I thought I had messed up too badly for God to forgive me. I knew I didn’t deserve His help, but my son was dead. I cried out to God for help, and He heard me. He answered. He has kept His promise to be near to the broken-hearted. He has forgiven, redeemed, and restored.

After twenty-six years in the public school classroom, I have stepped away to share through speaking and writing that joy and sorrow can coexist. God is faithful to His promise to be near to the brokenhearted. God’s grace is sufficient. His power is made perfect in our weakness.

I am a single parent turned empty-nester. I am loving my new role as grandma. I co-lead the Waco Christian Writers Workshop, lead a life group, and teach in Freedom’s Gate, a ministry to women in our county jail.

I love sharing with women how to find joy after loss, and how God can use them outside of their comfort zones.

Michelle Ruddell