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Connections
Broken Bones and Hospitals
My great niece Piper and I, and her friend Val, were enjoying a girls’ day together. We’d been to my nail salon for their manicure and had wandered in and out of various stores in Orlando’s Fashion Square Mall.
After grabbing a quick lunch, we finished our shopping at Target around 5:00 that Thursday afternoon. We were pleased with how much we’d packed into our day, since the two girls and my nephew Casey were headed back to South Carolina the next morning.
We were talking and laughing as we walked across the Target parking lot, my car already in sight. Suddenly, without warning, my right foot started slipping out of my open sandal. As I stood on my left foot and tried to maneuver my errant right foot back into place, I lost my balance. Without anything to grab hold of, I splashed on to the concrete.
As soon as I landed, both girls and several people from a nearby car quickly surrounded me. “Are you all right?” they yelled at the same time. I stayed quiet. My distorted left hand confirmed I was in trouble. After the group gingerly lifted me up, I steadied my left arm with my right hand.
We were in shock as the girls slowly guided me to my car. “You need to go to the hospital,” Piper said. Her sweet hug kept me from bursting into tears.
She called her dad, who had stayed behind at my house. As soon as Casey heard the news, he immediately grabbed an Uber and headed toward Target. After he arrived and asked me which hospital, he jumped into the car and drove us to the ORMC emergency room.
The four of us huddled together in the crowded ER, listening for my name to be called. The check of my vitals came quickly, soon followed by an x-ray. However, the call to go upstairs to confer with a doctor wouldn’t come until the next morning!
Meanwhile, my little team of encouragers stayed close by me, but we were weary and at a loss for words. As the evening wore on and no news had come, I looked at Casey and said, “You and the girls go out and get something to eat.” My body had put my appetite on hold.
Casey told me he wanted to accompany me upstairs to talk with the doctor. However, when nothing had changed by the time they returned to the hospital at 10:30 p.m., I hugged them goodbye and sent them home to get some sleep before their departure in the morning. I felt lonely without them, but I knew God was beside me.
Casey called me from the house at midnight. His words of endearment and encouragement poured love and comfort into my parched soul.
Then my cell phone died. Fortunely, earlier in the evening my friend Ella happened to call me and discovered I was in the hospital. However, now my lifeline was gone.
After dozing off and on during the long Thursday night, I heard someone call my name at 8:00 a.m. Friday morning. Finally freed from my captivity, I happily followed the nurse to my large room upstairs. Lying flat in a bed never felt so good.
Shortly, the head doctor came in. “After looking at the x-rays of your broken radius and ulna bones, I recommend surgery,” he said. I agreed. Because I had a large room, he and his team set up camp there. After the painful process of maneuvering everything back into place, they created a temporary splint until surgery the next day.
A bright spot came Friday evening when Ella decided to call the ER. They transferred her call to the nurse in my room, who handed me her cell phone. Hearing Ella's voice connected me to life again. Soon after updating her and explaining my dilemma, she walked into my room for a visit, bearing my cell charger.
At 3:30 a.m. Saturday morning, my door burst open and the light from the hallway blinded me. A nurse exclaimed, “We found you a room!” They simply rolled me in my bed across the pedestrian overpass and deposited me in a private room in the Jewett Orthopedic Center.
Later that morning, while being prepped for surgery, the cute staff girl and I carried on a lively conversation until the drug kicked in. Of course, I remember nothing until I woke up in my own room that afternoon.
I though I would be discharged, but because of my low blood pressure, the team decided to keep me overnight. I sighed. Finally, on Sunday morning, after four days of confinement, my nurse wheeled me downstairs and out into the sunlight. Sweet release.
Now, for the most important part of my story: The results of my accident. I sensed the enemy had arranged the whole scenario. He loved putting me out of commission with only one functioning hand and isolated from my friends. What he didn’t foresee, though, was he had opened the way for me to take God into the hospital!
Two women nurses, who came to check on me at separate times, put their hand on my shouder and said, “You’re beautiful.” Now, I knew I didn’t look beautiful after being bruised and battered, my makeup long gone, and sporting a cast and hospital gown.
