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It would be nice to have options as it relates to trouble. But to tell you the truth, even with a multiple choice scenario, I’d choose None of the above Every. Single. Time.


Unfortunately it’s not a matter of if we’ll experience difficulties … it’s when. John 16:33 makes it clear,.“we will have trouble”.


I’m not sure if anything could have prepared us for the insurmountable losses, shortage of every day necessities and the lack of fellowship 2020 threw at us. Yet there was more.


 

The words in the Bible were blurred although not enough to raise concern. But when the stained glass windows concaved and disappeared in the center, I knew trouble was paying a visit.


A hole in the macular was the cause of the distortion. If the thought of inserting a gas bubble in my eye wasn’t enough, the recovery process was a bit overwhelming.



 

As the surgery approached, we prayed for a miracle. The morning of, we did the same. But the situation and the remedy remained.


Non stop had been my mode of operation. The diagnosis created an unexpected pause and then everything came to a screeching halt. God was demanding my attention.


Honestly, I believe my vision was distorted for a few reasons. And, God was about to get me all the way together.


 

Posture

Sit up straight. Shoulders back. Don't slump. Does this sound familiar? Studies say improving your posture helps maintain a stronger core. It enhances productivity and boosts our confidence and self esteem. The same is true when we align ourselves with God.

 

My posture for healing was different. 45 minutes out of every hour I drapped my body over a facedown chair. Busyness had created distance between the Father and I. Bowing my head was the prescription for my eye but, it was also the posture of worship and surrender that provided long overdue soul rest. I needed time to hear. Slowing the rush made space for beautiful conversations.


 

One Direction

The first few days I couldn't see anything. It seemed as if my left eye was under water which caused a great deal of strain on my right eye. The best option was to keep both eyes closed or look down. My gaze was set in one direction. Isn't that what Hebrews 12:2 instructs us to do anyway? "Look to and fix our eyes on Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of faith."


Distractions have a sneaky way of easing into our lives. And before we know it, the volume of the world becomes more prevalent than God's Word.


Being intentional about a God focused gaze gives us the reset we need. Does it mean we don't partake in every day activities or responsibilities? Absolutely not. It's just means God is our center and first priority.


 

Position

The doctor reminded..."I can perform the surgery but the healing depends on you...on whether or not you stay in position."


That week my face, neck, back, shoulders, knees and bottom ached. Finding a place of comfort was difficult at best. Yet I stayed. What I thought I had to do no longer mattered. Everything waited while I waited.


I could have gotten off the facedown chair at anytime but, I wouldn't have gotten the desired results.


Can we just be honest? Staying isn't easy. Sometimes receiving the things of God require more than we want to give. The process comes with undesirables like pain and extended discomfort that tempt us to call it quits before the work is complete. In these seasons it appears that everyone else is moving on with their lives while we remain stagnant.


But instead of bemoaning the wait, I changed my perspective. I used the 45 minutes to plan, listen and rest. Podcasts and sermons became a whole thing. During the 15 minute break I executed what I planned and then repeated the process over and over.


The renewed mindset made the wait take on a whole new meaning. Instead of having to wait, I was given the privilege of waiting.


 


 

As the days passed, the fluid decreased in size. On the last day of recovery I saw the bubble do a little dance in the center of my eye, float to the left and vanish.


We can't control what comes our way. There are places of uncertainty and times of indefinite waiting we all endure. But we can manage our responses. Adjusting our posture, staying in position and setting our gaze on the Father may or may not change our circumstances. But, it will cultivate a deeper relationship with God and that's what matters most.



Your Sister Friend,


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Our journey usually began after the sun retreated from the sky. As we passed through the bright city lights to the calm of the country, we talked. Well, I did most of the talking. Daddy listened, asked questions and offered new perspectives. I loved our travel chats.

