For When You Feel Invisible
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Today, over at Proverbs 31 Ministries, I’m talking about that time my salsa jar sprouted eyes. If you haven’t read my devotion, “That Sneaking Feeling You’re Being Watched,” I hope you’ll take a moment to discover why I went on a googly-eyed campaign one morning last summer. If you want to be entered into the googly-eyed give-away, keep reading!
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I drove by her twice before I stopped to help.
It’s not that I didn’t see her there, standing on the corner of a busy intersection just across the parking lot from my favorite bagel shop.
It’s just that I didn’t know what to do.
Me, the mom in the mini-van with three gallons of milk in the trunk and a five-year-old singing Frozen tunes in the back seat.
Me, with a measly two dollars in my wallet and a pack of pink bubble-gum on the dash.
Me, still a stranger in my own town, reeling from our family’s recent relocation.
What could I do for a life-worn woman holding a card board sign that broadcast her desperation on the first day of spring?
My stomach pitched as my van neared the corner where she stood, and I told myself I’d just read the scrawl on the cardboard and then figure out my next move.
But there was a long line of cars beside me, and those hand-scratched letters were hard to decipher through a sheen of moving metal.
So I crossed the intersection when the light turned green, and I assuaged my guilt with rational self-talk.
I don’t have much cash anyway. I’m new to town. I don’t know who to call for help. I don’t even have a church home in this community yet. No pastor to contact. No friends to consult.
It’s amazing how a Jesus-loving middle-class woman can convince herself that the gospel is situational.
And that it doesn’t really apply to her.
I first heard the parable of the Good Samaritan when I was a little girl sitting on a baby bear chair in the basement of my small town church.
And I earned a brand new Jesus-loves-me- pencil for memorizing the heart of that story and reciting it to my Sunday School teacher with pride:
Over the years, I’ve taught that gospel truth to wee ones perched on my knees and to hundreds of Sunday School students sitting cross-legged in their shiny shoes.
But there at a bustling intersection of a town graced with white sand beaches and white-collared wealth, I drove right by my hungry neighbor on the street corner to buy a Happy Meal for my well-fed child.
When I emerged from the drive-thru lane, I secretly hoped that the sign-holder would be gone.
But she was still there, her feet planted atop a mound of dingy snow.
I thought about trying to cross the traffic again and circle around to read her cardboard plea. But the car behind me was honking impatiently.
And my preschooler was whining about watching a movie for her afternoon rest time. And that milk in the trunk needed to be stashed in the fridge.
So I eased into the home-bound lane and tried to ignore the quiet knot in my stomach.
Go back and tell her I see her.
The words passed through my mind like a holy whisper.
I’m already on my way home, I argued.
The steering wheel felt slippery beneath my fingers, my hands clammy and cold.
I don’t even have enough money to help, I contended as I dug two crumpled dollar bills from my wallet.
Just tell her I see her.
The voice wasn’t audible or noisy, it was just a pressing thought that refused to leave.
I pulled into the parking lot of a regal white church, and sat there a moment, watching silver sunbeams dance with the spindly spire.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
I turned my van around and headed back from where I’d come.
Cars streamed through the intersection where the windblown woman stood. And I watched as drivers subtly turned their heads away from that cardboard sign.
As if the one holding it were invisible.
Or invaluable.
Or both.
What hurts worse-– I wondered, as I parked my van and began walking toward the busy street corner—the pain of desperation or the pang of disregard?
Tell her I see her. The words somersaulted over my musings and added a hustle to my step.
What happened next wasn’t like a script from a poignant Hallmark movie. Or a tidy Sunday School lesson.
It was more like a snapshot from an awkward junior high dance. A picture framed with embarrassing tears and drippy snot and fumbling words.
I started to cry as soon as I got close enough to see the woman’s forlorn face and to read her simple sign.
“Help! I’m Hungry. Need a Job.”
I played with the money in my pocket and felt absolutely ridiculous for getting out of my minivan.
