Grief can be quite isolating and self-centered. Suddenly the world revolves around you for a moment as your little world gets so small. I see it with my children who get upset because their brother doesn't pick the toy they want him too. I see it in myself as I realize how often the conversation centers around how I or we are doing. I see it in how small the focus of my world has shrunk. And yet, at times I am drawn out of this small circle of sorrow and self-pity as I am able to share in the joys and sorrows of those around me. I get to experience it as I get to help students through their own dramas of the teen years. I am drawn outside my little world discussing doctrine, and truth, and Jesus, and joys and woes. And as much as it is at times an emotional drain, it also is a blessing. As I get the opportunity to pray with and for friends and family, for student and parents, it is a blessing to me. I am amazingly blessed with amazing friends and family that continue to bless me with prayers, food, little reminders and gifts, time spent together, and just amazing Christ-like servanthood to me and my children. I thank God that he also gives me the opportunity to pray and encourage others with the little bit I can give as I have been blessed so greatly. So please tell me your own joys and struggles, so I can be praying for you, as you have done for me.
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:16
I thank my god every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:3-11
Wow Kelly. You amaze me daily. I would ask for prayers but I am horrible at asking people to pray for me! You are such a beautiful example to me on how to pray, ask for prayers, and keep Christ at the center of my life. Your friendship is exactly what God knew I needed to help strengthen my faith. Thank you dear friend!
ReplyDeleteI will never forget how within 48 hours of Josh's passing, you messaged me and told me that you were praying for MY husband. You know my heart for him and you had your friends in mind even in a time of your great loss. You showed a true example of what it means to carry another's burden and put others first. That's always been a quality of yours, and under pressure, it was highlighted even more. Thank you for the prayers and for letting us cover you with your specific prayer needs. Thank you, Jesus, for a community of believers who intercede on each other's behalf. ❤️
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