvlous Morris says
Rashawnda,
I am immensely humbled and dually blessed by this word – Hallelujah!
God is so strategic in orchestrating divine connections. You were silently observing others, which I believe is what caused her to open up to YOU. By quietly paying attention to people, her spirit recognized that you would acknowledge her pain. Not only did you lovingly acknowledge her loss, but you connected to it, as it stirred up feelings & emotions regarding your loss. I’m sure that you ministered to her, and in turn, she ministered to you. I agree with you that “As women, we are often brought together as strangers who become friends, united by a single tie that binds us.” I thank God for women like you who seek the Lord, embrace your gifts & demonstrate your love for Him & his children. I love you to life, my Sister in Christ Jesus. #Keepwriting #blessed
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Marvlous, thank you for your words — they mean so much to me!
You are absolutely correct: I was as blessed by the meeting as I pray that she was. One of the many things I love about the Lord is His amazing attention to detail and timing. We were both in the appointed place at the appointed time. He does all things well!
I love you, my sister in Christ. Blessings to you!
Amanda Jobe says
Rashawnda, this is just beautiful. I love how God used your paying attention and your own grief to comfort someone who clearly felt so alone. Thank you for your encouraging message.
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Thank you, Amanda! I am humbled by the opportunity to share the good news of Who He is and speak about His grace!
God bless you!
Penny says
Rashawnda,
I’m deeply sorry for your loss, and can’t imagine the pain, and yet there you were, placed beside someone that was in need of your understanding of there’s. Thank you for being a gift to other’s, and for sharing with us…
Blessings to all,
Penny
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Penny,
Thank you so much! I am blessed that God allows me to use my testimony to encourage others. He is awesome and mighty!
Be blessed!
Sarah Geringer says
What a beautiful moment you shared with a hurting woman. We never know who needs to see Jesus through us…thank you for this reminder to be aware.
Rashawnda Dunbar says
“We never know who needs to see Jesus through us…” — Sarah, I could not have said it better myself! It’s so easy to get caught up in ourselves and not pay attention to what others (even strangers around us) may be facing. Whenever we can share Jesus with a hurting world, that is time well spent.
God bless you!
Brenda says
Of all the people you’d be sitting next to. God is so good at ordering our days. Sweet to know that He had your pain in mind when He sat you two down beside each other that day. He hadn’t forgotten, and wanted to redeem it all over again–in order to help another. Beautiful testimony, Rashawnda. ((Hug))
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Brenda,
Isn’t it amazing how He so carefully arranges every detail according to His perfect will? What a blessing it is to know that we need only trust Him and He’s faithful to order our steps.
God bless you!
Charlene Lovett says
I love “divine appointments”. A few days ago in Walmart, I saw a woman leaning heavily on her empty cart, looking very tired. I felt that nudge from the Holy Spirit to go over to her and ask if she was ok. She told me she was just getting over an illness and was slowly regaining her strength. I asked if I could pray with her and she said yes. There we stood in a busy store with just we two and God lifting her up before His throne of mercy, grace and healing. As I left her, she was smiling, and so was I.
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Charlene,
What an awesome story! Thank God for your obedience and lifting the woman in prayer. We may never know the full measure of our impact in the lives of others. God bless you!
Susan Shipe says
Oh my. 2 Corinthians 1.3-4 in real life. Beautiful story.
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Absolutely, Susan! God’s Word is true and He’s faithful to keep all of His promises. He has certainly comforted me in all of my troubles.
Be blessed!
Kathy Cheek, Devotions from the Heart says
This gives me chills thinking of God’s sovereign hand putting you in that woman’s path, He knew which stranger would be the vessel He would use to minister to the lady whose loss was so new. Thank you for sharing the power of God’s healing in grief.
I shared a “stranger” post today, too, but a totally different scenario, not related to grief, but related to fear for the safety of a son.
God definitely uses strangers to meet the needs of hurting people.
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Kathy, He most certainly can use us to minister to strangers. It’s so important that we always begin each day prayerfully, asking the Lord to guide our steps and to prepare our hearts to receive those we may meet. Thank you for your comments.
God bless you!
Jennifer OKeefe says
I too lost my son in May suddenly and tragicly.. he was 22.. we are heartbroken and taking each day at a time.. I pray God can use me too. Thank you for sharing
Vickie G. Lynch says
Thank you so much for sharing the stories of two beautiful women. There is no question that God brought His daughters together as part of the Journey. Prayers are with both of you for the peace that only He can give.