I was a stay-at-home-mom in a new town. I hadn’t held a job myself for fifteen years, and I had no connections with anyone who might be able to offer a desperate woman an honest day’s wages.
I couldn’t solve this woman’s problem or fix her woes.
But I could let her know she wasn’t invisible.
“Ma’am, what do you need?” I looked the sign-holder straight in the eyes and waited for her reply.
She stared humbly at the ground and told me she needed work. Slowly, her story spilled from her cold chapped lips. She pointed to the Goodwill store across the road and to the Arby’s behind us. And she told me how she’d applied here and there and across town and down that block. But no one had offered her a job. No one.
And how was a woman to eat if she couldn’t work?
The volume of her voice had risen steadily, the injustice of it all flaming frustration.
When she finished, it was my turn to stare at my feet and to admit that that I didn’t have any answers.
I held out my measly two dollars and began to sniffle. “I’m sorry I can’t help you more…But I will pray today that God will send you somebody who can.”
It felt too little too late, like offering a Bandaid to a soldier who’s been hit by a grenade.
I didn’t know what else to do, so I turned to leave. That’s when I heard that pushy Voice say, “Pray now!”
I looked at all the vehicles stopped at the red light. Those drivers were no longer turning their eyes from the sight on the corner; they were craning their heads to see.
My throat felt dry and my legs quaked, but I walked back to the beggar and asked if I could pray for her right then and there on the edge of that pile of graying snow.
She nodded tentatively, and I put my hand on her shoulder and leaned in so close that her disheveled braids tickled my nose.
“Dear Jesus,” I prayed. “Thank you for this sister of mine whom you know and see.
She needs to see you, too.
I don’t know how to help her, but You do, Lord. Please show up BIG today.
Send someone to help her find a job, someone who can meet her needs.
Someone who can remind her that You love her and your plans for her are good.”
Our eyes popped open at the same time, hers glistening with silent tears to match the ones zigzagging down my cheeks.
I gave her one more awkward hug and asked a final question.
“Ma’am? What’s your name?”
She cast me a toothless grin and answered. “Daisy. My name is Daisy.”
I returned her smile and headed to my mini van, praying with every step that Daisy would know the lavish love of God.
Then as I drove away, I took one last glance at the special woman on the street corner.
For some reason, she looked like she was standing a little taller, like a flower about to bloom in the light of the Son.
Friends, I’m not sure where you’re planted today or what you’re facing, but I knew this for certain— Jesus knows. Jesus sees. And Jesus cares.
And if you lift your eyes to Him, you’ll discover that His eyes are already fixed on you.
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The Googly-Eyed Give-Away!!!
I’m thrilled to be partnering with my friend, Jennifer from Studio J.R.U for today’s Googly-Eyed-Give-Away!
Jennifer makes mixed media art inspired by faith. Her creations will bring joy to your heart and fill your walls with encouragement.
Today, she is giving away a paper copy of this original print inspired by the stunning truth of 2 Chronicles 16:9a.
If you’d like to be entered into the drawing to win this beautiful piece of artwork (as well as a pack of googly-eyes for creating your own special refrigerator surveillance!) just leave a comment telling me about a time you knew God had His eye on you. Or let me know how I can pray for you today.
To see more of Jennifer’s amazing artwork, visit her shop or connect with her on Facebook or Instagram
Alicia, I don’t know if you remember me, I worked at the school in Pella for awhile, Lincoln. But I’ve been following your blog, and finally felt moved to respond. Your kindness and grace are inspirational. That you would stop and pray with a stranger, beautiful. I remember a very special doctor (;-)) once asked if he could pray for me when it looked like I might lose our second child. I was as surprised as Daisy probably was, but said yes, please, thinking he meant next Sunday in church. But he did, right there. That baby is 7 years old now, but I’ll never forget that moment. Bless you all. And thank you for sharing your experiences here, too.
