Since December there have been two women who have been in my heart and on my mind. Many times during the day and night thoughts of them enter unexpectedly. I stop and pray.
I search for their words on the internet. Is there healing and strength in their words? Some days there are, but others it is heartache beyond measure.
In my quiet time with the Lord my prayers are lifted up for so many on a list that keeps growing. People suffering, hurting, just trying to make it one day at a time. Then there are my own sins, forgetting to be thankful for His many blessings, guarding my words and actions, and on... and on...
I had not realized how it was affecting me until my mother mentioned a difference in my attitude. My temper has a shorter fuse, and I have shown very little sympathy towards her. I love my mother, but it is getting harder every day to listen to complaints from a woman who has brought much of her pain on herself.
You see, I feel the pain of two "strangers" who are putting their lives back together after tragedy, and also hear constant grumbling from a woman who has lost faith in God. My mother no longer seeks Him for healing, restoration, and strength. The pills and doctors are her savior. I am her savior. She longs for us to give her what we cannot. Instead of taking the common sense actions to rehabilitation she is relying on others to make her well. Is my empathy misplaced?
The flesh dies a slow, bitter, bloody death ~ kicking and struggling all the way down.
This is how it has been for quite some time, listening to my mother moan and groan. Her bitter, stubborn, spoiled personality is only intensified by her pain. I know it is not kind to say, but I have to be honest. She has been told for years it is her choices that will change her circumstances, but she stubbornly continues on the path to destruction. At times there is the unwelcome thought that a care facility with people who are not so emotionally swayed by her outbursts would be better for her... for me... for my son.
So, the question is ~ DO WORDS MATTER?
I search through the posts of so many wonderful men and women bloggers who have been blessing me for months. I search through the Bible for answers to questions I'm not sure how to ask.
- I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
- "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
- For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father...that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His spirit in the inner man. (Ephesians 3:14,16)
- He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature... (2 Peter 1:4)
- No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
YES, words matter! His words matter! Your comments matter! Your posts matter! This post matters!
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