I have many dear older ladies in my life, and more than I can count are Titus 2 ladies. How blessed I am!
Today I want to draw a portrait of two of them.
“Lady A” loves the LORD with all her heart. She married her beloved husband and lived happily, blessed all these years. From the beginning, she has suffered from a myriad of sicknesses, even to this day. Life has never been easy for her because of these maladies, which is certainly understandable. Over ten years ago her beloved died and, sadly, “Lady A” has hardly moved on, rarely leaving her home (nor hardly changing anything in her home since he died), practically living in the past, always living in fear. The grief of losing her beloved husband has stymied her life, although her love of the LORD still shines through her. I mean no offense to her because she is a dear, a treasure, and a joy to me.
“Lady B” loves the LORD with all her heart. She married her beloved husband and lived happily, blessed all these years. She has also had her physical failings which “nag” at her. Over ten years ago her beloved also died, but “Lady B” has chosen to get up and do next things for the LORD, even though she grieves deeply every day for her beloved. Her heart’s desire has always been to encourage others because of the LORD. She finds joy in all she does. She finds joy in people and lives every day to the fullest. The love of the LORD shines through her and is spread to others, and all are encouraged because of her. She is also a dear, a treasure, and a joy to me.
This “portrait” I have painted is an excellent example of the life choices one can make after tragedy. After the tragedy I suffered (which has continuing consequences), it would be easy for me to “hide” and never come out; never to do anything because I am so full of grief. My tragedy struck a few years ago, and even to this day, as I continue to greatly grieve, the LORD has lifted my head and put me on a higher rock. I have chosen to get up and do “next things” because of Him. I don’t see myself as being strong or shining His light, or showing great love and compassion. I see and feel only my weakness. In my weakness, though, He allows others to see Himself through me because my desire is to continue. It is all because of the LORD.
"Hear my cry, O God; give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me. A tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.” Psalm 61:1-4
I am in awe at what the LORD has done in me and through me. Although humanly I may not want to move on, in His strength my faith has not been shipwrecked, and He has been glorified in my pain.
I want to encourage you that, no matter what circumstances come, choose to live as “Lady B.” May God receive all the glory!
"I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear and will trust in the LORD” Psalm 40:1-3
update 5/27/11
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2 comments:
Jill, So glad you have your own blog now! The depth of your heart shines through your posts and you are such an encouragement.
Whatever your grief may be, I am sorry for your suffering. I am speaking on the 'aroma of Christ' in Corinthians in a couple of months and have done a word study on 'aroma' and 'fragrance'. Powerful! The sweet aroma of Christ comes only from or after brokenness, suffering, deep sacrifice, etc.
Think of these things: an onion, a blade of grass, a scented candle, a cinnamon stick, a clove of garlic -- what do these smell like in their original, unaltered form? Now think of these things: sauteed onions, freshly cut grass, burning scented candle, grated cinnamon stick and crushed garlic. I think you get the idea -- these things smell the strongest after they have been cut, burned, grated, and crushed.
Your pain gives you the sweet aroma of Christ that benefits those around you!
Thank you, Judy, for your kind comments. I look foward to your posts 'aroma of Christ' which sound comforting. I have enjoyed your blog :oD Jill
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