(We are STILL WAITING for the arrival of Lil' Miss... 'Any day now' has become our mantra!)
But as we wait... I will write. Here we go: This is a Five Minute Friday post, which simply means I set a timer and free write for five minutes flat on the one word prompt of: SUPPORT
{GO}
I can't even promise you anything here because already, just in the waiting, I have talked about how we are longing for the arrival of Lil' Miss and I've talked about the journey we are on with our only Girlie and while that is nothing new, (read: I have always talked about her in this little corner of the interwebs!) I hear it may get MUCH WORSE once she (finally) gives me this grand baby to dote on and talk about!
In fact, while the Lord gave me a tough topic to tackle as a series here, I am leaning more and more into the idea of doing that one a little later in the Winter, and doing a Mimi-related 31 Days series full of yummy baby pictures and prayers and such because: Hello Lil Miss! (and helping new Mama and sleepless nights and life adjustments and making room!)
And yet... the first thing that comes to mind when I see the word prompt, 'Support' is the amazing gift of Circling Around and Hedging In that has happened during these nine months (and counting!) for our girlie and for us!
I have said it before, but we were surprised at the news and we were a little worried that we may need to be over protective with her heart... and yet there was a gracious gathering and a fearless support that rose up. And for that we are so very thankful!
The reality is this:
No. This was not the plan.
But yes... this is what is happening now and God is with us and in us and oh my how we've seen Him in tangible ways, in how that circling around has unfolded and in how that hedging in has protected without locking away or walling up.
I think in the midst of the growing of a human, there is always the option to glimpse His heart.
And in finding love and support and togetherness... in finding a tribe and a family and realizing you're not going this alone... there is an encounter with a good, good Father who is always FOR... always WITH... always in and through and all around!
I think most often, whether it is an unwed pregnancy, a life choice that has led to addiction, a rebellious season or fill-in-the-blank of the sin you battle, when we feel the need to build up walls and create distance --that is the very moment that God is desiring the Body to circle around and hedge in... To draw close and lift up... To lean in and let go.
We were made for Community and we are relational beings... we were never called to live alone. And when the unexpected comes straight for us... when the unplanned for is heading our way... having the support of friends and family can make all the difference!
{STOP}
I know we have all watched the truth of this unfurl as we witnessed waters rising and neighbors and friends and strangers all circle around and lift up... we saw the support unfold in ways of rescue and renovations... in ways of feeding and friending... in ways of helping and holding... in ways of securing and supporting.
We saw it in Texas and in Florida... My prayer is that we will see it down the hall and around the corner... across the pew and on the street a few blocks over.
My prayer is that this Support that comes in human form will be recognized for what it so often is: The hand of God... reaching out, pulling close, loving fierce!
No matter what you may be facing, I pray you know you are not facing it alone! I pray you will allow others to circle around and hedge you in... to lift you up and love you well!
It's what we were made for!
The reality is this:
No. This was not the plan.
But yes... this is what is happening now and God is with us and in us and oh my how we've seen Him in tangible ways, in how that circling around has unfolded and in how that hedging in has protected without locking away or walling up.
I think in the midst of the growing of a human, there is always the option to glimpse His heart.
And in finding love and support and togetherness... in finding a tribe and a family and realizing you're not going this alone... there is an encounter with a good, good Father who is always FOR... always WITH... always in and through and all around!
I think most often, whether it is an unwed pregnancy, a life choice that has led to addiction, a rebellious season or fill-in-the-blank of the sin you battle, when we feel the need to build up walls and create distance --that is the very moment that God is desiring the Body to circle around and hedge in... To draw close and lift up... To lean in and let go.
We were made for Community and we are relational beings... we were never called to live alone. And when the unexpected comes straight for us... when the unplanned for is heading our way... having the support of friends and family can make all the difference!
{STOP}
We saw it in Texas and in Florida... My prayer is that we will see it down the hall and around the corner... across the pew and on the street a few blocks over.
My prayer is that this Support that comes in human form will be recognized for what it so often is: The hand of God... reaching out, pulling close, loving fierce!
No matter what you may be facing, I pray you know you are not facing it alone! I pray you will allow others to circle around and hedge you in... to lift you up and love you well!
It's what we were made for!