Karen, thanks for taking time to re-connect here. I do remember you from Lincoln school (we still miss that special place!) and I happen to adore that praying doctor you mentioned:) God is good, isn’t He? Give that “baby” of yours a hug and know God has GREAT plans for that seven-year-old. Hugs from Holland!
The last year has been an especially difficult one for me. I have gone through many trials and transitions and am still working through a few. Through it all, I know God has remained steadfast and I would not be where I am without Him. Despite my trials, I have a wonderful (new) family, a great (new) job and so many other blessings. I have joy in my heart and go to sleep with a peaceful smile each night. I know God’s eyes have been on me and my faith in Him has not wavered.
Lynda, what a beautiful testimony to God’s faithfulness. I’m celebrating with you all the wonderful new things God has given you and all that He’s done for you in the midst of a difficult year. Thanks for taking a moment to share your story. I know it will be an encouragement to someone today who needs to be reminded of God’s goodness.
Alice, I stumbled onto your site from your devotional today, “That Sneaky Feeling…”. After I read the story about you and the woman with the sign, I could so identify with your emotions. I have been there, torn between the urging of the Holy Spirit and the selfish pride of avoiding embarrassment and the gawk of others. I can’t say I have always listened and acted to the His urging, but when I have, nothing compares to the warmth that radiates from being centered in His will. He sees it all, my failures and successes, but still loves me anyway.
Carolyn, I agree- being in the center of God’s will isn’t always comfortable but it is always satisfying:) I have just as many stories about ignoring God’s nudges and passing by as I do about following and enjoying the thrill of obedience. So glad He keeps using us despite our failures. And loves us without reservation. Thanks for taking time to comment.
I enjoyed reading your post. I would like to ask for prayer. I am struggling with being a working mother of 3 toders. My hubs works 3rd shift, including weekends so I feel single most of the time. Please pray that I can be the mother God wants me to be. Thank you!
Tara, I am praying for you RIGHT NOW… asking God to be your partner and guide, to strengthen you as you juggle parenting and working and all the “stuff of life’ that comes at you each day.You’re in an intense season of motherhood- toddlers are marvelous and messy and exhausting all at once. May you rest in knowing that you are already exactly the mother your kids need. God chose YOU out of all the women in the world to parent your little ones. May you see signs of His love this week, friend. And have ears that hear His voice as He encourages you day by day. This was my “life-line verse” when I had little ones underfoot… “He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;he gently leads those that have young” Isaiah 40:11. May He carry you and your children close to His heart and lead you day by day with his tender mercy.
My sister-in-law sent me your googly-eyed post today as an encouragement which led me to this. I SO needed to hear today that I am seen, known and loved by the Creator of everything. I want to stand on His promises regardless of my circumstances. Thank you for these beautifully-written reminders!
I would precise prayers to learn to be less of a perfectionist because it can and at times has become paralyzing. Thanks you.
Thank you for sharing this story. I love that you heard God and were obedient. I think I need to be still more so I hear his voice.
Margaret, I WILL pray that God will set you free from perfectionism. I have walked that journey myself and certainly have found that there is joy in being an imperfect woman in the hands of a Perfect Savior! My friend, Jennifer Dukes Lee, just wrote a beautiful book about that very journey! Her book, Love Idol, is an incredible encouragement for those of us who want to break free and live with passion, purpose, and joy. Here’s the link to her blog and book http://jenniferdukeslee.com/love-idol/ Praying for you, friend.
I enjoyed reading both the P31 and this one today, what an encouragement and reminder that God sees us all the time and loves us unconditionally. I’ve recently been on a path to truly understanding Gods deep love for me. Through dark times and problems I could never have foreseen I have learned more of His love for me. And out of it I now experience so much joy from my journey. I often think of the story I read my children, Firebird, that even through the storms God is always there, He never leaves us, but wants to imprint His presence and our dependence on Him deep in our hearts. I am humbled by this wonderful truth! Thank you for sharing your heart and the truth of Scripture, you have blessed me today!
