when "less" receives a helping hand…

when "less" receives a helping hand…

I’ve been feeling “less” today.
A lot less.
I think it has something to do with the seemingly “more” going on around me… in others’ lives. Maybe even in your life. I didn’t think anyone could talk me out of my feelings. They were pretty strong, fairly steadfast in their obedience to keep watch over my heart. But then I called her… told her I needed to talk to another survivor. And she talked me out of my lesser estate.
She reminded me about our enemy and his wicked intentions. His schemes. His craftiness. His willingness to tailor-make a trap for me. And then she said this…
The next time the enemy comes knocking with his lies, you rip open your shirt… you show him your scars, and you remind him of the price that’s been paid for your faith’s cultivation. There’s a story in your scars, Elaine. Write it before the Lord.
Her words stunned me, lifted me; challenged me and released me to the greater work of my faith. My heart is lighter now than it has been all day. A few well-spoken words from a sister survivor has made all the difference. She understands about faith’s scarring; she carries a few of her own. We’ve known a similar pain. We’ve walked a comparable path, and we serve the very same Lord.
And tonight, my heart is profoundly grateful.
For friends who know Jesus.
For friends who understand scars.
For friends who speak the truth.
For friends who answer their phones, despite what the Caller ID indicates.
Thank you for picking up the phone, friend. You didn’t have to, but in doing so, you’ve been God’s strength and love to me.
May we all, each one of us, add such strengthening and love to a friend in need this week. Never underestimate the power of a few well-spoken words on behalf of the King and his kingdom. He intends for his words to release their witness through his children.
Keep to it. As always…
Peace for the journey,
~elaine

 

PS: I plan on taking a bit of a blogging break this week, but I’ll be around to visit you as I can. Shalom.

37 Responses to when "less" receives a helping hand…

  1. Thank you, Dear One.

    I am keeping to my praying for you.

    And your counsel:"add such strengthening and love to a friend in need this week." I'm praying now that I am being such a friend to two families today and tomorrow and for as long as needed in their separate present distresses.

    Love and hugs to you my Friend,
    Kathie

  2. Elaine, the "more" is happening in your life. You haven't been privy to it. But I have. The wonderful women who are contacting me to bless a woman who blesses them with her words. With her story. I received the first check for your scholarship today. And it about made me cry. I am so glad you stepped out in faith and already registered for She Speaks conference.

    I am looking forward to hearing your story. And I am so glad you had someone who can speak to you out of her scars.

    If you are interested in contributing to a scholarship for Elaine to attend the She Speaks conference. Stop by my blog and send me an e-mail.

  3. Waiting for your caller ID to show up on MY phone this week…

    Love you girl!

  4. Isn't it wonderful how God surrounds us with people to share His Light and help nourish our souls? 🙂

    So glad you had that special connection when you needed it Elaine.

    Have a Blessed Day Dear Lady!

  5. For the record, I've talked to a great many of you in the past week on the phone… Joanne, Beth, Juanita. It's good to know I can count on all of you to walk me through this season. I love you EACH ONE!!!!!!!

    peace~elaine

  6. Thank God for sister survivors! While my journey certainly has not been the same as yours, you have stretched out your helping hand to me on many occasions.

    Thank you for being such an inspiration and encouragement to me.

    I enjoyed our conversation today, friend. I always enjoy laughing with you!

    Love you…soooo much!

  7. And Beth… I'll see you in less thank two weeks! Woo-hoo!!!!!!!

  8. prayers…

    Thank the Lord for good friends. As always you bless me with your journey. Hang in there. You are beautiful.

  9. Love you sweet friend! Such a privilege to walk beside you. You, in turn, have touched my heart!

    Much love in Christ,
    Stacy

  10. So glad the Lord ministered to you through your dear friend, Elaine. He's so good to give us the strength and encouragement we need to keep on keeping on. And remember, He uses you as a helping hand to so many — either in person or through your blog. Blessings to you this week!

  11. We were indeed created for relationship!

    Our Kingdom mindedness enlarges our family – instantly!

    There is always MORE than we could ever see…that's why He gives us friends.

    We are His hands and feet – His heart and eyes – His mouth – His ears – not just for a lost and seeking world, but to be these for each other – in the family of God.

    I too am blessed to call you FRIEND. As my daddy used to say – "look beyond the SCARS to the STARS".

    We are as many as the Stars… from here to eternity …we revel in His Glory – to shine for Him – with you – in season and out of season – in health and in sickness. We shine for you.

    ps: the word verification = 'no weep' – May Jesus hold you – til the tears in you subside.

    PEACE PEACE wonderful PEACE – coming down from the Father above, Sweep over my friend Elaine, forever I pray, with fathomless billows of LOVE

    Hugs,
    Patrina <")>><

  12. Blessings to you Elaine. You continue to inspire with your words.

    Thank you!