I smiled and said, “I don’t feel beautiful.” Both of them continued to look into my eyes. My take: they saw a light in me. When we have God inside us, He shines His light through our eyes, our smiles, our countenance. God declares,
You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)
I saw something bright in their faces, too, which prompted me to say, “You know Jesus, don’t you?” Each of them quickly confirmed, “Yes, I do.” A sisterhood was formed. In the hospital. Enemy’s plan? No! God’s plan? Yes! He created a way for the three of us to proclaim we are His daughters and to lift Him up.
God wasn’t finished revealing His plan. Since I was quite helpless after the surgery in the orthopedic ward, God brought me three special helpers—my main nurse, Julia, and her amazing assistants, Remeel and Madeline. They anticipated my every need, came whenever I called for them, and seemed to relish the chance to serve me.
In that atmosphere, we all bonded. Remeel and I had the most to talk about, since he is a Filipino and I lived in the Philippines for many years. When I told Remeel about my relationship with Jesus, he listened; yet, I sensed this was a seed-planting opportunity. I knew God would bring others to water the seeds I'd planted in his heart. On my last morning I had a chance to tell Remeel, "You are the best. You helped me every day and always seemed to know what I needed. Thank you for caring for me.” He smiled.
My young nurse Madeline was only with me for one morning, but her cheerfulness brightened my day. Before my discharge on Sunday morning, Julia, the nurse fully responsible for my care, came to my room. I was already dressed and ready to go and sitting on my bed. She sat down beside me to explain my final instructions. When we stood, she reached for me and said, “I want to hug you because you’re so sweet.”
This team of three was God’s gift to me. I believe my gifts to them were my smile, my personal interest in them, my words of thanks, and my lack of grouchiness, moaning, or complaining. I trust God helped me communicate His love to them. I was excited when God gave me the idea of mailing the three of them a thank-you note to show my appreciation. Surely, that became another touch from God.
God wants us to personally connect with the people we meet, doesn’t He? He will shine His light through us, give us the words to say, and lead us to people who need to know how much He loves them. What a privilege we have to represent our God everywhere we go, even in the hospital.
Where have you been able to shine God’s light recently? Tell us your story below.
Lifting Lonely Hearts
Do you sometimes feel alone, lonely, forgotten?
God knows your heart, understands your longing, and invites your honest prayers. He desires your companionship, and He knows how to fill up your empty spaces.
Some years ago, I watched God unfold His loving plan for someone dear to my heart: my 95-year-old friend, Dorothy—my mother’s best friend.
Dorothy had to release her dearest, caring friend and say goodbye to her more than 20 years ago. Now at her age, Dorothy had outlived most of her other friends.
Our shared loss of my mother, led to a sweeter and closer relationship. Dorothy lived in St. Helens, Oregon, and I resided in Orlando, but we frequently called each other and exchanged cards and letters. (As a former secretary, Dorothy typed her notes to me.)
Each year Dorothy and I looked forward to our lunch date and visit when I traveled to Portland. Our excursions were special, since she was confined to a wheelchair and rarely left the assisted living facility.
On one of my visits, I left my friend’s home in Portland and headed downtown. After switching freeways, I breezed over the St. John’s bridge. A green steel suspension bridge, it was only one in a long lineup of bridges leading to different cities on the west side. While high in the air, I soaked in the beauty of the glistening Willamette River below me.
Reaching the other side, I turned right and merged on to St. Helens highway. After enjoying the ride, with rolling hills on my left and the majestic river on the right, I finally spotted a signal at a small intersection.
That was my clue to turn left on to Gable Road. Dorothy’s assisted living complex sat only a few yards up the road. I pulled into a parking spot nearest the door.
Dorothy and I had agreed I would come to her apartment first. Walking through the lobby I paused at the sign-in desk. The girls greeted me warmly and expressed delight that I was heading upstairs to visit Dorothy.
I stepped off the elevator on the second floor, where the yellow and green swirls in the wallpaper and comfy visiting areas created a homey atmosphere.
After walking around the corner and reaching the last door, I knocked. Dorothy's caretaker opened the door with a welcoming smile and mointed me to the small living area where Dorothy sat in a chair by the window.
