Thank you is not enough.
About a week ago I was given a glimpse of God's goodness and faithfulness on a day that was one of the most painful and challenging of my life as I tried to maintain a strong presence and show God's joy to my children when my heart was breaking in pieces with the crushing realities of where our family was at-- shattered.
My desire and love to heal my home and family was not met with similar views by my husband after years of trying to heal. It had become clear that I had to "be still and know God is God" as I put my trust in Him despite my desire to heal our home with all my might. The process of grieving the man and family I desire, challenge of showing strength and energy for the children in their confused emotions and anger, combined with dealing with the challenges of a separated home and lives, had become the hardest challenge of my life.
On this particular morning, one day before celebrating for the first time as a separated family for Christmas, I was at the bottom of a pit of despair and pain, even crying so hard I became sick. I spent some time to gain strength from God, but the pain was so raw. As I was heading out from the home to drive some kids later that afternoon, I noticed a car stop in front of our home with a lady coming out with a gift. I turned around to meet her. She said who the present was for and I confirmed it was I. I asked who it was from and she only replied, "there is a card".
I brought the gift inside and found a lovely plant arrangement and a beautiful necklace with the message of hope. My emotions hit me with tears seeing the word hope. After this, I found 12 heartfelt personal messages from women that seemed to have known me for years and spoke to the hurt and pain I was walking that day. Tears rolled down my face as my kids joined me in concern seeing my emotion. I simply said it was tears of joy from God's faithfulness that he answered my prayer, giving me comfort and hope.
The kindness of these 12 ordinary women gave me a tangible and powerful blessing of God's goodness and showed me the power of the fellowship and care of the body of Christ. I keep all 12 of these cards with me daily, reading them when needed and as a reminder of the love and support God provides.
I am forever grateful for these 12 women who gave pieces of their own heart, wisdom and gifts to support me and our family in such a painful time. May God bless you for your willingness to love those in need and tangibly be God's hand and feet.
In Christ,
E
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Giving the gift of hope
