Grief does not tolerate shortcuts. It's best to face the storm head-on, let it wash over us, and keep moving.

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I've learned never to go anywhere without a backup plan for getting out. I bless the neighbor who accompanied me to a grief support group; the girlfriends who arranged for dinners after work; the friends who met me at my car and sat with me in church; the coworkers who tactfully ignored my oft-shut door and red-rimmed eyes; the friends we used to spend our holidays with who found alternate occasions to include me when I couldn't handle the memories; the church member who frequently calls to tell me corny jokes; and one of my husband's closest friends who meets me regularly for Thai food. The list goes on. Sometimes it's just a quick hug, a well-timed note, or flowers on a special day.

Grieving is as much a part of me now as a foot or an eye. If you hear me laugh, it's not because I've forgotten or stopped mourning. It's because with the help of friends I am slowly beginning to see through the storm to daylight again.

It is said that something like this shows you who your true friends are. Many of these people are friends my husband brought to the marriage, and I wish I could thank him for the quality of his friends. --Diana Fitzsimons writes from Rockville, Maryland.

Marianne (Mitzi) Robbins Dortch
She fought hard, never losing hope of winning the battle. But I lost my friend, my mom, on August 8, 2001. The battle wasn't lost, however; the victory will be hers in the end.

Mom was a rock in our family. She was the planner, cook, travel agent, hugger, and shepherd of our flock. She had such a loving spirit, and all who knew her were blessed with a dear friend.

Jesus was present that night we said goodbye to Mom. We were all together, kneeling by her bed. Jesus gave us the assurance of His love and presence, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matt. 28:20, NIV).

The wound in my heart was deep, but the healing began the moment Mom took her last breath. I felt the peace of Jesus' presence with me. I used to find encouragement, strength, and peace in Mom, unaware of the fact that I would turn to her even before I would go to my knees in prayer. Jesus was patient with me, knowing I would feel my weakness and come to Him. I found that Jesus, the Word, was more alive and vivid in my life than ever before. I found myself falling in love with Him.

Many people told me of the stages of grief I would go through, the anger I would feel-even blaming God. There are days when I feel sadness, missing her presence, her hugs, laughter, and smiles, but I continue to feel Jesus' peace. I have felt a great anger but never toward God. I am angry at the devil and the sin he brings to this world. Mom was a great threat to him because she was a beautiful shining light for Jesus.

I had heaven on earth, not realizing my need for a closer relationship with God, but I have felt the sting of death and know the ugliness it brings to this life. I have always looked forward to heaven, but now I long for it. --Tamara Dortch Nafie writes from Apison, Tennessee.

Women's Ministry Congress, Tanzania
The first women's ministries congress in Tanzania was held June 17-22, 2002. More than 1,400 women were in attendance.

On June 24 the train that carried more than 300 of the attendees derailed. Fifty-three of these women died, and 110 were injured. However, in the midst of this tragedy, God was present.

As I was recording my condolence message to the nation at the studios, the broadcaster played to me a recording of a (non-Adventist) woman who survived the accident. As I listened, the woman testified: "As the train gained momentum and everyone realized we were in danger, people started running up and down, jumping here and there, shouting and screaming. But the Adventist ladies were singing and praying."

Not many of us will have the opportunity to die in an environment so spiritually tuned. We can only be thankful that they that sleep had moments to talk to their living Father in heaven. We thank God for the hope of the resurrection morning.

The life of the church in Tanzania will continue with even greater determination to bring salvation to suffering humankind through Jesus Christ. We have reminded ourselves that God allowed the devil to strike our heels, yet we were empowered to crush the serpent's head through the blood of Jesus. This is the only true way to bring about an end to human suffering and death. --Geoffrey G. Mbwana, president, Tanzania Union Mission.