I now understand why older people remember past years so well.
They mark them with trials and tribulations.
We are now those people who categorize their life events
as before, after or during certain trials,
like The Winter with 117 Inches of Snow,
followed by the Flood of '97,
Miscarriage, 3 Moves in 3 Summers,
The Year We Moved to the Farm,
The Year We Moved to Town and
The Year I was Diagnosed with Cancer,
not in that order.
During another time of severe testing in my life,
I was visited in the waiting room of a hospital by an older Christian woman.
She hugged me and sat with me for a little while.
Then she pulled out this picture.
She felt so impressed to share a certain message with me,
she had ripped this page out of her book on the way to visit me.
As she held out this picture, she read these verses:
Matthew 10:29-31
Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin?
And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
She prayed with me, gave me another hug and was on her way.
I have saved this picture and cherished her care for eight years.
She also taught me something else.
People shy away from comforting others in their sufferings,
because we don't know what to say.
Mary taught me, you don't have to say or do a lot
to greatly comfort those that are hurting.
Just listen to the Lord's leading.
On the 8th day of our Project Isaiah 61:1 the Lord gave Scott the theme
"It's a New Day for Hope."
I dug in my Hope Chest and pulled out this picture.
Eight years later, His eye is still upon me,
and I am still comforted.
It's a beautiful song and theme to think on as we continue to pray.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those people who doesn't say anything because I don't know what to say. Your friend encouraged me - thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a beautiful blessing of strength, hope and love. God's message is always perfect.
ReplyDeleteI have often felt at a loss when I hear someone's tragic news. Now I feel like I have something to say that will comfort them. Actually, I have nothing to say, God does. Now I will know which of His words to repeat.
ReplyDelete1 more week, 6 more months, 1 more year, 10 more years... I am here by the Grace of God and I will be waiting.... I am in awe of how God is working through you.
ReplyDeleteAnne of Green Gables is praying and will not stop! Love to you all!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being vulnerable and open. When I was first diagnosed with cancer I said to a friend of mine, "why me?" She said, "why not you?" I was taken back as she explained that: I have shelter, I have a husband, a job, friends, etc. She then said, "think about all the others on the streets that don't have anything." I began to understand that God had given me a gift and that He would use it for His glory. And He has.
ReplyDeleteMindy, you are amazing - I always love to see you in Bothell.