Words I hate:Biopsy.
Cancer.
Betrayal.
Affair.
Divorce.
Racism.
Anger.
Incurable.
All these words have been part of my last few weeks in some form or another--not all in my own home, or I couldn't manage this post. They have, however, all come up in conversations with people dear to me. A few came from those not-yet-dear, near strangers who chose for whatever reason to share their suffering with me. Either way, the words left me breathless, at a loss about how to pray.
I am a woman of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips.
By myself, I am undone. I see gaping holes in hearts, hollow eyes, broken spirits, and yet I am powerless to change anything in myself, much less in someone else.
Words I love:
Protected.
Healed.
Loved.
Forgiven.
Because of Emmanuel, my God with me, I can know the power of words that speak life, not death. I can know hope.
Those words I love are not just words; they are the very truth of God, spoken for me, for you.
I can't explain it, but I know I can see it in the faces of precious sisters in Christ, whose sufferings have made them beautiful. They have a richness of spirit, a quietness of soul, inexplicable apart from their Savior.
A while back, I shared Jude 24-25--but I can't get over it, so I'll share it again. These verses are the why of Christmas, the why of the Cross.
Let these words become words you love:
To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy--to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen!Blessings,
Ginger
Just seeing the name "Emmanuel" written on the chalkboard, on the mantle spoke peace. Those other words are tough ones, but your conclusion is spot-on. I take comfort in your words and the words of Jude 24-25. As Pam Thumb says "Life is hard. God is good." It's amazing how much there is to share between blogs and how rich it is. Thank you! (Hope everything is fine w/your doc appts!) Jenn
ReplyDeleteI love Jude 24 and 25. It has been one of my memory verses this year and it was the focal verse for the Kelly Minter study, No Other Gods, which by the way was one of my all time favorite studies.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Ginger.
Leah
The power of words is unmistakable and you've so beautifully expressed it here. Emmanuel is truly a word of life. You're right about suffering and what it produces in us...the refining fire.
ReplyDeleteWhatever you may be going through directly or indirectly, I'm praying for you, knowing that God knows your heart and your burdens. Lauri
I very much love this post and appreciate it- thank you for sharing. I always need to think about words more.
ReplyDeleteGod with us....so we can get through anything. Thanks for sharing about Emmanuel today!
ReplyDelete