Last week one of my friends went through a tragedy...something that makes the worries of the economy seem frivolous; issues of political debate, wasteful; daily inconveniences, trivial. I sat with this friend and held her hand, and listened.
For a while time almost stood still. Faith and hope felt compressed- composure hanging on by a thread; and I had no words. It was amazing to me that I had no words. I could re assure her how much God loves her and that He has a purpose and a plan for her life and everything we go through- and I did! Except that seemed exhausted; she knows God.
I couldn't tell her why it happened or what life will be like after. In a time like that, you forget about "humor" to cover up insecurities. You experience raw vulnerability.
You don't ask empty questions like "How's your day?" or "Whatcha doin later?" or expect it in return.
I think God just wanted to be with her in that moment; much like i was, holding her hand.
Love has many expressions, some of which just don't need words. But the beauty is, God's expression of love, His word, never returns void, deprived, destitute, lacking or unoccupied. Which means there's always something there...even when situation rips everything else away.
God has been speaking to me ever since that day about the importance and emphasis and definition we place on loving others. I think we itemize our love and categorize it's effect. We place OUR words in Love's mouth when it's actions actually speak so much louder. Love never goes away, just like God's word.
Have you ever stopped to think; when DID we forget about loving people? Not focusing on what they're dealing with but what they're going through.
Psalm 14:4
"Don't they know anything, all these impostors? Don't they know they can't get away with this-treating people like a fast-food meal over which they're too busy to pray?"
When did we become an impostor of love? imposing our angle on love into others lives?
vs 7: "Is there anyone around to save Israel? Yes. God is around; God turns life around. Turned-around Jacob skips rope, turned around Israel sings laughter."
Jesus turns life around. He is our Father, he's our friend that sticks closer than a brother. He is our Savior, our hiding place. He's our shield and our protector. He is strong when we are weak.
This is for someone right now. God loves you. His love never leaves you or fails you. There IS life after tragedy, there IS hope after hurt. There IS peace despite pain.
::meg
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3 comments:
i could compliment your writing abilities and say, "that was amazing," or, "absolutely wonderful" (which it is, don't get me wrong), but it's more than that.
this post really quickened something within me, so much so, that i can't stop reading it.
when you said, "Love has many expressions, some of which just don't need words. But the beauty is, God's expression of love, His word, never returns void, deprived, destitute, lacking or unoccupied. Which means there's always something there...even when situation rips everything else away," really hit me hard and brought to my rememberance this extravagent love thats always by my side. because jesus not only said he loved me but demonstrated his love for me, i wanna do the same.
thanks for this post...it's life changing for sure.
that's an awesome word...i love the way you convey God's heart...your heart is amazing!
You always amaze me Meg. You have a beautiful heart for the Lord. Your friend is very lucky to have someone like you to be there. Someone who knows how to listen. Your insight is refreshing. Hugs, love and blessings to you.
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