Am I an Orphan Now?

Christee Thomas

One of the things she is most passionate about in her position at Washington Alliance is knowing that she is working for God and His people.

Everyone experiences someone passing away in their lives, and everyone deals with it differently. But, when you lose both parents, are you an orphan?

Here I am in my forties, and yes, that has crossed my mind. I lost my mom in 2005 and just this past year, my dad. When my mom passed, I still had my security blanket: my dad. But, now that he is gone, that security has gone away somewhat.  

My husband has been amazing at being there for me, and I don’t know what I would do without my sister. But, not having a parent just does not feel right, until you say, “Hey, I still have my Heavenly Father.”

In 1 John 3:1, it says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” This lets me know I am really not alone.

Deuteronomy 31:6 confirms this, saying, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake.”

Yes, I know my parents will live through me. I feel them by my side a lot, but it will never be the same. I do know that God is with me and will never leave me, but at the same time, I am kind of mad at Him right now. How can He give me such a precious gift as my parents and then take them away? I wasn’t ready and there wasn’t enough time spent with them. 

I know I will see them again, but I have to ask, “What about now?” What about the empty feeling that just won’t go away? Again, I find hope in God’s Word. I have the promise from Psalms 147:3, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

I find myself spending my time in prayer and reminiscing about them. I can’t help but think this is God’s way of comforting me.

I do see the little things and know that they were meant for just me to see, and I smile knowing He is doing this just for me. My heart may ache and I may be a little mad, but I know that God still loves me and will let me work it out in my own time. In the mean time, I can trust that He will show me the little things that will guide me along the way.