On Every Side

   

Photo Credit: Evan Kaufmann

     "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body."

--2 Corinthians 4:8-10

     It seems that just as one storm begins to calm another wants to brew. Thank you to those that have been praying for the health of my dad, it means so much to me. And I'm so glad to report that he is truly getting better. I just got off the phone with him and I could hear the life in his voice and practically no coughing. Love it.

     But meanwhile, my grandma (my dad's mom) fell today and broke her hip. This coming after the loss of her husband, my grandpa just a couple of months ago.

     Normally I would arise with such hope and life, and not be affected or deterred by such news, but as you all know I've been experiencing some crazy ups and downs as of late which in turn has made my heart incredible tender in new ways. And I could feel my heart sink as I heard the news about my grandma. The pain of her heart and now her body. I don't understand why there's this current 1-2 punch occurring in so many of our lives in this season.

     But I'm meditating on this quote I posted on my Facebook blog page yesterday:

     "God wants to make you whole. He doesn’t want you to spend the rest of your life hurting."
 - Joyce Meyer

     Wait. What. I don't have to stay in this self destructive state of anxiety, sadness, and hopelessness? Wow. The promises of God just got richer and deeper for me.

     While everyone is talking grand dreams and resolutions, I'm trying to simply find my sturdy footing again in the Lord. And from that place, I can then dream fully and whole heartedly.

     But I thank God for the people that are in my life in this season. Men and women that pray and have the ability to hope and believe for the best, because they are connected to a Source that is not of the systems of this world.

     And tonight, I'm allowing myself to feel weak.

     I know some of you just cringed at the thought. We live in a society that idolizes strength in all areas of our life.

     But I've noticed that our own strength can only take us so far and then ultimately we become a slave to it. Nevertheless, there is a strength that breathes freedom. I've experienced this strength in my life before--countless times. And oddly enough it comes at the point of our weakness and vulnerability.

     Thank you Pam Wright for reminding me of such truth this morning. Your words breathed life to so many of us.

     And to you dear friend, I want to remind you that you are not alone. And although things may not be ideal or perfect yet, the conditions around you are becoming your testimony, your story. A story that will end with redemption and impart hope to a needy heart.

Wisdom's Knocking:

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,
so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

--2 Corinthians 12:9

Help

Photo Credit: David Whitlow

     

    Why do I find it so difficult to ask for help? I mean, I know that I am uber independent, but I also know that I cannot do everything on my own. And even when someone offers to help, I find myself refusing, even when I know that I need help. Oh, my foolish pride.

     If you've reached out your hand to me, and if I've refused, please don't mind my foolish pride. I need you far more than I think. Just stay persistent with me. Your love will not go unseen or unappreciated.

Wisdom's Knocking:

You don't have to always do it alone. It's okay to ask for help.