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Suffering

It really is true that you can't know what someone else is feeling or where they're living if you've never walked in their shoes....and of course, we can't walk in those shoes with another, no matter how much we'd like to.

However, there is something powerful in hearing assurances like "I love you and just wanted you to know that".

I have to be honest and say I wasn't very good at showing mercy, love and understanding before my husband Paul's 56-day stay in critical care 250 miles from home before his journey to Heaven. It would have been next to impossible for me to go through those days and nights without reassurances over and over and over again that I wasn't alone. I admit I don't remember many of those pieces of advice that were offered...but I never fail to remember with a grateful heart those kind and comforting "I'm walking as close to you and with you as I can", "I hurt with you", "I'm so sorry this is happening" promises.

I see suffering differently now....I believe that because I was comforted in my darkest hour, I can comfort others in a far deeper way.

Suffering is hard...for me, knowing I'm not walking that road alone is a great strength...and a good "teacher".

Comments

  1. pauladayjohns-letmetellyouonethingJune 6, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    Ann that is very encouraging and I do pray that if and when those times come I will have that strength also!

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  2. Sue DuffieldJune 7, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    "Walk A Mile In My Shoes", the song, comes to mind. Also Henry Nouwen says, "The true test of any Christian, is in suffering - not success." You have learned much, my friend - and I'm thrilled that God is using you to impart your journey and compassion to others.

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  3. Melinda LancasterJune 7, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    Hi Ann:

    Your post makes me think of II Cor. 1:3-4. In The Message it reads this way: "All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us."

    I'm so thankful for the ways that God has brought comfort to my/our lives during times of suffering & for the way He allows me/us to pass that comfort along to other during hard times.

    Nothing is wasted in God's economy.

    PS: I met you briefly about 15 years ago in the Boro. My husband was filling in on the guitar for the group that opened for you. I bought an "angel prayer watch" which I still have. Nice to reconnect via the i-net.

    ReplyDelete

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