I leaned down and hugged my sweet, white-haired friend. Looking into my eyes she said, “Gail, I’m so glad to see you. Your mother would be pleased we’re together.” I smiled in agreement.
Soon she pointed to a small dresser where pictures were automatically rotating inside a small black box perched there. When I walked over to watch the pictures, she said, “Those are my newest family pictures.”
As I came back to her, she reached over to the side table by her chair, and lifted up a framed picture of the two of us, which I’d sent her after my last visit. “Gail, seeing this picture makes me feel like you are here with me each day.” My eyes welled up with tears as I hugged her again.
During our conversation Dorothy quietly remarked, “Shouldn’t say this, but I’m lonely. My friends can’t come this distance to see me anymore.” Sadness clouded her blue eyes.
My heart broke. Silently I prayed, Lord, please lift her spirits today.
Eventually, her caregiver asked, “Are you ready to go to lunch, Dorothy?” After preparing Dorothy, Sara lifted her into the wheelchair. Once downstairs, I pulled my car to the front entrance. Sara skillfully bore Dorothy’s weight and maneuvered her out of her wheelchair and into the front passenger seat.
Dorothy directed me to the Best Western down the street, and commented, “They have a very nice dining room.” After sighting the motel, I turned into the tree-lined driveway and parked momentarily at the front door.
Once I’d lifted the wheelchair out of the trunk and pushed the wheelchair around to Dorothy’s side, I realized I was incapable of lifting her out of the car. I remembered spotted an employee sitting outside the motel as we drove in. Looking in her direction, I walked over and explained my dilemma.
With a friendly smile, the young brunette popped up from the bench, eager to help. As the two of us walked back toward the car, I admitted, “I know this really isn’t in line with your duties, but—.”
“Well, actually I’m here to assist anyone who needs helps. I work at the front desk. My name’s Jamie.”
Jamie quickly and easily lifted Dorothy into her wheelchair and pushed her to a table in the dining room, while I parked the car. “Enjoy your lunch,” Jaimie said as she started walking away. Then over her shoulder, she added, “I’ll help you when you’re finished.”
Dorothy and I chatted, laughed, and remembered old times. Toward the end, Dorothy said, “That salad was delicious. If I ate any more, I’d be eating the plate.” I laughed.
“What a wonderful time this has been,” Dorothy said. I smiled with delight.
But the best part was about to unfold. Jamie appeared at our table as I was paying for lunch. “Ready?”
After I pulled my car to the front, Jamie maneuvered Dorothy back into the front seat.
Jamie bent down to look into Dorothy’s face. “Just as you drove in, I received a text from my mother saying that my grandmother passed away.”
“I’m so sorry,” Dorothy said. “Are you going to be able to get time off?”
“No, my grandmother lived in another state, but you are here.” They embraced with tears spilling onto their cheeks.
My own tears flowed as I got out of the driver’s seat and moved to their side. With gratitude in my heart, I said to Jamie, “God knew you two needed to meet each other today.”
“Yes, He did,” Jamie said. “And I’m getting baptized in two weeks at my church. They asked people to come forward if they wanted Jesus in their lives. God helped me not be afraid.”
She paused and looked at both of us. Solemnly, she said, “Knowing Jesus has really helped me because my husband and I lost a baby six months ago.” Her deep loss shook us.
Jamie then focused on Dorothy and told her, “I can’t see my grandmother anymore but I can visit you.”
“I’d love that.” Dorothy’s face lit up with the prospect of seeing her new, young friend again. That day our heavenly Father brought together two strangers who mended each other’s lonely heart.
Are you lonely at times? On lonely days, tell God how you feel and remember His promises to you. Perhaps He will bring someone like Dorothy or Jamie into your life to lift your spirits right when you need it.
If you’re not lonely today, perhaps you’d like to share this story and your caring words to someone who feels alone.
[David said to God]
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
For I am lonely and afflicted.
(Psalm 25:16 NASB)
The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate
to those who fear him.
(Psalm 103:13)
For God has said,
“I will never fail you.
