I love how pity or empathy paled next to the solid comfort of Truth. Elanor's astronomy class has reminded me that the moon is a kind of shield, too, its pockmarked face attracting stray hurtling space rocks to itself. And now maybe our sheepdogs will fetch me that psalm when I call them.
I love the phrasing of “wrestling that fear to the ground” because that is exactly what it is—a wrestle. I find my declaration that “I will see the goodness of God in the land of the living” as my own attempt to call out the truth in the dark. Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth. I needed this reminder today.
Oh friend... (and yes, even though we have never met, you are!)... My heart needed this reminder today, first thing. I am praying for Sara today. Goodness and mercy are not just following us, they are chasing us down. We are seen. Blessings to you for your timely words.
I loved everything about this piece, Elizabeth—all the concrete details you used to anchor me to the reality of that time, but also the image of Mercy and Goodness as sheep dogs. That will stay with me ;-) Thank you!
I don't have anything clever to say, but I'm glad you wrote and shared this. And I'm sure that Sara is so glad to have you in her life. Prayers for all of you.
Thanks for writing this, Elizabeth. Like you and yours, we’ve seen how the church surrounds us and lifts us up in moments when we don’t have anything—no mental strength or physical ability available. It’s a reminder of God’s often intangible presence. I’m thankful for it!
This is beautiful.
I love how pity or empathy paled next to the solid comfort of Truth. Elanor's astronomy class has reminded me that the moon is a kind of shield, too, its pockmarked face attracting stray hurtling space rocks to itself. And now maybe our sheepdogs will fetch me that psalm when I call them.
I love the phrasing of “wrestling that fear to the ground” because that is exactly what it is—a wrestle. I find my declaration that “I will see the goodness of God in the land of the living” as my own attempt to call out the truth in the dark. Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth. I needed this reminder today.
I love that verse too, Amanda. I love the declaration in it— I will.
So powerful and lovely (and funny!) as always ❤️❤️
Oh friend... (and yes, even though we have never met, you are!)... My heart needed this reminder today, first thing. I am praying for Sara today. Goodness and mercy are not just following us, they are chasing us down. We are seen. Blessings to you for your timely words.
I had to do a double-take— never met?! That is wild. Thanks for being such a good friend, Renee. I’m thankful for you. And yes, you are seen. ❤️
I didn't notice how dusty it was in here before I read this essay. I really ought to look at getting an air filter or something.
As I have said before, the key word here is “through.”
That we would not just believe but know that He alone is the LORD, the Most High over all the earth. Psalm 83.18
God brings us through.
I loved everything about this piece, Elizabeth—all the concrete details you used to anchor me to the reality of that time, but also the image of Mercy and Goodness as sheep dogs. That will stay with me ;-) Thank you!
So beautiful! I was tearing up throughout. Thanks for sharing this story, and reminding us of these truths.
Beautifully said and exactly what I needed to be reminded of this morning! Thank you for faithfully using your gift of words for God’s glory!
I don't have anything clever to say, but I'm glad you wrote and shared this. And I'm sure that Sara is so glad to have you in her life. Prayers for all of you.
Thanks for writing this, Elizabeth. Like you and yours, we’ve seen how the church surrounds us and lifts us up in moments when we don’t have anything—no mental strength or physical ability available. It’s a reminder of God’s often intangible presence. I’m thankful for it!