As many of you know the Alaska Watchman has been dormant for the past three weeks due to the Feb. 24 passing of my wife of 21 years, Joy Davidson.
She was an unbelievably loving, generous and irreplaceable pillar in the Davidson home. Her dedication to homeschooling and caring for our children was one of the great joys of her life, and an inspiration to many. We miss her immensely.
Without her support and sacrifice, the Watchman would never have launched back in 2019. Joy was truly my partner, both in family life and professional work. She knew the importance of this project, and had my back every step of the way, offering advice, story ideas and constructive criticism.
Over the past three weeks, our family has been in the process of mourning the loss of Joy, while also reorganizing schedules, schooling, work hours, office locations and much more. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our readers for the many prayers, condolences and support you have extended to our family. It is humbling in the very best sense of the word.
Despite our occasional differences and disagreements, Alaska remains a place where neighbors come together in times of desperate need.
On Monday, March 11, the Watchman is prepared to fully resume the mission of providing Alaskans with local news, columns and information that can inspire and equip residents to defend and advance a robust pro-life, pro-family and pro-freedom worldview.
I look forward to continuing this partnership with my faithful friend – Watchman Publisher Jake Libbey – in providing a unique alternative to Alaska’s mainstream media.
May God bless you all.
19 Comments
I’m so sorry!
may God go with you and your family to help you get adjusted to all the ‘new.’
May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
– Revelation 21:4
His Peace unto the Davidson family.
My deepest sympathy. Though your commitment to this forum is important and appreciated, you have a lot on your heart right now. Praying for blessings and comfort for you and your family.
I fully understand your situation. I lost my wife of 21 years on November 11, 2023 and am still trying to get my head unraveled by her death.
Oh my gosh! The is so recent! I am so sorry and adding you also to our prayers.
Joel we have prayed for your family daily and will continue to do so. Hang in there. One day at a time as you navigate a new normal around grief that will indeed take time to soften. Your readers are understanding and supportive.
❤️
Joel,
A significant part of the Protestant Christian community is highly appreciative of your sacrifice to engage in this information distribution ministry and thankful that you are able to continue in spite of Satan’s attacks on your family. All believing Christians have the promise that a reward from our Commander in Chief is certain. Joy is enjoying her reward now – yours is coming. Blessing to you on your obedience to function as a faithful soldier deployed to battlefield earth. Steve
Blessings to you and your family.
Joel, your readers really appreciate your coverage of topics; but, please take time out if you need it. Your family is the most important job right now. Prayers for your family and all other families going through hard times right now. We live here in the valley because there is still a sense of community here. With God Almighty’s blessings, our community will pull through in one piece and we’ll be even stronger on the other side! Blessings for all!
Joel, on August14, 2022 my bride of 34 years transitioned to her next great adventure and no amount of expressing how she was in a better place comforted me. I grieved and grieve my loss of my best friend and confidant that I could tell anything. On top of that while I have enough problems being a righteous godly father and grand father, I have had to stretch and think like a mother and grand mother which is a fifteenth skill set!take the time to take care of yourself. There Is no set time either to fast or too slow and no one can tell you what you need (though they will try to)
Joel,
What God Hath Promised!
by Annie Johnson Flint
God hath not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through;
God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.
God hath not promised
We shall not know
Toil and temptation,
Trouble and woe;
He hath not told us
We shall not bear
Many a burden,
Many a care.
God hath not promised
Smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel,
Needing no guide;
Never a mountain,
Rocky and steep,
Never a river
Turgid and deep.
But God hath promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.
Praying to our Heavenly Father to give love, comfort and strength to you Joel and your children as you grieve the loss of your beloved wife and your children’s Mom.
Dear Fellow Readers, Please consider a monthly donation, or increase to an existing monthly donation, of twelve dollars, in honor of the bright Apostolic radiance which Joy has cast through her personal presence and her assistance to our editor. A small gift, within the means of all, yet a significant gesture of support for a family which continues to broadcast a great spiritual light on us all.
I’m very sorry and sad for the Davidson family.
Time reveals who we really are. Your expressed relationship to your dear wife certainly gives incredible evidence of Gods hand in your time together as a couple!
His purpose even in this very real tragedy will produce good in terms of depth, and a building of His kingdom way beyond what can be understood now. Please take time to sufficiently morn, and process what God has allowed, what God is doing, and what God will do in you and through you!
We appreciate you very much!
Condolences, praying for strength.
I know you will continue to honor Joy as you move forward. Prayers for you and your family.
Our prayers go out to you and your family.