I will never abandon you.”
(Hebrews 13:5)
A Christmas Letter to Jesus
Connections, Faith, Joy, Life
Jesus, when You were born, You weren’t just baby Jesus. You were so much more.
The prophet Isaiah announced: A Child will be born to us. A Son will be given to us. And His Name—Your name—will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Who You are is revealed in these four names. Together they represent the Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. You are everything this world needs. Everything we need.
Guiding Name – You are our Wonderful Counselor who will walk with us through all decisions. You say to each of us, “Child, I will guide you. I will put thoughts in your mind and hope in your heart for your future.”
Powerful Name – You, Jesus, are Mighty God. All power rests in You. You say to us, “I am in your heart. Don’t struggle to make progress in your life and overcome weakness. Let My power fully operate. I will overcome your weaknesses and give you courage to walk forward in confidence because you’re filled with My power.”
Timeless Name – You are our Eternal Father. You are not bound by time or space. You lead us step by step, and our true destination is eternal life in heaven where You are. We will live in timelessness with You because there is no end. We will live fully in Your presence, and You will fill us with Your joy.
Comforting Name – You are the Prince of Peace. We, your children, long for peace. We look around and see only chaos and destruction. Yet, when You left this earth to return to Your Father in heaven, You told us, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not like the world gives to you. Don’t let your hearts be downcast, and don’t be afraid.” Your comforting peace in our hearts will enable us to live in this world. When others notice peace in the midst of our painful, troublesome, or hopeless circumstances, may they see You in us.
Jesus, we love You. We long to be with You today. But until that day comes, we want to listen for Your voice in our everyday lives, and be faithful to represent “You” to everyone we meet.
We remember the story of that night long ago when You were born to bring us new life, inner peace, and hope of eternity. Help us live as changed people who are following Your steps. And one day, our last step will lead us to You.
*Some reflections and prayers from Gail’s journal (reworded to apply to all of us).
Based on Isaiah 9:6.
New Life out of Tragedy
For the first time in my life, I feel like I belong in my family.
This unexpected thought came to my mind because of a tragedy in our family: the loss of my young cousin, Ashley, in Oregon. That day the temperature was 116 degrees, and it appears she succumbed to the intense heat.
Sorrow flowed through our hearts. As we wrestled with the reality of Ashley’s absence, God began to bring about changes in our family.
We craved to know how each of us was coping. More frequent communication and deeper expressions of love flowed between us. Since I live in Orlando, lengthy phone calls ensued and texts flew back and forth. I also expressed love for them through my cards and letters.
When I flew to Oregon to see them, we all gathered at Cary’s home. The sun was bright. Salmon and fresh-picked corn sizzled on Cary’s grill while we sat together in his beautiful backyard, surrounded by towering fir trees and summer dahlias. A beautifully-crafted waterfall produced a soothing sound as we engaged in easy conversation sprinkled with laughter. My heart soared.
The following week, I sat under the patio umbrella in Blair and Peggy’s backyard. We enjoyed a free-flowing conversation for several hours like three friends who were used to being together. A few days later, Justin and I met for lunch to share personal things that mattered to us. Justin’s text warmed my heart. “I had a great time catching up at lunch. I’m glad we were able to have that time together.”
The day before my flight back to Orlando, the unusual thought popped into my mind: I feel like I belong in this family now. When I shared my feelings with Cary and Blair, they were puzzled. Both responded, “You’ve always been part of the family!”
That’s when I realized a deep change had taken place inside of me. When the others pulled me into their daily lives, I felt closer to them and more willing to express my feelings and emotions. In return, they became more open and honest with me.
Cary calls me once a week. Before I left town, Blair said, “Please keep calling me. I’m not good at initiating, but I enjoy talking to you.” Justin and I want to find a mutual time to talk together on Zoom.
This kind of closeness may already be a part of your family life; for us it’s a new era. God planned to bring new life out of our tragedy. Because of my personal experience, I understand in a deeper way why God gave us this instruction:
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
“Family togetherness” is at the top of my thanksgiving list. What will you thank God for this month? Post your comment below.
