I wasn’t going to post today… actually, I was rethinking this whole blog thing. I wasn’t sure I should keep blogging or to just forget it. Yesterday was a horrible day. I had to do laundry. For me, day to day activities, things like laundry or housework, are major things. I’ll just put it this way…what a molehill is for you, it’s a mountain for me. But today, when I reluctantly opened my email—was a comment from my online friend, Linda. I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt, I needed to publish her comment, and my response to her on my blog today. Everyone who reads this blog has to know that the only reason PERSEVERE is in existence, is because of our gracious God. It’s truly all about Jesus. Honestly, I would have committed suicide a long time ago if He didn’t lift me up. Please read this. And just like the song “Lifesong” by The Casting Crowns…”I wanna sign Your name to the end of this day, knowing that my heart was true—Let my Lifesong sing to You!”
looney2n (Linda) said…
I hadnt been able to visit for awhile but today I went through all of your posts since I was here last. Lori, it is so clear how God is using your blog to speak to others and witness about His mercy, forgiveness and love. I can hardly picture you as a prideful person like you have shared. But it only proves just how powerful our God is.
There is a story that I use to tell my son and I am reminded of it as I get to know you more through your posts. It’s about the strength of the trees on the edge of the forest. Because my son was abused by his dad, he has had to go through a very rough life. But just like the trees on the edge of the forest that are forced to take on the stress from weather and wind, they are the strongest and once fully grown, are used to be strong for those behind them that are yet growing and weak.
I say all of this because I see you as one of those trees on the edge of the forest, using your experience, wisdom and faith to help those that need encouragement, the weak and the frail who are going through rough places in their lives as they grow in the Lord.
We are all growing in the Lord, each at our own level. We are to allow Him to use us and our past experiences to help others. It’s clear that your submission to His teachings, His voice and direction are glorifying Him greatly.
I just felt compelled to say all of this because it’s obvious that you put a lot into your posts, each and every one. I want you to know I appreciated so much. Thank you for all that you allow God to do. God’s best blessings to you my friend.
January 16, 2009 12:22 PM
Lori said…
Linda,
Bless you! Your comment made me cry. You know, I have been dealing with alot of painful things (mostly emotional-having to deal with day to day limitations, but physical as well…and the enemy has been calling and teasing me) with having this disease.
God has just used you to bring me comfort and confirmation. I’ve been hearing stories about trees, and how they are made strong through storms and the elements. I want to share part of the devotional I read this morning: “Yet it is in the storm that God equips us for service. When God wants an Oak Tree, He plants it where storms will shake it and the rains will beat down upon it. It is in the midnight battle with the elements that the oak develops its rugged fiber and becomes the king of the forest.
When God wants to make a person, He puts him into some storm. The history of humankind has always been rough and rugged. No one is complete until he has been out into the surge of the storm and has found the glorious fulfillment of the prayer “O God, take me, break me, make me.”
January 16, 2009 12:51 PM