48 Comments
User's avatar
Theology Musings and more's avatar

Heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing, for being vulnerable. I'm heading to Isaiah 57 right now. The last line of your post gives me hope for my 2 prodigals.

Daniela Fleming's avatar

Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m praying for your prodigals and I’m glad that line gives you hope. That was me too at one time. Keep praying there is always hope. Sending hugs!

FelisaJoy's avatar

Thank you for sharing your powerful journey!

From pain to the promise! 🙏🏾

Daniela Fleming's avatar

Thank you Felisa! I appreciate your taking the time to read and comment, and that you found it powerful. Learning how faithful He is, but always in His timing. Hugs!

John Ball's avatar

Daniela, my Lord, what a phenomenal tribute story to Joe. I opened this at a red light and I had to pull over to consume it. First, you are a brilliant writer. Secondly, you did such justice to his battle as well as your own. I am seriously blown away by your experience. What we don't know about people right there in front of us. And another God thing Daniela, you are the second person in two days to mention the book of Isiah. I swear to you, I prayed to God two mornings ago what story to read next. That same day someone posted something on Isaiah, and now you, Isaiah. I'm really blessed to have found you here. What an amazing testimony of strength and faith you have to share about Joe and your life together. Truly beautiful Daniela. And to know that you'll see him again soon is truly awesome!!!!

Daniela Fleming's avatar

John this might be one of the most genuine and moving compliments I've ever received. You actually have me at a loss for words, oh the irony, haha. Thank you for your feedback in honoring my brother and his legacy. I'm glad to have found you as well and I'm really excited for you to dig into Isaiah, I enjoyed it so much. I had a similar experience while I was waiting for the fall study to be announced. I kept hearing people I was listening to reference Isaiah and how his prophecies of Jesus are unmatched. And then of course that was the study for fall. I was so excited, and I got a lot out of it, obviously, but there is so much more to the book too. Keep me posted and happy reading!

John Ball's avatar

You got me excited to read it!

Daniela Fleming's avatar

Keep me posted on your discoveries. There was a lot in there that surprised me in a good way 😊

John Ball's avatar

Crazy to find a lot of prophesies about Satan's demise in 14. Like, wow, I didn't expect to come across that one.

Kathleen Allen's avatar

So beautiful! I can relate to your pain and grief and journey to Christ. Looking forward to the day we get reunited with our precious loved ones in Christ!

Daniela Fleming's avatar

Amen Kathleen! Thank you so much for your comment. Yes my mind and heart finally have peace in knowing that he’s with God in all of his glory and that I’ll be there too one day, reunited. Sending hugs and blessings!

Anne Sorensen's avatar

This is beautiful and raw, Daniela. Thank you for sharing yourself and the story of your beloved brother Joe with us so intimately. Life teaches us so much. I’m in awe the way you have embrace your calling and your gift of Faith. Love transcends.

Daniela Fleming's avatar

Thank you so much Anne! Thanks for subscribing and supporting my new journey. Miss you! Sending big hugs to you and your family!

A Little Bit Taller's avatar

This made me cry. I’m sorry for your loss, but your brother saved your life. I know he did.

This makes me feel better about my “Remembrance” article. Thank you for sharing this. I look forward to meeting your brother one day. I look forward to meeting you too.

Daniela Fleming's avatar

Hi Matt! Thank you for reading and commenting. Knowing a little bit of your story I’m sure you relate and have endured quite a bit yourself. You are a miracle and have a powerful testimony. I would love to read your remembrance article. Will you share with me? Sending hugs my friend!

Adrienne's avatar

Happy heavenly birthday to Joe. We miss you 💜

Daniela Fleming's avatar

Thank you my dearest friend! I love you to the moon and for supporting and encouraging me.

Anu Matara's avatar

Thank you for sharing your story. Had tears in my eyes reading it. Maybe one day I’ll share mine.

Daniela Fleming's avatar

Hi Anu! Thank you, I’m glad it touched you. When you’re ready to share yours I’ll be here. Sending you a big hug!

Becky Sharp's avatar

Thank you for sharing this part of your story! Loss of a loved one is so very hard but God is so good through it all! Praying for you and your family.

Daniela Fleming's avatar

Hi Becky! Thank you so much. Yes it is indeed and I’m so grateful for the gift He gave me. Thank you for the prayers. Sending hugs!

PoeticRiot's avatar

"You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!" -Psalm 30:11-12. What a beautiful way to celebrate Joe today! The Lord redeems all things, even death! Thank you for sharing the depths of your suffering with the world. Our suffering is never just for us. What a very real and honest way to glorify God, my friend. Thank you for sharing today of all days. Happy heavenly birthday, Joe. ♥️

Daniela Fleming's avatar

Thank you so much my friend! What a beautiful verse to share. He really does redeem all things. I love learning who He is and His goodness and faithfulness. He is amazing! Thank you for teaching me and always bringing me back to scripture. I wouldn’t have had the courage to share this without your mentorship this last year. Love you!

Echoes-From the In-Between's avatar

This was both beautiful and heartbreaking. I relate to so much of what you wrote. I admire your courage in saying the words out loud.

I haven’t reached the point where I can write about losing my brother yet. That grief still feels too sacred, too heavy for words. But I understand that gut-wrenching pain all too well, and your writing made me feel seen in it.

Thank you for sharing something so honest. I know it will help others feel a little less alone. ❤️ (Also jumping into Isaiah as we speak, thank you for this)

Daniela Fleming's avatar

Hi my friend! I did not know you lost your brother. Thank you for sharing that here and your honesty about where you’re at with it too. I’m glad it helped you feel seen. In my experience as the sibling I felt very overlooked and was sad there were nearly no resources. I hope now 20 years later there are more. I also hope the verse helped you feel a little peace like it did for me. I know grief is so personal and such a journey. The gut-punches I remember like yesterday. Sending a big hug and I’m glad we found each other here. Praying for you and your loss, sending hugs!

Heather Lambert's avatar

This is heartbreaking. I can’t imagine losing a sibling.

In a way, I have lost both my brothers to drug addiction. But still keeping hope they will return

Thank you for sharing

I’m so glad God gave you that gift 20 years later. So your heart could find healing

Daniela Fleming's avatar

Thank you my friend! I remember sharing with you in real time the gift He blessed me with when it happened and it was so special. I’m praying for your brothers and sending you a big hug!

Whitney Aguirre's avatar

Oh Danielle. So heavy, but your family's story is wrapped up in God's mercy. Wow.

Daniela Fleming's avatar

Thank you Whitney! He truly is so merciful. Sending hugs!

Dr. Manne's avatar

Such a poignant story. I had tears in my eyes reading this. God be with you and your family. Thanks for shedding light on Isaiah 57:1-2.👍

Daniela Fleming's avatar

Thank you so much Dr! I appreciate your encouragement. Sending hugs!

Wendy's avatar

Wow! I love when God gives you the answers! Happy birthday Joe! ❤️❤️❤️

Daniela Fleming's avatar

Right? At just the right time that only He can curate. He is amazing! Love you sponsor. Sending you a big hug!

Faron Thebeau's avatar

So sorry for your loss but thank you for sharing the story. There are something’s I don’t know the answer to, but I’ve learned Who I trust

Daniela Fleming's avatar

Hi Faron! Amen to that! Thank you for reading and commenting, I’m glad I know and trust Him now. Hugs!