A LOT of people I know and love are being challenged physically, emotionally and spiritually in brutally painful circumstances lately. As I’ve gotten older and learned more about the world and how life works, I’ve realized that as prepared as we may think we are, life can throw us some significant curves. Many of us say we’re not afraid to die because the other side looks so wonderful! But the journey to get there will often be fraught with tragedy, pain and great loss. As ready as we may think we are, we may find ourselves in a struggle we could never have prepared for.
I confess I am a “fixer” by nature. Tell me your story and my first reaction will be to provide some kind of ‘helpful’ solution. But the older I get the more I realize that fixing is off the table in most cases. Sometimes it’s not what we say but what we do that speaks love and comfort to others: a hug, a card, a listening ear. I can also pray for you in your time of need that Jesus would be present and close to you where you are and that you would be comforted and find strength. Praying is not just something we can do. Praying brings the Holy Spirit and the power of God into the equation.
Galations 6:2 encourages us to carry one another’s burdens referring to helping others as they struggle. We are not commanded to fix, but to walk alongside and maybe give someone “our cloak” as it may be needed. I loved doing this painting as it is such a picture of doing life with others and being team players helping others get to the finish line.
This post is a heartfelt HUG to any of you who find life excruciating right now. Trust the Lord, keep on keeping on, share your pain with a trusted friend, reach out to someone who could use your counsel or extend such to you. Let’s keep the fire lit while we can and warm the hearts of others’ whose hearts are cold and broken and need the love of our Savior.
Cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Prayers and Paintbrushes 