Thanks, Charity, for the reminder that God is always at work in our storms. So glad you can see His handprint on your life! Sometimes it seems His love shines even brighter in darkness. I’ll have to check out the “Firebird” story you read your children. Thanks for lingering here for a moment.
Praise to our Omniscient (All-knowing) Heavenly Father who says “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart….” (from Isaiah 1:5 NIV) Our God truly is amazing in the way He expresses His love for each one of us so personally and so intimately. Lately as I ponder the thought of being “known” by Him, I have been enjoying summer nights in California by taking time to gaze up at the stars displayed in the beautiful night sky. I can’t help but be in awe of God… that my God (our God) loves all that He created so much that he encourages each one of us to “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens” and then asks us to ponder “Who created all these?” God reveals that it is “He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.” And then tells us “Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” (Isaiah 40:26 NIV) WOW! I just ponder over that and I am awestruck! To know Him and be known by Him fills my heart with such joy indescribable! Since he knows the stars by name, certainly he knows each one of us by our names, for He created us! I am inspired to trust Him in all circumstances I might be experiencing in any given day because I know, trust and believe He knows me by name, knows my heart and my situation, and that He is and will always be with me and help me. There was a time (July of 2013) when I was experiencing my worst trial ever, but God personally comforted me and made HIS PRESENCE KNOWN to me, reminding me and assuring me that He knew every detail of my difficult trial. While on an intimate hike with Him in the mountains of North Carolina that July of 2013, I stopped for a moment to pray and cried out aloud expressing to him how deeply hurt and broken my heart was. When I asked him to please help me remember His promise that good things would eventually come out of my trial (which He had revealed to me the day before that hike that the good things to come would be His “Honey from the Rock”)…I ended up asking Him for a memorial stone to help me remember my hike with Him and all the promises He had made to me. I asked Him while hiking if He could “please give me a heart-shaped rock”—and I specifically even asked by the leading of the Holy Spirit if He could please give me “a white one” (a white heart-shaped rock so that I would know it was from Him.) Within a few steps of continuing my intimate hike with God, I spotted the most beautiful white, heart-shaped rock! I found it chipped on the back side with a slight crack in the middle (symbolic of my broken heart), but when I flipped the rock over to see the other side it was (and to this day is) a perfect shaped white heart with the outline of a finger on the front that appears to be “pointing” or “directing” the heart. Gazing in awe that God had answered a simple prayer to grant me a memorial stone (for helping me to remember promises made by HIM), The Holy Spirit immediately brought to my mind/heart Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways and He will direct your paths.” In that very moment I felt KNOWN by God who chose to make His presence KNOWN! Endless praises to HIM! I will trust HIM with all my heart!!! His Daughter, “Bea” Joy:) in CA
Bea “Joy”, thank you, thank you for this beautiful testimony to God’s precious faithfulness. I love the way He is SO CREATIVE in responding to our needs and assuring us of His love. I once had a similar experience on a walk along a lake. I was crying out and begging God to woo my firstborn to His heart and to make my son a boy who was totally in love with Jesus. And when I looked up from my prayer, I spotted a tree branch in the shape of a perfect heart. God is good:) I wish I could have taken that branch home like you were able to keep the rock. What a beautiful and tangible reminder for you that God hears our cries! So glad you stopped by the Overflow today!
Alecia, what a beautiful story of your faithfulness to follow God’s lead and help this precious woman. What a joy it is for me to serve along side of you at P31. Hugs! Leah
Thanks, Leah! I’m thrilled to be serving beside you, too. Love how God gives us friends for the journey!
Such a beautifully written story. I had a similar situation happen to me – only I chose to step off a ledge with a wide open wallet, curious if giving more would leave me with more satisfaction (which, of course it didn’t). I paid for a full tank of gas and several hundred dollars worth of groceries. I also prayed with the couple before I left them. In the end, I learned the same thing you did with your two wadded up dollar bills – it’s not about what we give or how much we give, it’s about listening and loving – it’s about truly remembering NO ONE should ever be invisible to us.