A Matter of Time
Connections, Faith, Hope, Joy, Life
“God isn’t bound by time.”
Ron’s reminder cleared the confusion our group encountered during a recent Bible study. He added, “God knows and understands everything that has happened, everything that is happening, and everything that will happen. He is in control across all time and all space.”
God is not limited by days and nights like we are. With Him there is no beginning or end. He has always existed and always will.
The eternal God knew we couldn’t live in a timeless environment. When He created this world, He designed days and nights specifically for us.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
The earth was formless and empty. . . .
Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
And God saw that the light was good.
Then he separated the light from the darkness.
God called the light “day,” and the darkness “night.”
And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.
Genesis 1:1-5 (NLT)
Sarah Young, author of the devotional book Jesus Calling, imagined God explaining time to us this way:
“I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn’t bear
to see all of your life at once. Though I am unlimited by time,
it is in the present moment that I meet you. Refresh yourself
in My company, breathing deep draughts of My presence.”
(June 27, page 186.)
“I divided time into days and nights so that you would have
manageable portions of life to handle.”
(July 15, page 206.)
Isn’t this exactly what we need? Have you ever said to yourself, “I’m so glad this day is almost over; maybe tomorrow will be better.”
Or the darkness of the night prompted you to long for the light of day when you could find someone to help carry your burdens.
Perhaps your brain was on overload. You decided to stop for the day and tackle your project again tomorrow after a good night’s rest.
These simple examples symbolize hope. When a new day dawns, God promises to help us cope with whatever situation we face. God never sleeps and is constantly aware of what is happening in our personal world.
I want to tell you how my personal world crumbled last month. Our family experienced the tragic and unexpected death of my 29-year-old cousin, Ashley Marie. Shock and sorrow enveloped each one of us.
Ashley was here, and in the next moment she left this earth. We are still here on earth, and we know Ashley is in heaven with Jesus, her Savior. As each day passes, though, we feel the reality of her absence more deeply. God is helping us face our sorrow and trust Him for each tomorrow.
Everything that took place in the past, or is being experienced today, or will happen in the future is one complete picture in God’s mind and heart. Somehow knowing that brings me comfort and deepens my faith. God is not in heaven counting days, or months, or years. He already knows when I will be there in heaven instead of here on earth.
The following song by Janet Paschal helped me better understand “here and now” and “there and then.” Whenever I hear her sing this song, it lifts my heart and creates a picture of peace and hope. Perhaps her words will soften any sorrow you may be experiencing.
It’s Not About Now
by Janet Paschal
She watched as they carried her baby away
She heard all the words when there was nothing to say
How could she stay here when her heart had to go
And keep on believing when she just couldn't know
It's not about now, it's not about here
It's all about then when there's nothing to fear
It's all about there where the mystery's clear
When then will be now and there will be here
He watched as his future just went up in smoke
And wondered if hope was some kind of cruel joke
Had the work and the planning, the sweat and the tears
Brought only failure and a jumble of fears
It's not about now, it's not about here
It's all about then when there's nothing to fear
It's all about there where the mystery's clear
When then will be now and there will be here
They'd only had such a short little while
To love and to heal and to learn how to smile
It didn't seem fair when she had to let go
Let him slip from her arms when she needed him so
It's not about now, it's not about here
It's all about then when there's nothing to fear
It's all about there where the mystery's clear
When then will be now and there will be here
Songwriters: Gaither Gloria L / Wright Woodrow W|
It's Not About Now lyrics © Gaither Music Co.,
Would He Write Songs, Hanna Street Music
Our loving God sees the eternal and forever picture of our lives in heaven. He wants us to be there with Him to enjoy His presence and see our loved ones. He made a way for that to happen by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins.
And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life;
whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.
I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.
I John 5:11-13 (NLT)
If you’ve already asked Jesus to come into your heart, you know the peace and joy that comes from having a personal relationship with God. If you’ve not yet said “yes” to His invitation, you can do that today by saying a simple prayer of faith in your own words.
Accepting His promise of eternal life in heaven brings assurance that one day you will be with Him there. And when you’re there with God, it will seem as if no time has passed.
