Tag: community

Stolen Blessings

Sometimes I think I am making things easier. But, occasionally that has unexpected results.

I was scheduled to have surgery on a Thursday. I had to be there mid-day and needed a ride because Tim was in a class all week and was unavailable.

I asked our daughter in law. She readily accepted. She always is willing to help and especially loves to help family.

Well, as the date grew nearer, I changed things. I asked a friend who lived closer and had a more flexible schedule. So I canceled with my daughter in law and didn’t think a thing about it.

Until after the surgery.

Our family was blessed with meals and gift cards for a week. I had told them not to worry about it but it was indeed something we needed and were blessed because of their generosity.

And they were happy to do it. They also received a blessing knowing they helped us too.

And that’s when it clicked. I had stolen that blessing from our daughter in law.

I called to apologize and she was very gracious. She even said that someone else may have needed the blessing to help.

Friends, as the body of Christ, we are to be in community – to help and to receive help. I am a recovering independent boob who is continuing to learn to reach out and ask and to accept.

A friend I haven’t seen in months texted last night. Her mother is in surgery this morning. I’m so thankful she asked for prayer. I was pleased to do it. And to continue to do it.

My encouragement to you today – reach out. Ask. Let people help. Let people know how to pray for you. Let people inside the muck that is your life. God is moving. He is always working.

Sometimes He uses ordinary people like us.

It is Well

I did something totally outside my comfort zone last night.

I attended a community prayer vigil for a family I did not know. I was to serve at this event but, I was the one who was blessed.

A local wife and mother tragically lost her husband and two daughters at the same time. I can’t even imagine the grief and pain. It hasn’t even been a week.

Our city wanted to do something and people made it happen. Hundreds gathered at a local stadium to remember those lost and to support one another.

I learned about the family and how they loved each other and their friends. I also learned how they loved God.

Young people stood and read Bible verses and prayed. They all testified to the FACT that these three were now safe in the arms of Jesus. They were sure they were going to see them again in heaven. They spoke with confidence through tears.

People acknowledged their pain, their anger, their questions. But they also acknowledged God and His authority and the surety of salvation.

My heart was full. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.

The pain, anger and questions are still there. But Jesus is too. Thank you, young people of Huntsville, for preaching the truth and spreading the gospel.