Oh, Pat, way to follow Jesus right off the ledge:) Thanks for sharing your story. I love it when He lets us be His hands and feet.. whether that involves a whole wallet or a few bucks. Praying we’ll both keep listening and loving!
I feel like I should be content as all get-out and that it’s a sin not to be, because I have a good job especially in this economy and with thousands of people having a similar stories as Daisy’s. I can’t figure out if my lack of contentedness is truly a sin or is the Father calling me to do something I can be more passionate about. Please pray for clarity for me. Thank you ever so sincerely.
Carolyn, I’ve been in that same spot before- trying to discern if my discontentment has a root of ingratitude or if it is just the “prodding stick” God is using to push me into something new. I’m asking Him to give you discernment and guidance right now and to speak clearly to you as you seek His will. Whether He changes your circumstance or just changes your heart, may He give you new passion for the life He’s designed just for you.
Thank you so much, Alicia. It’s a blessing to know you and others are praying for me 🙂 What a wonderful thing to be part of God’s family.
Hi. You can pray for me to fix my eyes on God and not on me and my problems or desires. I’m going thru a period (almost a year) where I feel invisible for God since I’m asking for a baby and God doesn’t answer my prayer.
Thank you.
God will make a way when you see no way. I prayed for a child when I got married, and it wasn’t happening. One day, 7 long years later, He blessed me with a beautiful little girl. I continued to thank Him and ask for another child. He blessed me with a beautiful baby boy 11 years later. All good things are worth waiting for. God will bless you too, in His Time, not our time. God Bless You.
Debbi, what an amazing testimony of God’s faithfulness! Thank you.
Oh, Sharon, it’s SO HARD to believe God sees and listens when He is not answering our prayers in the time we want or in the way we want. I am praying for you RIGHT NOW, asking God to do something today that confirms His love for you and makes you feel seen. I’m also claiming Isaiah 26:5 for you, friend. Love the Message version of this favorite verse– “People with their minds set on you,
you keep completely whole,
Steady on their feet,
because they keep at it and don’t quit.
Depend on God and keep at it”
because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.”
What a wonderful story and I love the googly eye idea. I know God is watching over me because I’ve dealt with physical problems the last couple of years and when I got very down about it, he pulled me back out. Blessings.
I love how God can reach into that pit where we’ve fallen and pull us out. Thanks for your encouraging testimony, Dede.
Thank you for this reminder and encouragement that God sees us even when we feel lost and invisible. Please pray for me. I’ve recently had a tooth extracted and it got infected. I have an autoimmune disease, so these kinds of things really take a lot out of me. My husband is traveling and I have so much that is begging for my attention. Its easy to feel overwhelmed. Thank you!
Susan, it sounds like you’re in a hard spot right now. I am praying for God’s strength to replace your weariness and asking God to encourage you today with His tender love. It IS easy to feel overwhelmed when things don’t go right. I am asking Jesus to OVERWHELM YOU with a sense of His peace today. Claiming Isaiah 26:3 for you as I pray—‘{GOD} will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in {Him}.”
Such a neat post on here and on P31, God surely is watching. When I don’t understand the reason for changes in my life I put my trust in him and its never too far down the road that I can’t just look back on where he has taken me to see the “why” in his Will for my life. His ways truly are greater than mine and he reveals it to me at just the right time. I am so thankful to know he is watching over me and directing my path. What peace comes from knowing He is in control.
Hindsight is encouraging, isn’t it? I love how God answers our “whys” at exactly the time we need Him to! I’m glad He’s in control. I’d make a mess of things if God put me in charge! Thanks for stopping by today:)
excellent verse/thank you alicia.
pray that the Lord pursues me IF its HIS will for a new work
59/no college/i presently work (16) years and enjoy the clerical aspect but longing for a change
married 38 years on thursday/adult sons in different states. i am asking big; praying IF its God’s will that he would move us towards them to work.
nothing is too hard for our Jesus. nothing.
