I’ve started this blog entry three times. This is the fourth. I think I know what I want to say now. Finally. But that’s what this is about: finding the message.
The first idea was boring. The second grew trite. The third—grim. And who wants to read grim? (Unless it’s Grimm’s Fairy Tales. That’s a great exception!) Inspiration comes to me in many forms, but I’ve been oblivious for the past however many days, sick. I fulfilled the writer's image of being in pajamas all the time--only writers are supposed to write. It's a good idea for us to be well-traveled, too. The farthest I’ve traveled is one foot out the door to grab the mail out of the box. I was going nowhere, fast. So was this blog entry.
Then out of the blue, a long-time family friend showed up at our door. Mere months from retirement, he got terminated. He's utterly devastated.
Chris brought him in and listened. He just listened. He’d ask a question here or there, showing his concern and empathy.
I prayed. I asked for the right words. Just as I was asking for the right message for this blog.
Nothing came, so I kept my mouth shut. Anyone who knows me for three minutes is boggled at this. I even talk in my sleep. I'm not so sure I can take a lot of credit for remaining silent. I still feel pretty crummy, am post-migraine, and the bronchitis/asthma barking-seal cough strained my vocal cords.
As our friend left, I told him, “We love you. We’re praying. We’re here.”
Such simple words.
He said, “Thanks. I needed to hear that. I really did. I knew you guys would be there, and you’d listen.”
So here’s my blog:
Sometimes, as Christians we want to help others and fix problems—but we can’t. Only God can.
But we can love
pray diligently
And stand alongside
Silence *IS* Golden.
I think I'm going to need to buy duct tape for my mouth when I'm in real clothes and going farther than the front door.
Love,
Cathy
Oh, Cathy that is so true, and I needed to be reminded of that. I'm praying you'll soon be better.
ReplyDeleteWow! Such a simple truth, yet so poignant. I think all of us can use that reminder from time to time.
ReplyDeletePraying you're back to your vibrant, engaging self real soon!
Oh, Cathy my heart goes out to you with that nasty bronchitis. I had the croup a lot as a kid and was on an inhaler all the time because of asthma. Isn’t it crazy how you sound just like a seal? My poor parents, what I put them through. But as an adult I’ve only had bronchitis a couple of times and praise the Lord I’ve mostly grown out of the whole asthma thing (it bothers me only rarely). I will be praying for you that God will strengthen your lungs and relax your wind pipe. I remember that being the worst part as a kid- feeling like your throat was closing up and if you got nervous or cried (like kids are prone to do in such situations) it only made it worse.
ReplyDeleteWhat you said about just being there to listen and pray diligently was beautiful. Sometimes we try so hard to find the “right words” when God just wants us to “be still” and let Him be God. Sometimes people just need a sounding board, or a friend who’ll help shoulder the load- take their hand and lead them to the foot of the cross. But praying (and praying diligently) is the best thing we could ever do for anyone :)
Praying for a complete healing and “a word spoken (and written :)) in due season.” (Proverbs 15:23)
Blessings,
Amanda Stanley
Feel better soon, Cathy! And thank you for this wonderful post. I know I've often felt that I should have the "right words" to say when someone opens up to me with a problem, but oftentimes the best thing we can do is listen (and PRAY!). So thank you for this excellent post to remind us of this---and also of how the Lord uses us (with all our shortcomings!) to help others. Blessings, Patti Jo
ReplyDeleteCathy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post. I am learning how to keep silent and my greatest influence has been my 81 year old girlfriend that has resided in a Nursing home for the last 5 years. Many times when I go to visit her,I generally pour out my heart to her about things going on in my life. And she has answered most of my frustrations by just the understanding look in her eyes. She has experienced many things in her 80 plus years on this earth and her eyes says it all.
Since I have the gift of gab, I used to think that I could somehow always come up with a solution when friends and family would come to me to vent or share their problems. But I have learned from my friend that you can be the answer by just listening and letting the love show through your eyes of understanding.
Praying for you to feel better!
Veronica