Out of all of the relationships in my life, the ones I struggle with the most are the ones with my family. I love my family and I know they love me. Still, we can get under each other's skin like no one else can! No one can hurt you like your family. No one can make you feel more rejected. They don't understand you. And you don't understand them! I have spent countless hours stewing about family situations, just this week! And just when I think the frustration will never end, God sends me a Word!
John 7:5 says, "For even his own brothers did not believe him." What??!! Jesus's own brothers did not believe in HIM! These same brothers grew up in the same house as Jesus. They played together.Worked together. They lived together their whole lives. They witnessed His blameless life, even His miracles. How many times had they heard the story of His birth? Did they think their mother was lying? And yet, they rejected Him.
Jesus's own brothers rejected Him and I think my family relationships are supposed to be perfect? Jesus's brothers did not believe Him and I think my family should be overjoyed to be related to me? Ha! Thank you, God for once again reminding me that I am not perfect. My family is not perfect. We are not always going to get along. There are going to be arguments, hurt feelings and disappointments. But, Jesus knows how we feel. Yes, His family hurt Him, too. We still have to keep on keeping on, just like He did.
Thank you, Lord, for sending me this Word today! Help me to love my family just as You love them. We were all created in Your image. Help me to not let my own disappointments get in the way of what you would have me do. Yes, Lord, you really do understand!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Darlene
This morning as I was pulling into Walmart, I saw a lady in the parking lot holding a sign. I could only read what was written at the very top of the sign, as I was driving by. It said, "Homeless". It broke my heart! It made me wonder about her story. Where was she from? Where was she going? Where is her family? How alone she must be! I felt so thankful at that moment for my husband, who always provides for me, and my family, because I know I will never be at a place in my life where I have no where to go.
I felt God urging me to reach out to this woman. But, I did not want to! I had a lot of things to do! I am not an outgoing person...at all. Still, I felt like He was saying to me, "This is your chance." I hurried through Walmart, as fast as I could, all the while hoping she would be gone when I got back out to the parking lot.
Guess what. She was still there. I prayed for God to show me what to do. I am not good at striking up conversations with people I've known for 10 years, much less complete strangers in Walmart parking lot! He was there with me though. I asked her if I could buy her something to eat. I asked her what her name is. I asked where she was going. Her name is Darlene. She is trying to make it to Florida and hoping to find a job there. I wanted to ask her so much more, but I didn't. I bought her lunch, gave her a few dollars and told her that I would be praying for her. I just wanted her to know that someone does care. Jesus cares for her and now I do too.
Now, I know that I may be the most gullible person in the world. Who knows if Darlene is really homeless. Who knows if she is really headed to Florida. Who knows if she's really looking for a job. But you know what? That is not for me to judge. I don't know her story. But I do know mine. If God gave me everything I deserved, every single day, I'd be much worse off than Darlene! I am only responsible for my own obedience. And today, I stepped out of my comfort zone and followed Him.
Which leads me to this blog. I don't have a clue what I am doing. I've never written anything for others to read, but I have felt Him telling me to do this for awhile. I don't always have a lot to say, but sometimes I do. Maybe, no one will read this. Maybe, someone will think that I have nothing important to say. Maybe. But for today at least, I'm being obedient. Because, I do want to follow Him even if it means talking to strangers and writing scary blogs. I love You, Lord! Yes, Lord! :)
I felt God urging me to reach out to this woman. But, I did not want to! I had a lot of things to do! I am not an outgoing person...at all. Still, I felt like He was saying to me, "This is your chance." I hurried through Walmart, as fast as I could, all the while hoping she would be gone when I got back out to the parking lot.
Guess what. She was still there. I prayed for God to show me what to do. I am not good at striking up conversations with people I've known for 10 years, much less complete strangers in Walmart parking lot! He was there with me though. I asked her if I could buy her something to eat. I asked her what her name is. I asked where she was going. Her name is Darlene. She is trying to make it to Florida and hoping to find a job there. I wanted to ask her so much more, but I didn't. I bought her lunch, gave her a few dollars and told her that I would be praying for her. I just wanted her to know that someone does care. Jesus cares for her and now I do too.
Now, I know that I may be the most gullible person in the world. Who knows if Darlene is really homeless. Who knows if she is really headed to Florida. Who knows if she's really looking for a job. But you know what? That is not for me to judge. I don't know her story. But I do know mine. If God gave me everything I deserved, every single day, I'd be much worse off than Darlene! I am only responsible for my own obedience. And today, I stepped out of my comfort zone and followed Him.
Which leads me to this blog. I don't have a clue what I am doing. I've never written anything for others to read, but I have felt Him telling me to do this for awhile. I don't always have a lot to say, but sometimes I do. Maybe, no one will read this. Maybe, someone will think that I have nothing important to say. Maybe. But for today at least, I'm being obedient. Because, I do want to follow Him even if it means talking to strangers and writing scary blogs. I love You, Lord! Yes, Lord! :)
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