I’m praying for you right now, Vida. Asking God to do something NEW in your life, to create change and work BIG. Claiming one of my favorite verses for you today- Isaiah 43:19, The Message: “Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.
It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?
There it is! I’m making a road through the desert,
rivers in the badlands.”
I have known since childhood God is watching me but at times especially in difficulties we tend to forget. Thank you for reminding me God’s eyes always see me. This has refreshed my soul.
I agree, Wanda. Even when we know in our head God’s eyes are always on us, it is easy to forget that truth in the moment. Thanks for stopping by!
A few days ago, I was struggling with a sense of purposeless in my life. Shortly after, when listening to Lincoln Brewster’s new song “Sinking Ships,” I was struck by the lyrics that say “And your heart stands still / Hanging by this melody of a life / That hasn’t lost its meaning.” A life that hasn’t lost it’s meaning…it’s beautiful how God can work through a timely song.
Thank you for sharing how you reached out to Daisy even though it wasn’t comfortable. I can totally relate to that uncertainty! I want to help others feel visible also, and my prayer is for strength for us all and sensitivity to God’s whispers. Thank you for exemplifying this courage to listen! I could sense God’s heartbeat pulsing in your words.
Larissa, I LOVE your testimony about Lincoln Brewster’s song! And I love how God speaks to our hearts in so many ways. I am praying a fresh annointing over you, dear sister, and a revived passion. May God continue to use your life in mighty ways to accomplish His Kingdom plan. May you feel HIS PURPOSES buoying you and spurring you on and HIS STRENGTH giving new zeal to your weary legs so you can continue to run the race God has set before you!
After my husband left me for his 12 year old student at the age of 32 my life has been full of disappointment. I had depression and he was awarded custody of our kids even though I took better care of them. For a while I lived in the front house while he and his girlfriend lived in the back house. I had to deal with her large bra in my dryer. My pain has grown as I’ve watched my kids walk away from God. I’ve remarried and was unable to have kids again with him. All I’ve ever wanted to be is a mom. I never would have dreamed my life would have turned out like this. Often I feel forgotten by God.
Oh, Angela, I am aching with you as I listen to your story. I am sorry for your pain and your loss and your disappointment. Right now, I am praying that God will give you a fresh awareness of His tender mercies and His lavish love for you, that He will speak to your heart and comfort you, and that you will know without a doubt that He HAS NOT FORGOTTEN you. I’m also praying that God will bring wise and godly Christian women to walk alongside you, because we all need some friends for the journey, especially when we’re walking through deep dark canyons.
I am claiming Dt 4:29-31 for you today, dear sister: “… if you seek God, your God, you’ll be able to find him if you’re serious, looking for him with your whole heart and soul. When troubles come and all these awful things happen to you, in future days you will come back to God, your God, and listen obediently to what he says. God, your God, is above all a compassionate God. In the end he will not abandon you, he won’t bring you to ruin…”
What a touching story! I know God has His hand on me, as well as my family. My 90-yr old mother fell a month ago and broke her hip, she has some dementia, and is in rehab. She’s never been away from home – my sister and I live with her… she’s doing a lot better but was confused, scared, and in pain – not able to bear any weight on her leg for 4 weeks. Just yesterday she was told the hip looks good but she can add only toe-touch weight. I was thankful for that but so disappointed it wasn’t more. I don’t know exactly how we’ll get thru these long weeks ahead except that God has been faithful having gotten us thru the first 4 with no one else to depend on, and I know He’ll see is thru.
Her only other immediate family is a sister 17 years younger, 50 miles away, that came the day of surgery and has called only once since. We’ve really struggled, trying to take care of ourselves while making sure we’re with my mom as much as possible during the day. I would love prayers for healing for my mom for complete healing of the hip, quickly, as well as the dementia, and also for my sister and I as we muddle thru the hardest situation I think we’ve ever had to cope with. Thank you so much for sharing this story and for your prayers!
