Friday, April 18, 2008

A Holy Kiss

Bad news. As far as I’m concerned it comes in three categories. Minor. Such news is easily remedied like discovering Pumpkindoodle’s latest chalk masterpiece drawn on the backdoor, or learning that my favorite T.V. show has been canceled (unless the show is Lost because that nugget of bad news would befit the next category). Major. Bad news of the major variety invokes temporary calamity and requires an exhaustive solution. Breaking an arm or discovering a rat colony in the basement fall under major. Cataclysmic. This is the doozy of all pandemonium inductive bad news with rippling consequences. Losing a job or learning that a loved one acquired a life-limiting illness crash into the realm of cataclysmic.



Click here to read the entire story at The Sampler




37 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just read the "rest of the story." I am so sorry to hear that you have to move again!!!!! UGH! But despite your grief and frustrations, your post is a lovely reflection of a heart bent towards heaven and a hope in the things to come! May God honor and bless your heart to serve Him in the storm of life.

Antique Mommy said...

And you will find that the older you get, a shifting occurs. Things that seemed like a calamity to me before are merely minor now.

I've only been to Charleston and Kiawah, but I would cry too if I had to leave SC. But if you are moving back to TX, well there's just no place like Texas and we'd all throw you a welcome home party.

Tracy said...

Just read your beautiful, but heartbreaking post. I feel for you and your family, dear one. The way you poured out your heart before the Lord shows a broken, but truly surrendered heart. Precious. As we know, He will not leave us comfortless. I have to wonder if God hasn't providentially given you Blog "sisters" who go with you wherever He may lead your family...friends to which you never have to say good-bye. = )

Praying He's especially near to you and your family.

Blessings,
Tracy

2 Cor. 6:10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.

Deidre said...

Praying peace for you and your family. I just read your story. Praying for bitterness to not enter your heart is a good decision, indeed. God has bigger plans....

Melissa said...

You're so right...presenting the hurt to God is the first step to healing so that bitterness will not take root. He's got a plan, and I pray He will make it clear to you soon.

And I'm with Antique Mommy on the perspective part of it all.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for beng so candid. Your words really spoke to me today and reminded me to keep life's interruptions in perspective.

I'm tagging you for Fabulous Father Friday at Notes From My Nest...notesfrommynest.blogspot.com
Join me if you have a few moments to spare!

Cheryl said...

No, I didn't win. :(
I will be praying for you and your family!

bp said...

I will say a prayer for you and your family. I enjoyed reading your post.

sara said...

After reading your post, I realized it could have been written by me a year ago. i thought we were finally in a ministry that would be perm...we had been there 8 years and our ministry and family were thriving. Then God called us out and we, relunctantly at first, obeyed. it was hard, painful, frightening and it hurt...but now on the other side I can so clearly see God's gentle hand guiding us through it and to a place so perfect for us. I will be praying for you and your family as you enter into another transition.

ShalomSeeker said...

I heard in your voice so many other things, restrained and unspoken. But what you *did* say was so very...Jesus. It was a beautiful reflection of His heart in you. May all of your pain and your healed wounds be to the praise of His glorious grace in eternity. And may you find in this journey joy and unspeakable peace.
Prayerfully,
-J
aka, ShalomSeeker

P.S. Thank you for stopping by and sharing encouraging words with me yesterday. :-)

Julie said...

I loved this article and left you a comment on the other blog, but wanted to be sure you saw it.

Your heart is so radiant and beautiful.

Though we didn't move, my husband had 6 jobs in 4 years. It was an extremely difficult season yet one that Papa came to me in ways I was forever changed.

I am praying that this new move will be one that will reveal even greater depths of His great heart for you.

I think of the scripture in Acts that says, From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. Acts 17:26

Praying for peace for you today.

Julie

Andrea said...

Praying for you and your family. Remember that God puts you in places for a reason and "fos such a time as this."

Natalie said...

Thank you for your visit. Your blog is very inviting. I will be back to visit :)

Alana said...

Oh, Angela. I'm so sorry about these new circumstances. It can be so hard to see where God is going with this kind of thing. I'll be praying for you and your family.

Moss & Fern Cottage said...

Thank you for your very sweet comment on my blog. It's so fun when a new "friend" comes into our lives.

I read your story and can empathize a little. We moved a lot when I was younger for my dad’s job. It’s hard on everyone. But I can’t imagine 9 times in 9 years. Just remember this… things happen for a reason. We may not understand why right now, but one day…He will explain it all to us. I have to tell myself that EVERY day. And in the end…it helps ease the discomfort. And you are doing the right thing praying for something positive instead of hanging on to the anger and frustration. I know things will work out for you and your cute little family.

Your blog looks so welcoming and I look forward to coming back and reading more.

At A Hen's Pace said...

Oh, I just wrote a post about our upcoming move and used the same metaphor of being transplanted! It's so human to want to put down roots--for good. God bless you as you trust him to heal your broken heart and damaged roots--and may He plant you next in GOOD soil!!!

~Jeanne

Anonymous said...

Isn't it great to know God is with us, even when it sucks?

Hugs and prayers.

Susan (5 Minutes For Mom) said...

Angela, thank you so much sharing this amazing post on our site. I've left a comment for you over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Shonda said...

