June 26, 2024
Loss & Hope
Rob James
Ashley found solace in her faith and the community around her. Joining the staff at Doxology Church provided a much-needed support system. The church community embraced her with open arms, offering prayers, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
Ashley Borland's story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of faith and community. Originally from Texas, Ashley moved to Orlando, where she and her husband, Adam, enjoyed the vibrant life near Walt Disney World. Adam, a ballet dancer with the Orlando Ballet, brought creativity and joy into their lives, making their early years of marriage truly unique.
However, as the pandemic brought changes and uncertainties, Ashley and Adam felt a calling to return to Texas. Despite their deep connections in Orlando, they believed that moving closer to family in Fort Worth was what God wanted for them. This decision, though clear in their hearts, was met with unexpected challenges.
On the second day of their drive back to Texas, Ashley received devastating news: her brother-in-law had passed away suddenly. This tragedy cast a shadow over their journey, turning what was meant to be a hopeful move into a race to get home and support their grieving family.
As they settled in Fort Worth, the challenges continued. Ashley's mother, who had battled cancer for over a decade, was experiencing severe health issues. Despite multiple surgeries and the family's hopes for recovery, she passed away just a few months after Ashley's brother-in-law. This compounded the grief and made the transition even more difficult.
Yet, through all this pain, Ashley found solace in her faith and the community around her. Joining the staff at Doxology Church provided a much-needed support system. The church community embraced her with open arms, offering prayers, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
Ashley also found comfort in programs like GriefShare and the support of godly women who invested time and wisdom in her. These relationships helped her navigate the complex emotions of grief and loss, teaching her the value of lament as a form of worship and connection with God.
Reflecting on her journey, Ashley acknowledges the unexpected blessings that came with the hardships. She sees God's hand in guiding them back to Texas and placing the right people in their lives at the right time. Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest times, faith and community can provide the strength needed to move forward. Her story encourages us to hold our plans loosely and trust in God's greater plan, knowing that He provides and guides us through every twist and turn.