God has had His eyes of peace, His eyes of provision, His eyes of promise upon my family and I as I left an 18 year federal career to raise our grandson abandoned by my daughter when he was born. How we were going to make ends meet with the loss of a second income was unknow, but His eyes have never left us! We have had financial miracles over the last 2 year’s that would blow your socks off! We will be blessed by being debt free by February 2015 done with with less income! How crazy is that. Oh, how beautiful are His eyes on us, in every moment of life!
Mant blessings to you on this beautiful day He has made!
Thank you for your most refreshing Encouragement for Today devotion. Your words filled me full on a day when my heart was parched. You gave me a fresh perspective on a verse I have had memorized for years. How thankful I am God’s Word is living and active and that He used YOU to bring that verse alive again and speak a fresh word to my heart today!! I love serving alongside you at Proverbs 31, and I’m so thankful you are on our writing team!!
Blessings,
Wendy
I tried all summer to find a better part time job. I applied, I interviewed, I networked. Nothing. A friend asked me to care for her children in the morning if she took a new position. I was frustrated – she’d had only been looking for a week! Then she called asking if I would be interested in the position – she just couldn’t do it herself. I interviewed and got the job that day! God is never far; He hears my prayers and knows what I need.
God showed me that he saw me when my marriage was crumbling. I knew something was bothering my husband, and that it was something concerning me, but he wouldn’t talk about it and instead would just say it was nothing. After pouring my heart out time and time again to God in my prayer journal, I asked one more time for God to show me what was bothering my husband so that I could work on fixing it in order to find peace in my marriage again. I had just finished writing that sentence when my husband came into our bedroom where I was, sat down on the edge of the bed, and said, “Do you want to know what’s been bothering me?” and proceeded to tell me. I knew right then that, although I felt completely broken after listening to my husband’s frustrations with me, that God heard me and saw my pain!
Oh, Jen, thanks for your honest testimony here. God is HUGE, isn’t He? Praying He has created beauty from brokenness in your marriage. I love the way you gave Him a humble heart and He showed His might!
When I lost my mother, God kept His watchful eyes on me, helping me through my grief. His overwhelming love and faithfulness through the journey was beyond my comprehension, but I knew then that He would never let me down–and He never has.
CJ, I haven’t walked down that road marked by great loss yet, and I appreciate your testimony of God’s faithfulness even in the dark. May He continue to comfort you and carry you.
a favorite verse 2Chronicles 16:9 (i know, how many times do we say that; but there is something sooooo comforting (and convicting) w/those holy words.
i am a seasoned mom/wife of 38 years this thursday. i love this new writing; these edgy holy authors; REAL (and not so simple tee hee)
may the Lord bless you Alicia/keep you/command his angels over you and your children/husband (psalm 91:11-12)
pray for me that if its the Lord’s will that He would pursue me for a new work; i am 59/no college and have been LONGING for a change (thank you)
Thanks for your prayers, Vida. And I’m lifting you up to the Throne of Grace right now, joining you in praying for a change.
Thank you for this beautiful story. I love the googly eye idea and plan to use it to encourage a friend of mine who has a great sense of humor. I also love the beautiful artwork. The most recent experience that I had where I knew that God saw me was at a Weekend Retreat with my church. There was a wooden cross with the mountains in the background and some wooden pews in front. I sat there one morning and praised God for all of the beautiful women that I had met and in the midst of my praising, He reminded me that I was beautiful too. It was a very precious moment that I will always treasure.
Sandy, I love this story—such a precious reminder of God’s heart for us, His beloved. May you continue to live a beautiful life as His beautiful daughter!
Hi Alicia
I have felt God’s presence this past year walking me through His plans for my life.
Kim
Thank you for sharing. I often don’t know how to handle these types of situations and appreciate your example of faith and courage. I love the artwork and would enjoy the reminder that we are known by God and can help others be known and seen — small ways matter.
Sara, I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who feels awkward when God places a need in front of my face and I don’t know what to do about it. We’ll keep praying for wisdom and courage in this journey!
i needed to read something like this just to be reminded of what’s important in daily living. thanks