I have received so many letters of encouragement from readerss, and each time I reply to one yet another is finds its way to my inbox. Thank you. As I’m reading your letters (and I’m not through all of them yet) I am touched that women are reaching out to me to offer encouragement, and share their own pain. Women are coming forth from the shadow of shame to share their secret past of drug addiction, abortions, suicidal thoughts, and infidelity. It’s one thing to be forgiven, it’s an entirely different thing to accept that forgiveness and leave the shame at His feet.
I wish that you, my readers, were each sitting beside me, because I know that this encouragement isn’t for me alone. And besides that I’d love to offer a hug.
Time-Warp Wife was featured with a full page article in our local newspaper, and that led to much scoffing, ridicule, and emotional yet painful threats. These things can hurt us, but at the same time I count it a privilege to carry the cross of Jesus Christ if only for a moment or two. What a blessing it must have been for Simon the Cyrenian to carry the cross of our Lord for the short time he did! I’ve often thought about that, but hadn’t had the honor of feeling the weight of my cross as deeply as I have this year. I can’t for a second imagine the immense weight of sin and humiliation that Jesus carried for us.
These letters–these offerings of encouragement–are for each one of you. We all have crosses to bear. Mine is no more significant than yours.
I want to share one of them with you, because I know that this portion of scripture speaks volumes to all of us. Not just pertaining to my struggle this week, but you, my precious girlfriends in God.
Dear Darlene,
I read your blog today and wept with you. I know your pain only too well for I too am a sinner saved by the grace of God. Many years ago He gave me a passage of scripture you know very well I am sure…Psalm 3 (King James Version, (I am an ol’ fashion gal lol)
Psalm 3
- Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
- Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
- But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
- I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
- I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
- I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
- Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
- Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
It is especially verses 3 and 4 that I often have whispered in my ear. He is the glory and the lifter of my head. When I don’t have the strength, when all my friends seem to turn their backs on me, when I don’t feel I am worth anything, He sustains me.
God didn’t give me a sister of blood, He gave me a sister of heart – you. Usually you sign off by saying you are loved by an Almighty God. You are, and I love you too.
Sisters in Christ,
Rita
I pray that those words comfort each one of you, as they have comforted me. When we are held in the palm of His hand, we are safe from the eye of the storm.
You are loved by an almighty God,
Darlene
For comments or questions, contact me at:
darlene[at]darleneschacht.net