Deborah Malone
We have the world at our fingertips, everything we could possibly want or need can be ours with the click of a button. We live an often fast-paced life filled with moments and days where we are fairly sure what will happen. We use the word hope to fit our lifestyle, often carelessly or… Continue reading Hope in His Plan
Many years ago, a bold disciple dared to step out of the boat. Various teachers have focused on everything from Peter's boldness in stepping out to his error in taking his eyes off of Jesus. But, imagine for just a moment, we've all missed a much more basic lesson. A more important truth.
Listen to me: the wallpaper came down. Sure, I've got to scrape a little. Yes, I still have to paint. But the biggest hurdle I had used as a reason for why I couldn't just pick up a brush and get to work turned out not to be much of a hurdle at all.
Throughout my journey, whenever a smidgen of doubt trickled in, Shelley's faith in the midst of her personal struggles strengthened my own belief that God is in control and that Jesus walks with us through every trial.
Please realize deeply that here is hope for the hopeless. There is help from others who have had similar experiences. When you are passionate about caring for other people, it is one small step to changing more than just your own world, but also the world outside yours.
A good place to start connecting as a widow is at church, possibly a women's Bible study or prayer group. If the group doesn't go out for coffee once in a while, suggest it. I found it's not a good idea to rush in a social whirlwind to start with. However, if a woman friend tries to connect be open to it. Take her phone number and call her. It's easy does it, but do it!
In time, Gary and I set aside our fears and anxiety and self-pity, and learned - instead of counting all that would never be the same - to count all that remained.
Yes, so much had been right and good about our family, but then Joshua's death overshadowed it. If I would have stayed in this state of seeing more dark than light, I would have become spiritually blind. As sightless as the living creatures which live in a cave and have never see the sun.
Now I say, "The world has yet to see what God can do through the woman who is fully surrendered to him. I will fight this battle under one condition. You must organize prayer teams back home and pray for me daily." Inwardly I added, "And if I perish, I perish."
Where Hope Blooms 