Linking up with Kate Motaung and the #fmfparty Community today. Five Minute Fridays gives us the chance to dive right in and share what He puts on our hearts! Click HERE to read what others have to say about: "SUPPORT"
I'm also linking up with the lovely writer communities linked below:
A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, THE LORD SPOKE TO ME AND THROUGH ME REGARDING SABBATH REST AND I TURNED MY 31 DAYS SERIES INTO AN EBOOK ON AMAZON. IF YOU ARE FINDING YOURSELF IN NEED OF REST (WHICH --WHO ISN'T, REALLY?) CHECK OUT THIS SHORT, DAILY DEVOTIONAL 31 DAYS OF RESTING IN GOD ...IT'S EASIER/HARDER THAN YOU THINK!
YOU CAN PURCHASE IT BY CLICKING HERE OR GRABBING IT FROM THE SIDE BAR TO THE RIGHT IF REST IS SOMETHING YOU KNOW YOU NEED, BUT JUST KEEP PUTTING OFF!
A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, THE LORD SPOKE TO ME AND THROUGH ME REGARDING SABBATH REST AND I TURNED MY 31 DAYS SERIES INTO AN EBOOK ON AMAZON. IF YOU ARE FINDING YOURSELF IN NEED OF REST (WHICH --WHO ISN'T, REALLY?) CHECK OUT THIS SHORT, DAILY DEVOTIONAL 31 DAYS OF RESTING IN GOD ...IT'S EASIER/HARDER THAN YOU THINK! YOU CAN PURCHASE IT BY CLICKING HERE OR GRABBING IT FROM THE SIDE BAR TO THE RIGHT IF REST IS SOMETHING YOU KNOW YOU NEED, BUT JUST KEEP PUTTING OFF!
So beautiful - that support, when it comes, is so precious. And often we need to be reminded (as you do at the end) to ACCEPT that support: to let others surround and cover us. It is grace to be supported and to support others. Thanks so much for sharing these wise words.
ReplyDeleteJeannie (next door to you at #47 in the linkup)
Thanks so much, Jeannie! It truly does make all the difference! (And sometimes we have to ASK... and sometimes we have to OFFER... and sometimes we simply have to ALLOW!)
DeleteI think you wrote this just for me: "We were made for Community and we are relational beings... we were never called to live alone. And when the unexpected comes straight for us... when the unplanned for is heading our way... having the support of friends and family can make all the difference." I'm thankful for those god has placed in my life. I've never felt alone. Love to you all.
ReplyDeleteHe's so good at connecting us and placing us in a Family -when we let Him! So glad that you went through this season knowing that you are loved and supported! xoxo
DeleteOh this is so good! "We saw it in Texas and in Florida... My prayer is that we will see it down the hall and around the corner... across the pew and on the street a few blocks over. My prayer is that this Support that comes in human form will be recognized for what it so often is: The hand of God... reaching out, pulling close, loving fierce!" Oh, may our hearts be stirred to follow Jesus this way!
ReplyDeleteYes and Amen! Thanks, Bettie!
Delete"...in the midst of growing up human, there is always the option to glimpse His Heart."
ReplyDeleteWell, that's going up on the refrigerator.
#1 at FMF this week.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/09/your-dying-spouse-362-letter-to-death.html
Aaah Brother! I am always just so honored when you stop by! You and Barbara have been on my heart and in my prayers this week! So good to see you here!
DeleteI'm so thankful the support has been there for your family and your daughter during this time. And becoming a grandmother is SO exciting! We have just one little grandson, a little over 3 years old, who spent a rough first 10 1/2 weeks in the NICU but is thriving so well now. It just keeps getting "gooder and gooder."
ReplyDeleteI officially became a Grandmother (Mimi) today... I can tell already that I'm going to LOVE it! ;)
DeleteLove the fall pictures. Thanks for sharing hope.
ReplyDeleteCame over on Moments of Hope.
Blessings,
Melanie
Ah yes... lovely Fall! It's my favorite! Thanks so much for stopping by, Melanie!
DeleteKarrilee, I love the visual imagery of "circling around and hedging in"...sort of have a circle the wagons image of coming together to protect each other in community...something we need more of today. Many blessings to you ❤️
ReplyDeleteAmen, Beth! I agree! (Reminds me of the tribe in Africa who circles around one of their own who have lost their way or made a mistake... they circle around them and remind them who they are and tell them every GOOD thing that they have ever done... until they begin to remember their true identity again!)
Delete