Monday, August 20, 2012

Where I Turn

At some point or another, each of us knows the moment, some more often than others, when life seems to drop us face first into a desert where we feel alone, overwhelmed, forgotten, and without hope, without peace, without a prayer. 

With courage we manage to dig out of our souls, we share these experiences with close friends or family hoping for their strength to someone lift us up.

I heard this song recently on the radio, and in particular the lyrics:

"For the faith to move ahead.
And to let go of the past.
And to see me as you do.
I turn to you."




They nailed it. It's my story, my strength, my courage to step out of the desert. Indeed, He's where I turn. 

Because this is who I am, when people share their struggles with me, whether I've been down that road or not, I share that this faith is my rock. It's my comfort, and most importantly, it's how I move ahead.

Sometimes I fear being labeled naive. I fear being shut down and perhaps not approached again because of my response. I fear letting my friends or family down because I can't fix their problem myself and because my words keep coming back to God. Then I wonder if these worries bother me, just how strong my faith really is.

And that's ridiculous. God tell us:

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

God also calls us to see ourselves how He sees us, and at the end of the day, a woman sharing her faith is who He's called me to be. There are certainly many ways that I disappoint, but I hoping that His face is lit with the smile of a Father's pride on the days I am able to support others with the story He's given me.




10 comments:

Erin said...

This is beautiful, Jenn. The lyrics from the song, your words, the scripture. It's just what I needed to read this morning. Thanks for sharing sweet friend.

the workaholic momma said...

Beautiful post and such a testament to how strong your faith is!! I'm a faith person too...always trusting that what's meant to be will be...some days easier than others of course:)

Unknown said...

This is definitely something I struggle with, too. I feel like I try so hard to say the "right" thing and always feel like I don't. But, from my own experiences relying on others, I have realized that all anyone can give is their own story, no one can save us or take away whatever it is that we are going through, even when they want nothing more than be able to. In the end we all have to find our own way through the hard times and find our own inner strength to make it through. That being said, you are (and always have been) an absolute blessing to me and I think your faith is part of that. I believe that trusting God is part of "finding your own way through" and if someone isn't open to it, then maybe you cracked open the door for them, even if just a little. :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this. Its what I needed this morning! He is more than enough!

Unknown said...

I really needed to hear this this morning...thank you

Am I Really Grown Up? said...

You are not naive for having a belief system. I did not grow up in a super religious household. We learned the basics but never went to church or prayed, but on those days when things are bad. I know that all I have to do is sit and mediatate and know that it will get better. And it usually does.

Sarah @ Vol Family Life said...

Hallelujah! Amen!

Nicole said...

I admire that you are so willing to share your faith. It takes courage to spread the word, you're being the disciple you are called to be.

Naturally Caffeinated Family said...

Such a great post! I always say the same things and have had the same thoughts, I know some people might not want to hear that, but it is always comforting to me and I heard someone put it in a great way, that it doesn't matter how it makes us uncomfortable to say it because it is what God wants us to do. :) Wonderful post!

Kerry said...

Beautiful post!