Unexpected Breakthrough
Sometimes breakthrough is a process. The woodpecker doesn’t stop to worry about what the other birds think about them, it just does what it is designed to do. ~ Sammy Robinson
When I read this quote in the blog of my friend, Elizabeth Horbelt,* the words reminded me of one of my breakthroughs during a writing conference in 2004. Because I cared so much what people thought of me, I had unconsciously built an invisible wall to protect myself from possible rejection. God was about to disclose the results of my decision.
On the first evening, the conference keynote speaker said, “Breakthrough to the next level comes only through brokenness.” He grabbed my attention immediately.
“Not your efforts, but brokenness, helps you get through to a new level,” the speaker continued. “God will hit where we have built walls that keep Him at a distance. We all build walls. Sometimes God shoots a customized arrow into our hearts to wake us up.”
While absorbing this declaration, I felt intense pain in my chest. With it came a sense that God had pierced my heart and said, “Your wall is keeping you at a distance from Me.”
The thought that I had hurt the heart of God became unbearable. I had no idea I’d built an emotional wall of protection around my heart.
As soon as the speaker finished, I hurried from the session to seek aloneness in my quiet hotel room. As I knelt and buried my head in my hands, tears seeped through my fingers.
“God, I didn’t know anything stood between You and me.”
He revealed I had constructed a wall out of my fear of what people would think about me. That wall had become my emotional protection. My wall also blocked me from absorbing the truth that God loves me, accepts me, protects me, and delights in me. I confessed my actions as sin against God. My sorrow lifted when I opened myself to receive His promised forgiveness.
During those moments of brokenness, the source of my fear became clear. I reached for my notebook to record my thoughts.
Soon I’d sketched the outline of a wall. In the empty boxes that formed the foundation, I added words that came to my mind: “childhood patterns,” “defense mechanisms,” and “family expectations.”
On each brick, I wrote an internal struggle that held me captive and governed my involuntary responses to people: fear of failure, fear of disappointing others, fear of not measuring up, need for approval, need for acceptance.
Author Paul Richardson explains more about our walls in his book A Certain Risk,
In response to our most unforgettable heartaches, many of us have closed ourselves off, locked our hearts behind unassailable walls, and
hidden away the key. . . .
He is showing me that the greatest barriers to his artistry in and through my life are not physical dangers. The real barriers are my own conjured fears. These fears are phony castle walls I’ve constructed around me.
During my conversation with God in my hotel room that day, I received courage to emotionally let the bricks of my castle walls crumble. Nothing stood between God and me anymore.
My unexpected breakthrough to the next level came through brokenness, just as the speaker explained. Once my wall was gone, I began relating to people in an open and authentic way without holding back from sharing about my personal life.
I'm looking forward to my continuing journey on God's path of freedom where I'm becoming more and more the person God designed me to be. **
Have you built an emotional wall of protection around yourself? What factors might have led you to construct your foundation and lay bricks on top? God is waiting to show you how to experience a life of freedom outside your wall.
* Link to Elizabeth Horbelt’s May 17 blog: "Designed for Breakthrough."
** Some of the content in this blog is adapted from pages 31-34 of my book, *Will the Real Person Please Stand Up: Rising Upon the Fear of Rejection,* and is used by permission.
Link to order your own copy.
Stretching Our Faith
“I want to do that, Lord, but I don’t know how.”
Have you ever expressed these words to God when faced with a task beyond your ability? Why do we so quickly forget that when God gives us an unexpected idea, or challenges us to try something new, or leads us to a risk-taking path, He promises to provide everything we need?
We may need courage to take the next step. Humility to ask a friend for help. Wisdom to understand all the details involved. Confidence to overpower feelings of inadequacy. Caution against comparing ourselves with others. Insight to identify when the enemy is whispering lies that block our path.
God wants to increase our faith and supply His power to accomplish whatever work He has ordained for us to do. Therefore, instead of assessing what we lack, or naively thinking we can complete the work in our own strength, we must “fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of faith,” (Hebrews 12:2).
