I Walked Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death

By Vickie Nutter

I Walked Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death began as a journal to help the author cope with the loss of her older sibling. As she began to heal from this, she was faced with
several other losses in a very short amount of time. Overcome with grief, Vickie took a strong look at her life and the path she had chosen. Walk with her down this path of healing
and see how she overcomes grief, depression and loneliness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jan 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781532094088

Vickie Nutter

A lifelong resident of West Virginia, Vickie Nutter began her love for the written word as a small child. While in elementary school, Vickie wrote and directed class plays for her seventh and eight grad classmates to perform during the annual Christmas programs. She currently holds a MA from Marshall University in Counseling. Although she began her 30 year career as a public school music educator, Vickie has served as a teacher, counselor, principal, Career and Technical Education administrator and central office administrator. The second daughter of three, her parents Victoria Flanagan-Butcher and William M. Butcher supported Vickie as she attended band and choir concerts, class plays and community events from childhood through adulthood. Vickie has enjoyed her church work and volunteering in her hometown of Summersville, WV. As she shares in her book, many life lessons have helped shape her into the Christian woman she is today. Her hope is that her story will help others as they may struggle with loss and depression.

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Copyright © 2017 Vickie Nutter.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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American Standard Version

Public Domain

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. [Biblica]

ISBN: 978-1-5320-9407-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-9408-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020901695

iUniverse rev. date: 01/27/2020

CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter 1 The Journey Begins

Chapter 2 Loss of a Sibling

Chapter 3 Loss Of A Child

Chapter 4 Loss Of Marriage

Chapter 5 Loss of a Parent

Chapter 6 Loss of Self

Chapter 7 Healing

The Next Chapter

Biography

INTRODUCTION

The Lord is my Shepherd. Everyone has a story. I shall not want. Everyone has a dramatic experience to share…. He maketh me to lie in green pastures. This one is mine. He leadeth me by still waters. My walk through the valley of the shadow of death has made me stronger than I ever thought possible. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no EVIL!

The saying, ‘what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger’ is very true. I bear witness to the depth of truthfulness in this statement. Thy rod and staff comfort me. Comfort was just what I needed, but where might I find it? I had just experienced five losses in seven years. I felt completely alone.

I hope you find something in my story that gives you hope when you face the unthinkable.

Walk with me…..

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CHAPTER 1

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He restores my soul. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul for His names sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever! (Psalm 23 NIV)

Curiosity is one of those words that sparks several emotions and triggers replay of fond memories. Having been a very curious child, on occasion I felt the impact of the switch and/or wooden spoon. It didn’t hurt me one bit either. Actually helped mold me into the woman I am today. As a child, the world was a playground and stage where I could perform for those nearby, sparking a laugh or chuckle, as well as allowing me to engage in the art of exploring the creepy crawly things of the earth.

Singing came naturally to me and seemed fitting for all occasions,