Meet the Author
Finding the Joy While Still Feeling the Grief:
A Mother’s Memoir Sharing Jesus’ Hope Through Tragedy
Belinda Sheeley
Belinda Sheeley is a mother of four, grandmother of four, retired photographer, care-tender of too many goats to keep up with, animal lover, new author, and long-time Believer in Jesus.
Belinda has maintained focus in her life with the help of her husband of 33 years, Eric, and their four children, Victoria, Ethan, Jacob, and Joseph. Together, they chose for her to operate her photography business from their home so that they could have more family time. She believes this opportunity was a blessing from God and was vital to instilling Christian values and having precious years raising her children.
After the loss of her youngest son, Joseph, and then one year later, her daughter, Victoria, Belinda began journaling and keeping her most private, treasured thoughts and entries on paper. However, after seeing others attempting to navigate grief, she felt she might be able to help if only she shared her story with them. Her message in this book is about people finding Joy, the fruit of the Spirit, as they navigate through loss and grief. She wants others to be able to take their situation and use it to glorify God’s holy name. No matter how tragic the loss or how deep the pain, God can work through you. That has been the foundation for her message, mission, and ministry.
About the Book
From unspeakable tragedy to unshakeable hope, Belinda Sheeley shares her profound personal story of walking through unimaginable grief with her trusted Companion, Jesus. After losing both her teenage son, Joseph, and adult daughter, Victoria, unexpectedly just one year apart, Belinda was left reeling in a sea of sorrow. But through God’s gracious strength and guidance, she found the resilience to survive her losses, sustain her faith, and help others in their times of deepest loss.
In Finding the Joy While Still Feeling the Grief, Belinda takes readers on her transformational journey—from the initial shock and pain of each child’s passing to the unique ways God revealed Himself during her mourning and how her rock-solid trust in God empowered her to honor her children’s legacy through serving others in their grief. Candid yet uplifting, Belinda’s first-hand account illustrates how embracing one’s shattered faith can cultivate immeasurable peace, even in life’s darkest valleys.
Finding the Joy While Still Feeling the Grief delivers a resonant message of hope for anyone seeking solace after tremendous loss or hoping to companion others through their bereavement. By inviting readers to witness God’s faithfulness through her own story, Belinda reminds us all that light can permeate even life’s densest shadows—when we walk hand in hand with our Savior.
Message to the Church
The Joseph Lee Taylor Sheeley Scholarship
Friends for Life Scholarship
The Joseph Lee Taylor Sheeley, “Friends for Life” Scholarship, has been established by the family of Joseph to acknowledge that student who is outgoing and friendly, has a strong work ethic, loves the outdoors, and is a friend of the community.
Joe’s absence still affects so many in our community, and the family would like to offer the scholarship to that individual who demonstrates characteristics that Joseph valued. Be kind to everyone in all walks of life, be honorable, be respectful, love our community and everyone in it, and, every day, make someone laugh. Most of all, let God’s love shine through your smile. Joseph loved Spencer County, and it seems Spencer County also loved Joe. Joe considered everyone he met a “friend for life.”
Because of Joseph’s faith in the Lord, we are blessed to be his friend beyond this life. God has given us a wonderful promise that we will be reunited again.
Applicants can obtain an Application Form from their Senior Guidance Counselor.
If you would like to donate to “The Joseph Lee Taylor Sheeley “Friends for Life” Scholarship Fund,”
Please mail donations to:
Belinda Sheeley
PO Box 335, Taylorsville, Kentucky 40071
– or –
All proceeds will go to the scholarship fund and be distributed to the winning SCHS Senior each May!
Prayer Request
Please complete the form below if you want us to pray for you. I would love to include you in my daily talks with the Lord!