Comments on: a tender ache

By: Corner Gardener Sue

Corner Gardener Sue — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:05:46 +0000

Hi Elaine,
I feel for you and that lady. She is blessed to have your prayers, even if you end up not seeing her again. I like what Joyful said about God providing for another encounter if He desires it. Just buying her a meal off and on, and visiting with her is showing God's love to her. I'm not sure if this is going to come out right, but her life is her life. It's what she knows, and if God has you pop in and visit with her from time to time, that may be something that gives her joy.

I am with you on feeling down about evil in the world from time to time. I work at a high school in a low income area, and there are lots of fights and other inappropriate behaviors.

By: Stonefox

Stonefox — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 01:44:27 +0000

Elaine, God is up to something in your life, for sure. This is indeed haunting. He is shaping you through these experiences and how humbling a thought. Seeing through the glass darkly at what He is weaving in our lives, our communities, our world, is so difficult at times. I pray for your faith and for you to remain faithful.

By: Sharon Brumfield

Sharon Brumfield — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:30:46 +0000

Wow girl…I do so hope that God never allows this to be buried again.
I never thought we would be where we are now. I so remember the first year we lived here and I remember thinking that I was so glad that I was not one of the people who had to live here. Such pride.
And then God began to change my heart. He began to allow me to hear little bits and pieces of their stories. Do you know that there are some highly educated people living here? People who came here…and got stuck because of life situations.
And then there are others here that are here because life got rough and they gave up….lost hope and settled in.
They are people who have been hurt and they are angry….I hear their fights sometimes. The thing I find most endearing…they are a community and they are who they are….they are real to who they are.
Recently I had a friend tell me that they were here because they don't know God. I had to laugh…I am here and I know God. Guess she didn't consider that. She is a good friend and I love her dearly…..but it shows the way we sometimes think as Christians…pretty sad.
I don't know if the people here consider us one of them….but if God brought us here and kept us here so that we could become "one of them"…we are blessed.
Should I never live again in a home…so that they can have a heavenly home….so be it.
There is a world out here that needs to be touched with His love…you did that. Bless you.
But there is also a world out here that needs us to leave our churches and our safety to walk with them along the way. He did.
I'll stop now…thank you for posting this. May all who read it understand that this world does not want to be pitied…they want to be loved…and they need to be loved with His heart.
Love you girl….thank you.

By: Runner Mom

Runner Mom — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:13:01 +0000

Mercy! Oh, Elaine...mercy! I sit here amazed at all of this. So thankful that you and Gayle are ok, and sick to my stomach for what happened just down the way.

Elaine, only God could have orchestrated this meeting with Galye again. He is truly using you to be His hands and feet.

Call me next week and we'll "visit" on the phone.
Love you!
Susan

By: tiggerdaisy

tiggerdaisy — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:12:47 +0000

Elaine,

My word. If I may be so bold to say it--God has you in a unique place right now. A growing place. A good place. I know it hurts and it's uncomfortable to some extent, but it's the place where most growth will occur.

My pastor sent out an email the other day challenging us to "get uncomfortable." Do those things that others won't or don't do. Be Jesus to those around us. You, my friend, are in the uncomfortable. You have been Jesus to Gayle, and may even get the opportunity to be Jesus some more. What an awesome privilege!

Prayers and blessings as you live out the plan God has for you and Gayle,
Rebecca

By: Wanda

Wanda — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:46:16 +0000

I hear your pain Elaine! God bless you for reaching out to this lady! I think much like you in that I want to help those who hurt and hunger.
What is our role? I cannot look away...it's just impossible.
I remember growing up....my parents brought so many people through our home to stay and feed and get a fresh start.
I remember many meals with strangers. I loved knowing that we were able to bless and help them.

By: Deborah Ann

Deborah Ann — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:30:40 +0000

Elaine, could you email me? I tried clicking on your email button, but I don't have my settings set up properly.

theerdmanns@msn.com

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:48:53 +0000

You've put a name on a nameless face for me…just as God has called US by name. I DARE not be the same.

By: Jenilee

Jenilee — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:33:57 +0000

Wow. I just found your blog today. What an amazing experience and example of the grace of God as we follow His leading to reach the hurting and the lost for Him. I'm so thankful for His protection over you. My heart is heavy as I think about all of those families out there in the same place as your friend. thanks for the wonderful reminder this Christmas season.

By: Denise

Denise — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:53:18 +0000

I received my book today, thank you sweetie.