Angela, I am praying for you. I don't know where the Lord is moving you next, but I agree with antiquemommy--if you're coming back to Texas you'll definitely have a huge welcome.

I've been through some stuff this week too. I referenced your site and article on my blog as it ministered to me. God is using you in this. I want to thank you for being a vessel for HIM. I pray that as you pour yourself out, HE will fill you up!

Blessings in Christ-

mer@lifeat7000feet said...

Thank you for sharing so honestly. I am sorry you find yourselves in this place. I will pray for you today.

Lynda Meyers said...

Angela,

I too left a comment over at 5 minutes for mom! Your post was beautiful and real.

Great job. Great writing.

BTW: Part 2 of "The Princess and the Prodigal" is up and ready for reading if you're interested!

www.themastersartist.com

Thanks again for sharing your heart.

Madison Richards

Kristen said...

Oh, wow. That is so hard. But God will bless your great attitude!

joy said...

hello. i'm not sure how you found my blog, but i just read your post--i am so sorry to hear that you will have to be moving. i admire your openness with the Lord. as ridiculous as it may sound, sometimes, being truly broken before Him is hard for me. i love the ending verse! He gave me that verse as I was grieving a miscarriage. thanks for being so open.

happyhome said...

I appreciate the raw beauty of your posts. Thank you for sharing from such a deep place in your heart (this post and the one on PPD). Your honesty will be the rope someone else reaches out to when they are feeling desperate. There's something about knowing we aren't the only ones.

On another note, your little ones are precious!

Pam said...

Oh dear! I am so sorry! I feel like there is a reason you were drawn to my blog! There is a small college near where I live. I have no idea if they are in need of professors or anything like that - but I feel like we were meant to cross paths so that if nothing else, I could tell you about this place. (though the selfish side of me would LOVE to have someone like you move near me and be friends with my family).

Anonymous said...

Angela,

My heart aches for you. I don't know what it is like to be uprooted in that way, but I do know that God will not close one door without opening another. I can't wait to hear what He has in store for you.

Laski said...

You write with such honesty and beauty . . .

As someone who has moved quite a bit (though not as often as you), I can relate.

"A promise was betrayed, trust severed, hope stunted. Ah yes, a broken heart indeed." This is very disheartening . . . but I do not doubt that God has his reasons.

Thank you for visiting and you kind words on my blog. Hope to see you again . . . L

Gretchen said...

Hang in there. Yes, if ever a life boo-boo needed a Holy Kiss this is one. Bless you as you praise Him in the good and the bad and allow Him to work in you and in your family. He has GREAT plans for you, friend.

Sharon Brumfield said...

We too are getting ready for a move.I hear your heart.
Do we know where God is going to take us or how He will provide-No.
But like the manna He gave in the wilderness--I am counting on His faithfulness.
I agree with you that each experience carries us deeper in our relationship with Him.
He stands out in the deep and He asks us--Will you follow me even here?
Yes Lord, even into the valley of the shadow of death I will follow you.
Praying for you sister.
Sincerely.
Thank you God that you see our hearts and you hear us even before we pray.
Thanks for coming by for a visit.

Unknown said...

What a beautifully written piece. I'm sorry for your pain, but know that you will be alright because of your strong faith. I love that God kisses boo boos - Smiles.

ruth at comfort cafe said...

Thanks for stopping by Comfort Cafe and your kind comments. I really appreciate your site, especially your honesty about the baby blues...

Melanie said...

What a beautiful post that shows what a loving God we serve. I am so happy you found peace in God during this difficult time. I, too, find that when I turn it over to God the peace flows abundantly.

I'm so glad I stopped by for a visit this evening.

Corinne said...

Beautifully written - I love your beginning. I how that you are able to see the purpose in all this soon :)

Vixbil said...

Your blog is so heartfelt and inspirational, I am so enjoying reading it. I feel for you so much as I have just read the rest of your story and so know how you feel. Our family has moved around alot, not since we had children thank goodness but we have had a lot of job changes with them. Each time something happens it is so hard, I will be praying for peace in this situation for you and your family

Joanne@ Blessed... said...

Your words just touched my heart.....again.

I wish I were close to help you pack or to just share a cup of tea.

I prayed for you and your family today.

Just so you know, your husband sounds a lot like mine. Though mine is not a professor, that is the desire of his heart. He has been applying at local colleges around here. So far, no luck.

In case I haven't already told you. I LOVE your writing. God has blessed you so. There are times I have to pray not to covet!

I have added your button to my blog. I pray that in some small way it helps to share your blog with other women, your written words.

In Him my friend,

Joanne

Tori said...

wow. i just read the "rest of the story"... wow. we moved seven times our first four years of marriage, and i remember thinking after each unpacking ritual, "ok, this is it"... but it wasn't, and i had to keep my heart open, raw and surrendered lest it became hardened and frustrated with God.

the good news is, He was there all along the way, and still, consistently, has never failed us. stay strong, and know that your new friend has said a prayer for you.

Ice Cream said...

I know this bad news all to well. Now we have finally stayed put for awhile but I'm too cynical to enjoy it. I have this constant fear that once I believe we are settled we will have to move again. You are so right about where we have to go with our pain. It is my faith that keeps me going and keeps me from letting the cynacism ruin my life.

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