Sometimes there are no pretty words.
Sometimes there are just tears, sadness, anger…and a heart that cries, “WHY????”
Sometimes it takes a sheer force of the will to read these words and choose to believe them when Heaven seems maddeningly silent: “May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the Name of the God of Jacob protect you…May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed…. May the Lord grant all your requests. Now this I know: the Lord gives victory to His anointed. He answers him from His heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of His right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses but we trust in the Name of the Lord our God. Lord… answer us when we call! ” –Psalm 20
Sometimes He sends help and grace in the form of dear friends–and a wonderful mom— who are willing to pray on your behalf when you can’t seem to find the words.
Sometimes (actually always) it is a wonderful thing to feel your husband’s strong arms around you and see his warm smile…knowing that we are in this together.
Sometimes the words of one of my favorite authors is a balm to my soul: “Do you believe that God loves you without condition or reservation and loves you this moment as you are and not as you should be?” …a much-needed reminder of the unconditional love of my Heavenly Father when I am not at my best.
And sometimes…near the end of a rough day, my good God sends me a glimpse of His beautiful creative heart, right on my deck…a reminder that something very beautiful can come from something ugly:
Sometimes it’s good to remember that even the longest road has a bend.
And always…hope lives.
Power Of A Moment 
I am so sorry Susan. Know that prayers continue to rise to the Throne of Glory on your family’s behalf. You and Doug are precious, not only to Father God but to those who are privileged enough to share life with you. We can not know what purpose this has but we remember that He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us. You are such a power witness to His faithfulness, even in the midst of pain. You lent me a book that has been truly blessing my heart . . . something about “Invisible Wars? May God bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand while enduring this very lengthy trial!
It took courage to hit publish on this post…
I promised to pray every hour on the hour yesterday, and am doing so again today. Jon is working from home today, so he is praying with me – at the top of every hour.
The faithfulness of your sweet family during this season has encouraged and blessed me. He is refining you, sharpening you, for something special — for your good and His glory.
Isaiah 49:16 reads, “You are inscribed on the palm of His hand…” I don’t think it is a coincidence that he holds you in the very place that his precious, and only, son’s hands, his palms, were nailed to a cross of humility as sacrifice for our sins, do you? HE HOLDS YOU TIGHT!
Standing in the gap for you and praising Him for the wonderful, and abundant, way he is going to answer our prayers.
Much love,
Jon & Destiny