Has life turned you upside down?

Insight from Thriving Woman

Writing Contribution by Norma Shull Smith

Let’s face it; we live in a busy, busy world!  Times have changed from children being involved in one or two events, to being in multiple sports and other extra-curricular activities.  Today to live the lifestyle, both mom and dad work.  We are running from event to event,  multitasking our time between family, work, organizations and church.

It is a bittersweet scenario and as I paint the above paragraph with words, one can visualize the chaos life brings.  I too have been a part of this scene and much of what I wrote is how I have lived my life.

On June 22nd, my life stood still, as I heard a doctor give a terminal diagnosis to my husband.

life turned upside down

Every moment since, I go about each day with a brand new perspective.

My first encounter with death and losing someone I loved dearly, was when my daddy died when I was 17. Death side swipes you, it wants to knock you off your feet and knocks you down. I have solicited prayer warriors to  support my family on this journey; praying for a miracle, yet knowing if God’s work for my husband on earth is complete, that his very life for 76 years this month, has always been a miracle.

Life is a miracle, that we take for granted every day, because busyness robs us of its true meaning.

We have received an outpouring of love through prayer, visits, phone calls, social media posts, cards, flowers, food and the list goes on.  Family and friends rally at times like this, for which this family is so very thankful.  I have even seen my children, siblings on both sides, nieces and nephews and myself paying extra attention and giving extra love.

I couldn’t help but think that had life not been turned upside down, life would continue in the busy, on the move lifestyle. Oh if we as humans, could only slow down daily to dish out as much love to those around us, not only to family, but to friends and even to strangers.

If we were more caring about love of others than social issues, how fast the world would refresh itself and all the other fall into place.

life turned upside down

God tries numerous times throughout each day to get our attention:

Through the sunrise, the myriad of nature that surrounds us, through people, various writings, through His word—that often becomes dusty on the shelves of American homes. Yet when death comes, we are stopped to yield and to think of what is truly important in life.

life turned upside down

My life is upside down as I face the temporal loss of walking with my husband through his final days on earth.

I’m also resigning a job of 22 years, facing the unknown of where I will live and of what my future will hold. I am not a character fond of change, but sometimes life makes the changes for us, like it or not.  The only staple I have is my faith and family, knowing the One who never changes.

Hebrews 13:8:  God is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever and it is that one that I must cling to in this upside down world.

Each of us will face either the death of a loved one held dear, or the terminal sentence ourselves, but to those who know Jesus, the diagnosis has been misdiagnosed, for through Jesus, the diagnosis transfers to eternal! That is my desire for all! John 14:6 & 7

Eternity Matters!


About Norma

life turned upside downNorma’s journey as a teacher, lay minister and speaker began in her 30’s. After being diagnosed with a Central Nervous System disorder that affected her ability to speak in a way that she once enjoyed, she now encourages others through writing and sharing her voice through a newspaper column.

Norma loves creativity, art and writing. She lives in in the Midwest with her husband, where she enjoys gardening, keeping in touch with her adult grandchildren and family. Read more about Norma’s story.

p.s. Norma is Mum to D at Be You and Thrive!

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  1. Lynn Woods
    July 26, 2017, 7:23 EST

    Thank you so much for sharing! Praying for strength for you and your family.

    • MightyD
      July 26, 2017, 8:07 EST

      It was my honor to share my Mum’s thoughts Lynn. Thanks a million for your prayers! xo~D

  2. Melissa Javan
    July 26, 2017, 7:45 EST

    Oh Norma! You’re so brave to share this. Thinking of you both.

    • MightyD
      July 26, 2017, 11:20 EST

      I agree Melissa!! I admire her bravery. What a great thing to point out! xo~D

  3. Kristen Guest
    July 26, 2017, 10:34 EST

    Many prayers for your family during this difficult time. This post was beautiful and filled with so much wisdom.

    • MightyD
      July 26, 2017, 11:21 EST

      Thanks for pointing out my Mum’s wisdom. I so agree. xoxo Have a great day Kristen! xo~D

  4. Heather
    July 26, 2017, 2:15 EST

    This is beautiful. I am so sorry for what you are going through. I know your words will make me more mindful to try not to get wrapped up in the busyness of life.

    • MightyD
      July 26, 2017, 4:35 EST

      Her words have certainly impacted mine Heather. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! xo~D

  5. Tanvi Rastogi
    July 26, 2017, 3:43 EST

    Such a wonderful post and heartfelt words. Thank you for sharing. Sending my best to you and your family.

    • MightyD
      July 26, 2017, 4:35 EST

      Thank you Tanvi! xo~D

  6. Alyce Stark
    July 27, 2017, 6:39 EST

    What an amazing woman you get to call Mum, D! She inspires us with her faith, strength, courage and, yes, even her weaknesses. I believe God sends angels to love and help us through hard times. And He has blessed her with children, grandchildren and friends who are her angels. May God give you all an extra measure of strength on this journey. Your greatest comfort – He is always with you and when it seems too hard to continue, that’s when He will carry you.

    • MightyD
      July 27, 2017, 8:27 EST

      I agree wholeheartedly Alyce! She is amazing and I am blessed to have her as a mother, mentor and friend. Thank you for your heartfelt thoughts! xo~D

  7. Toni
    July 28, 2017, 5:08 EST

    What a beautiful post.

    My husband wrote something similar recently for our boys. I am sorry to hear of your losses but I know that you have written them to give us the ability to learn.

    Thank you for sharing.

  8. robin price
    July 29, 2017, 12:10 EST

    I am moved and touched beyond words. Norma’s strength and steadfast faith are palpable and inspiring! God has gotten my attention through her. Interestingly my read for the today was Isaiah 41:13-…don’t be afraid. I will help you.” I pray for your family every day and send hugs. Thanks for sharing D!❤️❤️

    • MightyD
      July 29, 2017, 1:49 EST

      I’m am thrilled Mum’s words spoke to you Robin! Thanks so much for your heartfelt comment. xoxo~D

  9. Mertie
    July 30, 2017, 2:03 EST

    Love this beautiful Godly woman named Norma! She is so inspiring and lives her life that Jesus is the one that shines through.
    Thinking of all that she and her husband are going through, I was reminded today of a scripture —Psalms 30:4-5 Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name, His anger last for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning.

    • MightyD
      August 1, 2017, 12:48 EST

      Thank you for your beautiful comment Mertie! xo~D