Out of the ashes

Today was a (pause while I think of the right word)  different, interesting, no, maybe the best word to use would be blessed.  Today was a day of blessings.  I had to work today and due to different circumstances I happened to be working out on the floor with customers.  I work for a local christian book store, which is a blessing in itself.  Most days at work are just sort of average, if you know what I mean.  But today...today was different.  There was a certain spirit in the air.  Maybe it was the beautiful weather, I'm not sure.  No wait, I am sure.  Today was the kind of day that you just "knew" the Lord had sent each and every person through our doors for a purpose.

It started with a woman.  She seemed a bit bewildered, like she was just waiting for someone to rescue her.  Although at first glance one might not have noticed.  Once we discovered her it was as if she just dropped all of the "baggage" she had right there on the floor.  A long breath just released.  You know what I mean.  Its like finding a place of refuge in the midst of turmoil.

You see, this woman was in our store today to buy a Bible.  A Bible she needed because she did not have one and she needed to be close to the Lord.  To read his words.  She shared with us that just 3 weeks ago she lost her home and all she owned in a house fire.  Everything.  Up in smoke.  She is very thankful to have gotten out alive.  But once the smoke clears and the dust settles, you realize you have nothing.  Nothing.

But there, right in the middle of the store, she found a safe haven, a refuge, a solace, a warm hug.  Tears were shed and not just hers.  There were customers shopping right at that moment that the Lord knew she needed.  Other women to help her grasp the loss she was grieving.  To let her know that it's okay to grieve for "things" we have lost.  I'm sure she appreciated her home, was thankful for all that God had given her.  I'm sure she didn't need to have it all taken away to realize her gratitude.  God had allowed it all to be taken away in an instant.  Yet, who did she turn to?  God.

I don't really know where I am going with this except maybe to say that I am so thankful that I had the priveledge of being part of the joy that was shared.  Thankful that I am blessed enough to work in a place where at any time of the day we can stop what we are doing and lift a fellow sister up in prayer to the Lord. Blessed to know that despite some of the difficult days at work, we really do have the best customers in the world.  People who weren't afraid to come over when they heard a woman sobbing, giving up their time to help someone with a need.

What are the words to that song?  I believe it is:  "Out of the ashes, beauty will rise." 

A little overwhelmed

I had every intention of doing a completely different post.  One of normality.  Just randomness of home and life.  That was up until about an hour ago when I received a text.

Last June I received devastating news regarding a friend of mine who has since moved away.  I won't go into details, but my dear friend experienced something so tragic.  Something you hope you never have to experience, and thankfully most of us never will.

Death of a sister...by the hand of another.

I have often found my thoughts drifting to my friend.  Left behind to pick up the pieces.  To wake up everyday and feel the loss.  To look in the eyes of her sisters children and just keep going.

Even now, I'm still stunned silent.  Speechless.  I still can't come to terms with the depth of this tragedy.

You see, I have sisters.  Two of them.  And I would give my right arm for either of them.  When I think of my friend I often feel guilt because of this.  I know she would give anything to have her sister back.  Anything.

The text I received tonight was to inform me that the trial had begun and a verdict was reached.

Guilty.

I read tonight that her family now can "breathe a little deeper."  I'm sure there is a great sense of relief.  Justice has been served.  But to receive this justice the family had to relive the nightmare all over again.  Young children having to testify against their father.  Can it get any worse than that?  They not only lost their mother, they now have no father.  It's tragic all around. 

And what are they left with?  I have no answers.  Just questions.  I can only pray that God will give them the strength to continue.  Comfort.  Love.  Unending Love.

I'm overwhelmed with thoughts.  My head is spinning with saddness.  Anger.  Relief.  Hope.  I get to sit here all snug in my home.  Loved ones tucked into bed.  Everyone healthy and well.  She doesn't have that luxury anymore.  Her security blanket ripped right out from under her.  Nothing will ever be the same.

So, tell me why.  Why is it that we get to keep on living our snug little lives when for others it feels like the whole world just stopped?

Heart Wrenching

The sun coming up from across the street.  Beautiful.

I was just doing a little blog browsing and stumbled upon a video that brought me to tears.  We all know someone who has battled cancer or is battling it now.  The big "C" word.  It can be scary!  Some say it's not a matter of "if" we get it, it's a matter of "when."  Well this video offers a little hope and a big dose of courage.  It brought tears to my eyes.  Please watch it, maybe it will be an inspiration to you.

I don't know if I'd have her courage!!