Peace…John 14:27 ✝️
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Peace and blessings to you, Vickie! I know it was the hand of God that orchestrated our meeting that night. I am humbled by His kindness.
Be blessed!
Dale says
Awesome word ladies What a beautiful moment you shared with a hurting woman. Thank you for allowing God to used you Rashawnda, this is what ministry is all about, allowing God to work through you.
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Thank you so much, Dale! Your kind words are appreciated. May you be abundantly blessed by God!
Tracie Collier says
What a beautiful, well-written reminder of how God places people in our paths…no coincidences with Him. How perfectly gracious of him to place you near that sweet, grieving woman in her time of need. Thank you for reminding me of the power of shared story!
Blessings to you and Merry Christmas!
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Tracie,
He absolutely is so kind and gracious. I am immensely humbled by the fact that He used me that night to minister to the lady. He is real and it’s important we tell everyone we know!
God bless you!
Rebecca L Jones says
I’m sure you blessed that lady. Grief is a terrible thing. Jesus was a man of sorrow and acquainted with it, He is the only one who can truly heal a broken heart. He doesn’t cause the grief but He does heal it.
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Rebecca,
He can and does heal the broken-hearted. There is no sorrow beyond His reach and I’m so grateful for the peace and comfort He’s given me.
Blessings to you!
Beth M Negrey says
I so treasure all my sisters in Christ. What a God-gift you all are.
Rashawnda Dunbar says
I agree, Beth! Our Christian sisters are indeed a blessing and I praise God for each one.
Blessings to you!
Kimberly L. Geeen says
I am elated to see you operating in your divine purpose. Continue to allow God to use you as a vessel to touch the lives of others. Awesome.
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Kim, I thank you so much! May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you.
Jo Ann Renzi says
Rashawnda, this is simply a beautiful story and experience God placed in your life. I do not have eloquent words like you or others who have commented but I also know God works through all situations in our lives. In these moments not only are others blessed and strengthened but we are also. God bless and keep you! Miss you bunches!
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Thank you, Jo Ann! You hold a very special place in my heart and I know that you know the goodness of our Lord. I appreciate your kind words very much. May the Lord bless you and keep you! Miss you too!
Beth Williams says
Rashawnda,
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your son. I know God will use all the pain & trials we go through to allow us to comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 states it best: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. I have been through trials with aging parents over the years & now have a better understanding of what older people are going through. I can even offer them some advice & comfort knowing what I do.
Blessings 🙂
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Beth,
Thank you so much. I am grateful for God and the truths of His Word. The Scripture you referenced in 2 Corinthians certainly resonates with me, for He is, indeed, “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort “.
May the Lord continue to bless and keep you!
CHRISTINA M JOHNSON says
I haven’t seen my first-born son since he was 7-years old. That was 7 years ago! Though the situation is extremely complicated, the fact that I was a single mother, then homeless, several days out of a life-threatening surgery, after a miscarriage & while being so financially poor, there is no wonder that a family court judge determined that custody of my son should go to his biological father. I almost did NOT make it through that season of my life…but the Most-High God is perfect at loving you, comforting you, & reminding you that it is a pleasure to be used for the kingdom!
Wintley Phipps said,
“It is in the quiet crucible of your personal, private sufferings that your noblest dreams are born and God’s greatest gifts are given in compensation for what you’ve been through!”
The Divine Creator saw fit to, now, make me a conscious and deliberate co-creator of my ideal reality (the plan He had for me all along), purpose for me to marry my best friend (Priest, Prophet, Provider, & Protector of our Family), make me a divine portal for my husband’s and my eight wonderful children, & place my family on a divine mission to help others C.L.I.M.B. (Conquer, Love, Innovate, Multiply, Believe)!
Do I know it all? NO! But I know who does. Do I have all the answers? NO! But I know who does.
And I know that it’s posts like these & ministries like yours, RaShawnda, that’s like “fuel” that must be added to my “tank” to keep my “truck” running, breaking the speed limits, and assisting others by giving them a ride when they need it!
Thanks so much & continue to be a vessel of the Most-High God!
Rashawnda Dunbar says
Christina,
Thank you so much for sharing your story and a piece of your heart. I am sure that the separation from your first-born child is extremely difficult. The good news is that God is well able to stand in the gap and birth purpose from your pain. I am happy that you are walking in your calling and pray that many are blessed by the work He’s doing in and through you.
May you have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!