I was getting ready to head back to my apartment when Abram asked if I’d help him with a project he was working on before I left. I said yes without getting details.
“What has God has been teaching your recently? What do you hear him saying? Write it on your hand and I’ll take a picture.” He said, showing me a few samples on his camera.
My heart fluttered for just a moment as the choice we each face presented itself. Are you going to wear a mask or not? Will you share something that sounds good but lacks authenticity OR something that reveals what’s been going on? You know what I’m whispering.
I’m good with words, so you wouldn’t be able to tell. Why did I agree so quickly? I can’t back out now.
Holding the pen, I looked at another friend and asked, “How do you sum up the conversation we had yesterday? The leg of the journey I’m on?”
How do you put into word that this heartache and pain is starting to lift. That I am slowly returning to me?
“Joy,” he said glancing up from the computer screen, “You’ve got to put joy in there.”
Joy.
He was right, joy must be a part of it. It’s been the cry for a while now.
And then as if God himself wrote on my hand, I wrote:
Abram took his photos and I returned home. When I got home I needed to take my own photo to remind myself that I am written on His hand and He is written on mine. Behold, I have carved you on the palms of My hands (Isaiah 49:16) and I am not forgotten.
This photo has become my screen saver. I went out that evening with two friends and couldn’t help but wave my hand in their faces. Do you see?! Can you believe with me!? Though they are not the type to write on their hands and then wave them at odd moments, they put up with me. Slowly, slowly joy is being renewed. Humbly, and with palm extended, I say Thank you, Lord. Thank you.
What’s your answer to Abram’s question? Please be brave and at least 20 of you comment. Please.
Follow up post: God is whispering to you
Your self-pity is not only stealing your joy, it’s keeping you from being the real you.
Thank you for sharing. Truly.
Trust. Hope. Believe. HE loves me!
He does! Oh he does. Thank you for sharing.
As I begin a new semester with classes and then all the students that I want and need to spend time with I am overwhelmed, but … I am assured that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. It’s not me, it’s Him!
Now that IS something to write on your hand and walk into daily, hourly, moment-by-moment!
He is saying, “Trust Me. Trust Me alone.”
Trust Me alone. Beautiful.
I would write ” Die to self and live” on my palm.
I love how he speaks to each of us, individually. And as we share, collectively. Die to live. Yes, yes, yes!
I Get To
So powerful! and encouraging!
Learning to open my hands and keep them open…Hold on to nothing but him…
Keeping them open. Wise words! Thanks!
I am preparing you. Don’t give up!
PS I really needed to read this today!
So thankful for God’s timing and what you’re hearing from Him!
Sorry for double dipping. :0) This came to mind after my devos. “Lean hard.”
We can learn/hear more than one thing!
Be content, right where you are, right now.
Contentment. Oh yes.
In the struggle, I am with you. Hold on. I will take you through.
Hold on. Good words!
Surrender and trust your life and plans to me knowing that I have your good in mind. :)
Surrender. Trust. Interesting how those often go together!
I have you, don’t worry. Lean on me, I am your strength.
I need a bigger hand!!!
Thanks for sharing from your heart!
And thanks for sharing from yours! It’s risky, at times, but worth it (usually!). =)
Dwell in Me.
Dwell. That’s a powerful word!
What?! You mean he can talk to you outside of a church building?! Great blog. This posts resonates with me and I thought it might with you as well! Thanks! http://goo.gl/GUgkZ
Yes =) !
In me are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Ask me when you need answers
Ask. I forget that one so easily!
I just found your blog today.
I am struggling with trusting God as our family faces a big move and we leave a life that we love.
My Father is saying to me:
Trust Me. I know you. I see You. Your children are mine.
Thanks for encouraging me today.
Kit, thanks so much for stopping by … big moves are hard! Especially on Moms. Blessings. Trust and Know, good words!
Don’t let anyone convince you that I don’t love you. I do.
Yes, yes, yes!
the Word. Or, coming from Him “My Word.” It’s so much more than just where the answers are but is the only Book that can soften a heart, change an attitude and transform a human.
So true, so true!
Found your blog today because of Mother’s Day link. Thankfully our church had a missionary speak today…not a cute Mother’s Day sermon. I looked through your other posts w/the feeling there was something else the Lord wanted me to read. The word the Lord spoke to me was Trust me…I have your future in the palm of my hand. Needless to say your post spoke to me & confirmed I and my family are in the palm of God’s hand!
Love this! Thanks Christi. Amy
I found your blog today because of the Mom’s Day link… It is very interesting to me. I usually have a hard time reading Christian articles and blogs because they are too what-I-read-as ridiculously sunny and optimistic. Yes, God is good, but how does that comfort me in week 5 of my special needs child being in the hospital (for the bazillionth time) in absolute agony with no diagnosis? Yes God is just but that isn’t what I need when my husband tells me he has thought about leaving every day of our 20 year marriage. Yes, He does work all things together for good… Yes He does.
What He has been working with me on lately which will sound strange is “you can do whatever you want.” He is giving me access to the freedom for which Christ set us free…
I enjoy your honest writing. Thank you. I would like to read more about the meningitis experience. Oh. My. Gladys, as my daughter would say!!
Lynn, this is simply beautiful. Thank you so much for the comment and a bit of your story! I do need to add more on meningitis … just haven’t, but THAT, that was a wild ride (and the after affects went on for years). Please pop back in. Amy
Live for today and today only.