She Found the Answers - Part 2 (episode 286-2)
Are you allowed to enjoy yourself after a hard thing?
In addition to eating a truly memorable meal that was described so well I could almost taste each course, at 1587 Prime* no less, which I’d never heard of before, Paula Romang can enjoy life despite having a son in heaven. Or maybe it’s because she has a son in heaven that the good things of this life can taste so sweet again. Like that fabulous meal. She’s given herself permission to experience joy again.
Paula sees that one of the greatest gifts God has given her is long-term pain because she learned her faith had to be put into action. It was, and she not only survived, she thrived. She had previously believed that if she did all the ‘right things’ she would have this beautiful, smooth life. Now she understands that hardship and suffering are part of the Christian life. Paula knows the truth. She’s found the answers.
Paula is our guest this week for Spicy Christian Women - Becoming all that and a bag of chips. This is part two.
You can find Paula at www.paularomang.com.
*1587 Prime is a restaurant in Kansas City, Missouri co-owned by Patrick Mahomes (15) and Travis Kelce (87).
Winter is not forever. Spring is coming!
— Paula Romang
Ask Emily
Thoughts from She Found the Answers
A couple of things come to mind when I think of the conversation with Paula. One is, whoa that was some meal she had, and I’m so glad she could enjoy it. Sometimes after loss you wonder if it’s okay to feel good again, smile again, laugh again, enjoy yourself again. That’s the second thing.
If you really think about it, the answer is yes, it is okay. Let’s say a loved one has died and you have been grieving. Something funny happens and you find yourself chuckling. That is more than okay, it’s healing. The older I get the more I realize that we feel multiple things at one time and often they seem to be contradictory. That is the essence of being human. Rolling with what comes makes more sense to me.
I believe most loved ones would want you to carry on. If they could talk to you they would likely say something like (and this is according to Google, I wanted some help).
I love you and I'm always with you: They want you to know the love hasn't ended and they're still present in subtle ways (smells, lights, dreams).
I'm okay; I'm not in pain anymore: This offers comfort that their suffering has ended, alleviating your worries about their well-being.
Please forgive me (or let go of guilt): They may want to resolve lingering issues, seeking peace for both themselves and you.
It's time to live, not just grieve: They encourage you to find joy, cherish memories, and continue living your life fully.
We'll be together again, but not yet: This offers hope for reunion while acknowledging the natural progression of your lives.
Many people have reported getting these kinds of messages from a loved one in dreams, feelings, or something unexpected happens, and you just get a feeling, that defies logic. Or a particular scent wafts by and it reminds you. A light flickers for no earthly reason. For me, I’ve seen unexpected refracted colors on walls and doors. I can’t find their source. The small part of my brain devoted to science can’t make sense of it. The heart part of me knows it’s supernatural and is intended to bring me comfort and joy. It does.
Yes, it’s okay to live your life. And do it to the fullest. Your loved one would want that. Ask Emily.
In a moment of joy, we did not know.
— This photo was taken exactly one week before the woman in the middle, our friend Emily, was killed in a car accident. She would want us to live fully.
