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Reagan Dregge's avatar

I love this pairing. I needed the paragraph about work today, slow and small. And I always need the groaning and going all the way to the bottom for the anchoring. "I don't just want some of it, I want the whole thing."

How astonishing to think that the things we carry to Jesus free up our hearts to carry such a generous, generative love instead.

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Cindy Ragsdale's avatar

What a gift this is to me this morning, Elizabeth. To many, I am sure. (And every time I wince at my memoir dabbling and want to shove it all aside [bury it in a box!], I think of writers like you who are obedient to share these snapshots of truth. Thank you!)

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Elizabeth Harwell's avatar

Thank you for telling me so, Cindy! Please get your stories out of the box and share them with us.

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Sarah Dredge's avatar

Thank you Elizabeth.

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SDG Morgan's avatar

Once again, Elizabeth, a masterful use of comedy to bring out the hidden good, the funny true, the wounded beautiful!

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Elizabeth Harwell's avatar

Thanks for this encouragement, Sam!

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Loren Warnemuende's avatar

I love that image—that in telling those old, painful stories we turn them into comedy—not deliberately, but in telling them we defang them. The truth of their frailty comes to light. They don’t have power over us because our God who loves us so deeply is so much more powerful. Thank you for telling your stories, Elizabeth.

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Julie's avatar

Oh, I can relate! Love reading your work and connecting with you!

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Micah's avatar

Oh, man. I needed this today:

Christ, who calls me to follow Him, am I anxious about my work?

Strengthen my heart to remember:

The times you have used my weaknesses instead of my gifts.

That your work is often small and slow, and mine might be too.

Your promise that your love for me is not dependent upon what I produce.

What a gift. Thanks.

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Elizabeth Harwell's avatar

I’m glad to hear you received it as a gift, Micah. Thank you for telling me. Blessings on your work today! May the Lord establish the work of your hands.

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Faith Chang's avatar

“ I find it endlessly funny the way we humans posture ourselves against reality…there is a grace that comes only to those of us who are laid bare. This place of emptiness is the place from which we actually do get to become more than we are.” So, so good. Thanks for writing this, friend!

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Elizabeth Harwell's avatar

Thank you, Faith! I’m grateful for you.

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Karen Wells's avatar

Loved this piece. And your definition of anxiety: all those stories trying to get out! I enjoy every one of them.

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Janna Y. Barber's avatar

I think I need this prayer everyday! I love your stories, and am so glad you choose to write them down and share them.

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Elizabeth Harwell's avatar

I’m glad you found it helpful, Janna! ❤️

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