When my heart is overwhelmed
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I consider myself an encourager although it is true that I fail at it often. But it is in my nature to want to encourage people, to make them feel better, to cheer them on. Sometimes it's an easy task, other times it takes all I have within me. If you are a regular reader here you may have noticed a lack of posting recently. When you are busy trying to walk beside someone in the midst of battle you sometimes get wounded too. Those wounds came fast and hard, one and then another and another with no time to catch my breath, to process, to heal.
A family member of mine has been going through a 10 year war, the most recent battle of 3 of those years taking us inside a courthouse many times over the past couple months hoping to right an injustice. We have sat on wooden courthouse benches in the most beautiful settings, amidst the ugly, praying prayers that often contained no words. Some situations are so overwhelming that only your heart can drum out what you long for God to hear.
If it were up to me I would have stayed on the shore shouting, "You can do this! Be strong!" and other such sentiments. But when someone you love asks you to get in the boat with her - you get in the boat. You put on your life jacket as the waves rise and crash against the boat. You hold on tight as it sways so hard you feel it tipping over and over again. And when you are thrown into the sea, you cling to the Rock that is Jesus. You You trust that somehow, bruised and battered as you are, that God will bring you back to shore again. You trust that even though the sin of others has caused an outcome we didn't want, could scarcely believe, that God can still bring good from it. He is still good.
When my heart is overwhelmed,
lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.
Psalms 61:2
Today, be encouraged friends.
He is still good.
Linking up here: Three Word Wednesday
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Faith
Three Word Wednesday
 I consider myself an encourager although it is true that I fail at it often. But it is in my nature to want to encourage peopl...){kind=link}
15 comments
Praying for you to have increased strength and a resolution to this.
ReplyDeletePoor, sweet friend! Thank you for being so faithful--as a friend and follower of the Lord. I pray for renewed strength and hope.
ReplyDeleteHi Mindy, you sound like a rock, steadfast and loyal. Wish you and your family the best.
ReplyDeleteA thoughtful post. May the Lord hide you under His wings and bring you comfort and strength.
ReplyDeleteDiana
Hi Mindy! You KNOW I have missed you here. I had no idea that you were busy supporting a family member, getting into the boat when the seas are rough and overwhelming. But that would be just like you. Your prayers and concern would be precious to this person, because they are true.
ReplyDeleteI wish you every peace and calm on the road, and hope it all will be resolved well soon.
Hugs,
Ceil
You are an encourager, even as you write these words. Your steadfast love and support of your family member strengthens me as I stand by a loved one who endures a horrible crisis. Your faith inspires me.
ReplyDeleteMindy, although I don't know the details of what is going on in your family, you know I understand these things....and I want to also thank you for your encouraging words to me on my latest post about my son. Just when it seems God is not working, we find out He is working things out according to HIS plan, not ours. I think I would very much like to take a trip to the shore, as it is a place where I feel so very close to God, in it's vastness and great power. Wanna go with me? Praying for you, friend :)
ReplyDeleteDearest Mindy, you are such a precious and lovely lady and the words you shared today have encouraged many including myself. You are in my thoughts and prayers, dear one.... Much love to you!
ReplyDeleteWalking a difficult journey with someone is a gift to them. I am so thankful for those who walked through this summer with me, encouraging me and literally going with me to places I didn't want to go. You are a shining example of the kind of love Jesus talks about, Mindy.
ReplyDeleteSuch encouraging words, Mindy. I've missed you and your family member is very lucky to have your love and support. I wish you all the best, friend!
ReplyDeleteJust keep knowing that you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus!! Know that you are in my prayers
ReplyDeleteMay God strengthen you and encourage your heart as you continue to pour into others.
ReplyDeleteHI MINDY!! I had to stop by to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, and a joyful and peaceful Christmas too. I'm taking the next month off, so I wanted to be sure to visit you before going 'off-line'.
ReplyDeleteHow is life treating you? Is your family member better? I hope you are in a more peaceful place. Know of my thoughts and hopes for love and joy in the Christmas Season ahead.
Blessings always my friend,
Ceil
You have been in some rough waters, for sure. I'm sure God has been revealing himself to you in special ways. That is what HE does, isn't it? Loves us well in the difficult times. Hope things are better now.
ReplyDeletei, like you, am an encourage. i love to shout from the sidelines... but sometimes you can't help but get in the boat. i think of choosing to walk along side my friend ann, and how much it broke me when she to see her sick. i say, bravo! for getting in the boat. i am sorry for your friend, and the wounds that hurt your own heart. oh how blessed we are by Jesus, who gives us hope. xoxo
ReplyDelete