My house is quiet this morning.
My dear babies are still sleeping after our late night of ringing in the New Year.
So I decide to catch up on the blog world since I have just a few minutes to myself.
And I start seeing the blog posts from earlier this week about the tragic, tragic house fire that hit the home of Edie from Life in Grace . Edie is an amazing blogger who shares her love of decorating and home schooling and cooking and Christ with so many.
Edie and her family were spared just minutes before the house was engulfed in flames, but they have lost everything.
So I read her posts full of raw emotion. And I cry for a woman I’ve never met but exchanged emails with. And I feel like I’ve been punched in the stomach.
What an amazing pillar of strength and transparency Edie is. They have lost all of their earthly possessions in just a few minutes during a week when most of us are rejoicing. I can’t imagine the emotions that brings. I can’t imagine being her this morning and knowing God is merciful and good and yet facing the reality of starting over.
This has been a painful season of great reflection for me.
In just the last few months…. in just my small circle of friends…
…People I know have been diagnosed with cancer.
…A family I know has had to suffer the tragic, painful loss of a child.
…Neighbors have lost their homes.
…Children have lost their daddy to addiction.
…Families have been divided because of unforgiveness and pride.
…Hearts have been broken.
While the birth of our Savior gives us much to be grateful for…..God never promised we would be without pain. But He did promise to be with us through that pain. And He gives us each other and relationships to hold each other up in difficult times when we feel as though we cannot hold ourselves up.
In Exodus 17, the Bible talks about the the battle Joshua had with the Amalekites. “Moses, Aaron and Hur were at the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning. But whenever Moses lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’s hands grew tired, his friends took stones and put it under him. Aaron and Hur held Moses hands up– one on one side, one on another- so that his hands remained steady until sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword”. (Exodus 17:10-13)
Most of us don’t have to look far to find someone who may need us to hold up their hands in their time of need/battle today.
Edie is one of those people.
The Nester has put together a beautiful video for Edie that you can see here.
One of my goals for 2011 is to love others more this year. To be mindful of other’s pain. To not be afraid to look grief in the face and acknowledge it. To pray for others more and less for myself.
If you have time this morning, start out 2011 in selfless prayer for another.
9 comments
I have been just devastated for her. I’ve been following her blog for a couple of years now…because of you! She is truly a Christ-like woman. I know she will have the extraordinary strength I could never have to get through her challenge.
Thanks for turning her on to me!
Happy 2011 to you!
I am in tears. What a beautiful post Jen…If there is one lesson I have learned this past month is that. I pray that I can continue to love other more also this year and live a live of selflessness. I love you. My heart is just broken for Edie and her family. We will pray and hopefully through our prayers she will be lifted up. All my love and Happy New Year. Shauna
Amen! This is such a beautiful post. My heart is broken for Edie and her family. I have kept them in my prayers.
Oh, and Happy New Year! 🙂
Jennifer,
I receive an email whenever you have a new post. I automatically click on it to see what great new thing you’ve done. Tonight was no different. I clicked right on your blog title and read this touching post. If I was not in the habit of clicking to see your sweet blog, I would not have known about Edie. I read her blog as so many do because of all that she has to offer in countless areas, especially her faith. And I had no idea about their recent tragedy. So thank you for posting about it.
Your tenderness toward the situation and your heart for 2011 is inspiring to me. I want to love others more for Christ and be more like Him.
Blessings to you and your family in 2011.
Carol
Thank you so much for this. I love that scripture and the visual is one I will never forget! Blessings in the new year!
I am joining you in prayer for Edie. I love how unshielded you are showing your love for others. You encourage me to love more. To love life, God & others more. Thank you for being such a great example of Christ’s love.
Jennifer, what a heart-breaking story. I visited her blog and she is amazing. So much love for the Lord. I know only to well God’s mercy and love. When you feel it there is nothing that humbles you more and leaves you standing in your own humility begging the Lord to accept just how grateful you really are! When he spares us life and lets us keep our loved ones there is no greater gift! She is in my prayers. Thank you for sharing her story. It reminds us what is really important in life. LIFE!
Love
Nancy
My pastor, a young man offered a prayer that echoes your sentiment. Heavenly Father I pray that today my thoughts and actions are more about you than me. Those simple words speak volumes.
Thank you for your inspiration and thoughtfulness.