One year ago, I began writing this blog. Singing in the Cold opened the Doorway to Hope and began a journey in hearing and writing words that encourage. I desired to use this space to write "the right words to encourage the weary." (Isaiah 50:4)
What I wasn't prepared for was the welcoming community of encouragers through the written word and photography. The community of encouragers enhance this Doorway of Hope. Encouragement transforms...
Songs of joy pour out of my grateful heart for the gifts that the Gift-giver unfolds daily. Today, my songs of gratitude are for:
#632 the love of reading learned from my mother whose formal education ended early in her life, but whose life-long learning continues
#633 encouraging words that have power to heal, restore, strengthen, and comfort
#634 fellow bloggers committed to writing encouraging words
#635 grace to apply lessons on writing
#636 meal shared with friends
#637 wisdom for planning
#638 celebrating small steps forward
#639 shared vision for life in marriage
#640 team work
#641 creative recipes
Sing your song of gratitude with Ann's gratitude community.
In joy,
When I was a young girl, anxiety and fears accompanied me like clouds on a foggy morning. I functioned off of fear.
By God's grace and love, with encouragement from loving family and friends, I began to shed the shroud of fear. Truth read slowly became truth lived - line upon line, precept upon precept.
However, like an onion, layers of fear required peeling over time. Steps forward brought excitement and hope. Steps backward taught me to give and receive grace.
Love came calling, resulting in marriage and two children.
Remembering my childhood experiences, I desired to see my children walk in love and not fear.
So, when I noticed evidence of fear in my eight year old son, I shared the truth:
God is love...There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. 1 John 4:18 (The Message)
He listened.
One day, while in the car, I looked in the rear view mirror and gently asked:
"Son, how are you doing with fears."
Then came his little boy voice from the back seat...unexpected encouragement for the soul of his Mommy Teacher:
"I am doing better now that I see you doing better."
Layer peeled back; truth rushed in; healing and light flooded my soul. I was so hard on myself when evidences of fear seeped from my heart.
"Yes, son; you are right. I am doing better...and so are you."
I needed that encouragement. Prayers, experience, and application of truth produced in me growing trust in God and faith in His love, but l knew more fear-shedding was required. I leaned more onto the Everlasting Arms.
That little boy is now a young man. He speaks with wisdom, insight and encouragement.
I remember to stay open, allowing layers to fall off at the skillful hands and lovely feet of Father's ambassadors.
Encouragement allows faith to grow. The growing continues...
Your turn. Serve up your story of unexpected encouragement with Faith Barista.
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