    ~Beth

  13. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."
    And a true friend comforts you with the comfort she has received.
    Love you~ Jess

  14. Wise words that could only come will full force from a fellow survivor. Blessings to you and to your fellow survivor friend.

  15. A friend ministered to me last night through an email–reminding me too that I am not less right now or wrong with my emotions. Friends can support and uplift us right when we need it most–so happy she did for you!

  16. What a powerful reminder for all of us. Thank you, Elaine. Praying for you, my friend.

  17. I am soo glad that she was able to speak the words that soo touched your spirit and heart. You have been such a blessing to me and so often put into words what I am feeling or have felt. I don't think I have ever spoke (aloud anyway) to another survior, though I do have a couple of email friends who I have communicated with quite a bit. But it what makes me sooo glad that you are so willing to share here about all you've been through, it ministetrs to me soo much. Blessings to you today, Debbie

  18. wifeforthejourney:

    How blessed you have been to have such friends to call on. For those of us who are on the "outside" of cancer, even us caregivers, there are limits to what we understand. This is a powerful word of wisdom and discipleship that you have received.

    Thanks to all of you, friends and family, for being such a help to Elaine during this most difficult season in her life.

    Elaine, I am so thankful for your willingness to reach out when you have been having such a struggle.

    Love you,
    Billy

  19. Exactly! Your sweet friend nailed it.. 'less is more!'… just as your less is becoming His more in you!

    Great encouragement from her, and nothing is quite like hearing it from someone who has walked it.

    xo

  20. Bearing each other's suffering…I love it. And that's what it's all about – comforting others as we have been comforted. Thank God for friends…

  21. You are in my prayers… and I pray that you will soon feel "more". And, I also pray for your friends who will certainly lift you up.

  22. It's like you have a window in your heart where you can open the curtain and let us look right in there at the deepest, innermost feelings and thoughts! I love that about you! And I have seen scars like yours….they were on three of the bravest women I've ever known….my Mama, my sister and my mother-in-law. I pray God will continue to bless you as you meet your life head-on!

    Love you!
    Marilyn

  23. Your words really hit me. How many people need to hear words of encouragement from me? I say I want to be the hands and feet of God, but am I really available for His use? Thanks for challenging me with your words.
    I found you through your comment on Inspirations from Phather Phil. 🙂
    I am now following you.

  24. Our scars are what testify to His amazing power in our lives, your life Elaine. Look back on months of your writing those whom you have touched. I didn't need to see the scars to know they are there, but more profoundly is your clinging to the one Truth in your process. Thanks for sharing your heart.

  25. Hello, my brave friend. I will never see you as "less", that is one given. No, Faith Elaine, you are so much "more"! More wonderful, more beautiful, more loved…thank you for always sharing when you feel less–it gives more! I love you, lady. Hugs.

  26. Hello, my brave friend. I will never see you as "less", that is one given. No, Faith Elaine, you are so much "more"! More wonderful, more beautiful, more loved…thank you for always sharing when you feel less–it gives more! I love you, lady. Hugs.

  27. I can't tell you how this ministered to my soul. Every Thursday morning, I meet with three other women who have become my fast friends. Sister-warriors in the Lord.

    This morning, it was my turn to pour out my worn-out heart to them.

    And I was restored – encouraged, upheld, and challenged to NEVER let the enemy defeat me with his lies.

    They truly did speak on behalf of the King.

    GOD BLESS!

  28. I so wish I had the strength and wisdom to 'help a friend in need' this week. Yet I am in the lowest of all places this week struggling to just breathe. Praying that God would find it in His heart to send a friend!

  29. You have a wise friend. A strong friend.

    And you are not less, sweet girl.

    The enemy always lies.

    You could never be less.

    Sweet dreams.

  30. Wow; I'm thankful for that friend too. Her encouragement to you blesses me because it blessed you; and then it blesses me again as I survey my own scars.

  31. The scars you bear are beautiful, Elaine. The Father keeps your tears in a bottle. All the pain you've been through is precious to God – because He knows how much it has cost you to keep moving on and never let go.

    Your story is such an encouragement to me.

    Much love
    Lidj

  32. I can so relate to this!! How the enemy loves a big ol' pity party. Sometimes he even tosses in the decorations and refreshments so we'll linger a while.

    I think one of the most precious blessings is to have a friend who will love on us no matter what and will speak truth while doing so.

    Blessings to you, my friend,
    Kelli

  33. I suspected it was Stacy before I even clicked on it. I thought "this is spoken like a true warrior and someone who has a profound understanding of God -sounds like Stacy…a selfless warrior princess"!

    Elaine, you are a genuine example of more. Thank you for shining more of God's power into our lives
    and for your beautiful, strong, faithful heart!

    I'm so glad your heart is lighter now! I continue to lift you up..Stacy too!

  34. Just stopping by to see how you have been doing – always blessed by your posts. Really convicted and encouraged "to be THAT friend"…even this week! Enjoy your blogging break:) I have been doing that for about a month – but am looking forward to blogging again..tomorrow:)

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