Recently, God stretched my faith when He prompted me to consider establishing my own YouTube channel. I have to admit that my first thoughts were, “I don’t know what’s involved in doing that. Who am I to prepare videos and be that visible?”
God immediately reminded me of His promise to partner with me to accomplish His vision.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
His promise gave me confidence to move forward. He helped me realize that He had opened this door to give many more people the chance to hear how they can experience freedom from their fear of rejection.
When I told my friend Jean about my plan, she immediately offered to coach me. She sent me her copious notes, a sample of her designs, and an invaluable link that unlocked countless video tutorials by a young man who was easy to understand and who explained each step to take.
I’m excited to give you this link to my YouTube channel, Freedom from the Fear of Rejection. Enjoy the welcome video on the homepage and click on the Videos tab to view a listing of available videos. I’m aiming for 100 subscribers, and I hope you will be among them! Just click on the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified of future videos.
All you see on my YouTube channel represents the result of God’s partnership with me when He stretched my faith!
We are made to grow, to stretch ourselves into new arenas.
The Spirit will give us power to do what we could not do before,
or to at least take the step to learn how.
Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
How People Grow, page 102.
Has God stretched your faith by leading you into something new? Please share your story in the comment box below.
Guideline for listening to the video series
- INTRODUCTION: Preview of the content of Freedom from Fear of Rejection
- Part One – Defenses we may have built to protect ourselves.
- Part Two – Choices we can make to tear down each defense.
- Part Three – Experiences we can have on our new path of freedom.
New Beginnings
There’s something about turning the calendar to a new year. It represents a chance to start again.
God has been weaving our stories throughout this past year. Each story has now come to an end, with all its twists and turns, traumas and triumphs, joys and heartaches. The ending of the old story signals the beginning of a new one.
We don’t know what experiences and opportunities will fill our new year of 2021. We can’t predict, and that’s by God’s design. He protects us by giving us only glimpses of today and telling us not to worry about tomorrow. He knows if we were aware of everything that lies ahead, we would either tremble and worry, or dash ahead in dependence on our self-sufficiency.
Planning can relieve stress, in some respects, because we arrange steps to take. However, our human thoughts and plans will never compare to God’s plan for weaving our individual stories.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)
As you walk into this new year, it’s important to stay attentive to the amazing connections God will create in your daily life to enable you to experience the perfect and unique plan He has formed for you.
Do you want to hear about an unexpected connection God arranged for me recently? I dashed to the grocery store to buy more eggs and another container of orange juice for my nephew and niece who were staying with me during Christmas week.
In the back corner of the store, near an intersection of aisles, I reached for a special brand of orange juice. Behind me I heard a cheery voice. “What a pretty sweater.”
As I turned around, the young woman added, “Turquoise is my favor color.” I quickly agreed, and as women do, we exchanged a few more clothing comments.
I don’t remember what my fellow shopper said next to pave the way for a continuing conversation, but suddenly I was listening to her sad story about an accident that rendered her unable to think clearly at times. Then she confided in me that she had also left an abusive home situation.
To my amazement, in the midst of such sadness, she began talking about God and how He had helped her. While leaning on her near-full grocery cart, she waved her arm toward a man who had hovered nearby without intruding on our spontaneous and personal time. “Tommy, has been amazing.”
I noticed Tommy’s numerous tattoos but also his handsome face and a smile that radiated care and compassion for his obvious partner. As the three of us drew closer together to make room for other customers to walk, Tommy told me more.
“I’ve been sober for five years. But this year, I began to think more about the Higher Power I learned about in rehab. I decided to accept God into my life.”
With a big smile, I confirmed that I knew God personally and He had changed my life, too. When they told me what church they were attending, I silently thanked God for the good teaching they were receiving to help them grow in their young Christian lives.
Unexpectedly, the woman asked, “Could we connect with each other on Facebook?”
“That would be fine,” I said, “but perhaps we could talk about personal things more easily if we keep in touch by email.” She agreed, while Tommy nodded, and we exchanged emails and names.
Then Elisa, Tommy, and I began laughing because here we were in the intersection of a grocery store talking about God and telling our stories. We parted ways with a wave and a smile that spoke volumes. Without saying so, we all knew God had been with us.
