by Joan C Webb on February 2, 2010
The Gift Goes On
Haiti and other hurting places: As I hear about the hurting men, women, and children of Haiti and watch the caring people who’ve chosen to help, I’m reminded of a story. A young friend told me about her recent missions trip. “It was dark, dirty work,” she said. “Yet, it was my group’s job to set up a wooden stage on a dump site in preparation for our evening concert. We had no idea if anyone would come to hear us sing, so when we finally got the lights to work, we were delighted to find that we were surrounded by children.
“After our concert, I felt a tug on my sleeve. I turned to notice the little brown-eyed girl I had met earlier in the day. I distinctly remember praying, ‘God, please help this child.’
Surprise Gift: “Speaking in her native language she tried to tell me something–again and again she tried. Finally through the help of an interpreter I learned the message she wanted me to hear. ‘I’ll see you later in heaven,’ said the little girl.
“Then this special child joined her waiting mother and stepped out of my sight. But not out of my mind or heart. Our shared moment changed everything for me. It certainly changed my attitude for the rest of our trip. This small one with the hopeful message didn’t have a big house, or fancy clothes and toys to share, yet she gave me a very special gift that day. It altered my ideas about giving and caring for others. We all have something valuable to give. Each person’s gift is important.”
Generosity multiples: My teenage friend spent her school vacation singing and praying for children in El Salvador. A little girl heard her and gave back words of gratefulness and hope. Then my friend shared the experience with me. That inspired me to share it with you. When we give what we can to another human being, we never know for certain how far our gift will go.
Your gift is important: What did you do today to inspire or help another?
by Joan C Webb on January 27, 2010
Around 2:30 this morning I finished reading Mary DeMuth’s new book, Thin Places, a heart-wrenching memoir of abuse, imperfection, and healing. (More about that in a future blog!) Then after going back to sleep for awhile, I worked in the Mending the Soul workbook by Celestia Tracy (following-up on classes I took last week about helping abuse & trauma survivors.) Later I listen to clients’ angst tinged with hope. Heavy.
Truth is: We’re all wounded–and our pain oozes out in strange ways. We feel squelched sometimes and need AIR. Reminds me a journal entry I shared in my devotional book, It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life.
Journaling reality: “I do what I assume I should while inner and outer bullies dictate how I ought to be: You’re selfish, Joan. Try harder. Get it all done. He’s mad at you. You should do more. You gotta look better. You don’t need rest. I feel confined to a narrow box with little space for developing creativity, intimacy or individuality—all the things I long for.
Get me out!: After years of living this way, I feel raw anguish that I push down–deeper. If I keep busy enough, I don’t have to deal with the disappointment or hurt. Then it backfires and I crash. “Help, Lord,” I cry. “I can’t do it anymore.” And wow, He meets me in my mess. Eventually I read Psalm 31:7-8* and my exhausted heart smiles. I don’t have to stay in the box!
Wide-0pen spaces:
Now every time I read His promise to set my feet in a spacious place, I smile—inside and out. I want to tell any woman (or man) who feels trapped that God will open the lid of your box and take you to a wide-open space. It’s a process, yet He wants to release you from the limitations of your pain and misconceptions and set you in a place of expanded joy.
Making It Personal: What’s your spacious place look like to you? Consider gathering your courage and asking God to take you there.
* “I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw. . . the anguish of my soul. You have. . . set my feet in a spacious place.” Ps. 31:7-8