 

Several years later, multiple strokes ravaged his body including his speech. It became difficult for him to communicate and even more so for us to understand. “Say it again.” was a phrase I said far too many times. Feelings of frustration and disappointment were not lacking. The silence was loud.



For years I’ve heard Mark 10:27 “…all things are possible with God.” So my prayer was simple. “God tune my ear to Daddy’s speech.”


Waiting for a miracle is well…you already know….so, in the mean time, I concentrated on the practical. When he spoke, I paused, leaned in and gave my full attention. Did the circumstances change instantly? No, it took a while. But somewhere along the way, the extraordinary happened. All of a sudden, I understood! It was as if I surfed past several static radio stations and found his voice.


 

I wanted to understand my Daddy, but even more so, I long to commune with our Heavenly Father. Surprisingly, the methods are the same. The Lord speaks to us in many ways but, the burden of intentionality is ours. When we make the decision to pause and create space to hear, the doors of fellowship swing open.



Oh I know…there’s always something to do, someone that needs your attention or a deadline that has to be met. But when life kicks into overdrive, it’s a clear indication that we need to lean in and give God our full attention. What does that look like? Maybe it’s as simple as getting up fifteen minutes earlier for prayer, attending a local Bible Study or reading and memorizing scripture on your lunch break.


These little things seem insignificant, but they are well worth the effort. Just one word from the Lord is priceless.

 

It’s been quite some time since Daddy and I had our travel chats. He finished his journey before sunrise not long after his birthday. It seems only fitting that he traveled with the night sky.

Thankfully our Father still speaks. Yet there are times when his voice seems distant, muffled and somewhat distorted. Does this sound familiar? Are you having difficulty hearing from God? If so, lets pray.

 

Lord, I desire to hear and comprehend the words you speak. Please quiet my thoughts and help me become more sensitive to you. I welcome your truth, wisdom, encouragement and correction. Today I choose to pause and lean into your presence. Father tune my ear to you and drown out every voice that competes for my attention. Speak Lord! I am listening.

In the Name of Jesus, Amen.


Your Sister Friend,






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My weekend trips home began the same way. After the hugs, my Grandmama would say “Are you ok? Sit down … let me look at you.” She sat in her favorite chair. I sat on the sofa. And she looked … and looked…and ….

It wasn’t a casual glance. Mrs. Adell’s gaze was the “impolite” one your Mom reprimanded you about when you were younger. Intense and probing are probably the most accurate words to describe her stares. They were unsettling yet filled with an incredible amount of love.

 

After an uncomfortable amount of time, if there was anything weighing on my heart, she knew. She discerned and dismantled what my outward appearance portrayed. She saw me. And responded with a sweet invitation…“Tell Grandmama about it.”

 

The Bible doesn’t give us the exact number of people at the pool of Bethesda.- John 5:1-9 John simply describes the scene as a “multitude”of blind, lame and paralyzed people waiting to be healed.


In the midst of the crowd, Jesus saw this one man. And not only did he see him, he knew his struggles. His name remains a mystery yet both the man and his plight were significant to Jesus. If we’re completely honest, isn’t that what we want… to be seen and known?


 


 

It’s what Hagar needed. Desperation drove her to the desert because she could no longer endure Sarai’s harsh treatment. Then El Roi, The God who sees, met her. And unlike the ones she served, he understood the full extent of her pain.

 

The weight of suffering can immobilize us making isolation our home. But even there, we’re not alone. God loves us too much to ignore the burdens we bear.


Just like the man at the pool and Hagar, your circumstances are not hidden from God’s view. He sees and extends the invitation to unload your cares.

 

My Grandmama was able to see me but, with God we are more than seen. He sees and delivers and heals and saves and so much more.


So I’ll go ahead and ask….Are you ok? Has your season of difficulty been far too long? Are you being treated unfairly? God sees.


I encourage you to take a seat in his presence. Stay there, even if it’s uncomfortable. Allow the Lord to gaze at you. And tell him all about it.


Your Sister Friend,



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