Later that day I pondered the intricate circumstances God had arranged to make everything happen as it did. That cold morning, I remembered my new turquoise sweater. After tugging my jeans on, I reached for the warm sweater in my closet and pulled it over my head.
By God’s design, my 12-year-old niece Piper declined my invitation to go with me. God knew an adult conversation awaited.
God orchestrated the time I would be in the store, and prompted me to go to the juice section first. He knew Elisa would be there and our shared love of turquoise would be revealed.
He built an immediate safe environment that gave Elisa freedom to share her story. God invited me to become part of His plan to minister to these dear new believers. Through our conversation, He poured love, caring, acceptance, and assurance into their hearts. I’m grateful I followed His leading because the ripple effect of that special encounter will remain in my heart.
God has already created a plan for how He wants you to be part of His story this year. Will you follow His lead? Notice His ordained connections, like I did, because you will feel more a part of His plan as it slowly unfolds. Anticipate with wonder what tomorrow might bring and keep trusting Him, thanking Him, and praising Him for His faithfulness.
LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You,
I will give thanks to Your name;
For you have worked wonders,
plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.
Isaiah 25:1 (NASB)
Light in the Darkness
In these last months we have seen so much darkness. Feelings of hopelessness have overwhelmed many people in this country and around the world.
How does God want us to respond? His Word makes it clear that He wants us to shine His light in this dark place. We may have no inkling of whether we are making a difference or not, but God knows.
Let's ponder a few things Jesus said. Then I'll share a personal story about how God shone His light through me into someone's darkness, without my awareness.
This first passage in Matthew 5:14-16 may be a familiar one to you.
14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV)
As believers, we have the light of Christ in our lives. He doesn't want us to hide the light He's given us. Instead, He wants us to shine it like a beacon on a hill, or a lamppost along the road, or a flashlight on a path. Our light can shine brightly during personal conversations, as well as through phone calls, a written note, an email, or a post.
In John 8:12, Jesus talks about being the Light of the world in the midst of a tense discussion with some scribes and Pharisees.
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." (NASB)
You can sense the burden that Jesus bore when He saw people remaining in darkness when they could be living in the light.
And this is where my story comes in. You never know what God is doing while you're seeking to shine His light.
One of my nephews has been walking in darkness. He's aware of God but continues to choose glittering, unhealthy activities. He did provide incredible physical help as caregiver to two people with major illnesses in our family. But his continuing destructive choices eventually led to life-threatening illnesses.
While his mother was living, we enjoyed a good relationship and built beautiful memories. He knew I was a Christian and seemed pleased about my chosen life career as a missionary. Though I freely talked about God around him, he never seemed interested in knowing God for himself.
After his mother's death, we lost track of each other. For 12 years. Until last month.
"Gail I turned 63 today. I miss u and I love u. Out of the hospital yesterday. Not in very good health. Actually lousy. I really want to connect with you. I have been through so much. But there has not a day gone by I haven't had u in my mind. And heart. I so hope ur ok. Anyway please get hold of me."
After recovering from my shock, I quickly wrote back to assure him of my love and God's love, and to help him realize God was offering him a chance to live.
That same day, he emailed me back. "I'm directing my life but under his direction. I had a short but great conversation with my nurse. I'm hoping if I keep my ears and heart open he will send me more of his great wisdom. Yesterday was a game changer for me. I'm gonna stop feeling like giving up. I miss u and I'll always love u."
My heart soared with the way his perspective had changed, conceivably through whatever words the nurse had spoken. I believe she was an angel sent by God to soften his heart so the watered seeds would have a chance to grow.
During all those years of being around my nephew, I never knew what he was seeing or hearing. Now in this most desperate hour, God drew him back to where he had first seen the light. I will keep shining God's light on my 63-year-old nephew and showing him the way to open his heart to God while he still has life and breath.
Friends, don't despair about what is happening around you. Keep the Light within you burning brightly, so it will shine in the darkness of someone else's life.
Do you have a story to tell? Or a way you have been blessed by having the Light of the world in you? Feel free to leave your comment below.