REPOST: October 6th, 2011 (Some Encouragement)

Lately, my path seems to have many friends on it that are hurting, coping with the loss of a loved one, surviving a terminal illness, taking care of someone who is, making a living for their family. So many other things that seem to be stealing their joy. Knowing that many of you struggling are reading this blog, my heart's desire is to try and offer you words of hope and encouragement through my own story.

I can only speak from the experiences I have had. One of things that will forever be etched in my heart is the vision I have of a man with terminal cancer, harnessed in a full back brace, rarely without pain, testifying to the goodness of the Lord in his life.

When I am asked to speak and share my story this is a glimpse of what I tell:

"It was bizarre to me how this story of a 52-year old man with stage four cancer could bring out such a spirit of love and encouragement. It was definitely one of God’s biggest blessings in disguise. The Lord had empowered my husband to live a life that inspired others. I was glad to simply be able to share it as it grew into a life that reached beyond physical pain, daily doctor’s visits, chemo, and radiation. Though limited by time, we were not limited by the number of lives that that our King of Kings would have us touch."

I share this particular part of my story because it revealed to me that, no matter how bad the emotional or physical pain can be, or how limited our time is, there are always blessings in disguise! They may not be what we are expecting, and we may have to go through the fire to get to them, but God always provides for His children,and His plan for us is always bigger and better.

When I look back, I think about clinging to the Lord for that daily strength, I always picture me holding onto Him, like a child does to their parent, so tightly and with so much love and hope, and in return He holds me even tighter and with more love than I could ever imagine. Although I say "when I look back," I am sill clinging, and I always will.

Part of your story is being written through your struggles, and you never know who may will inspire or encourage along the way. I am reminded of that saying "God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things." He is using you!

John 16:33“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Blessings Always,

Tammy