RESILIENCE

Resilience might seem an odd word choice for a Memorial Day meditation.

God has reminded us in His word that there will be tough times in our lives......

times when we'll need to keep our mindset on Christ. (James 1: 2, 12) 

Times when resilience and steadfastness are needed. 

Oxford On-line Dictionary defines resilience as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties: toughness. It's a word often describing survivors of 9/11 Twin Towers terrorist attack and veterans of wars returning home.

Times when resilient Christians must look past their troubles and keep their mind on Him

Times of war.

Such times are happening in Ukraine even as I type. 

I know because I received an email this morning showing pictures of new devastation in Severondonetsk. Destruction by ongoing artillery from the skies to street battles leaving stench of bodies on the ground. 

But God.....will always be there with us. (Joshua 1:9)

Resilient believers never stop trusting in God. But it helps when other believers come alongside with prayers and resources to help in such battles. A fellowship of people on the same side of the struggle though not physically in the same location.

Resilience shared is resilience at its best. (Dotsy, 5/27/22)

FILLED WITH INERTIA!

Inertia is one of the few science principles I recall from the classroom. 

Early on, Captain Wood taught me that inertia is the property of matter at rest to remain at rest until acted on by an outside force. (my definition from memory) 

These past days, the onset of my COVID has shown me that sometimes we need more than an outward force to get us moving. 

Not feeling of shame from others, who can pull up by their bootstraps. Not my own self-will. Not even words & suggestions from friends. (though  much appreciated) Nothing outward has seemed to work.

So....I have remained at rest. More like zonked. 

For me, my physical lagging, lack of zeal (Romans 12:11) has required an inside action. 

It has been a result of being "alive with Christ." Through His strength and the prayers of many in the household of faith.

I have at least had hope that soon things would change, not by my strength or who I am, but because of His strength and who He is! 

But God......in His love and mercy made me "alive with Christ." (Ephesians 4:4)

Originally this entry was written May 15. Hmmm,,,,,,obviously inertia kept me from clicking on 

ROOTED IN TRUTH!

Last night's performance of "Rooted in Truth" was amazing! A perfect prelim for today........

.......National Day of Prayer.

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6-7, NKJV) 

Sister Natalie (left) & brother Martin congratulate sister Miriam after her performance. How fitting it was that she was part of the "sign language" troupe as that is the way she communicates with her brother.

I am full of gratitude this morning for being a small part of this precious family's life.They help keep me grounded/rooted.

WONDERFUL WORDS!

What a germane topic for "Wordsmith Wednesday"---Wonderful Words!

There's nothing quite like waking up to just the words one needs to hear!

So grateful to friend, Doris, who shares insights from a wordsmith friend of hers. Scottie. His sporadic  devotionals always seem spot on! This one builds with comparatives and turns us to Jesus, our portion, our peace, and our passion. 

We women know---if we compare, we despair. 

What a peaceful way to begin our day. So-o-o-o calming. 

Who doesn't need "calming" words these days! 

Before I could even finish this blog entry, a text from my dear Ukrainian friends shared that they are hearing bombing in their city today for the first time. They who have been feeding and sheltering hundreds of people daily since this horrific war began, as well as risking their own lives to transport the most vulnerable out of the war torn east to the borders, are now under attack. 

Help them, Lord. Be their strength, portion, peace and the lifter up of their heads

May all who read this lift prayers of comfort and safety on their behalf.