My heart has been really heavy the last couple of weeks. Things at home are fine, but so many of our friends are struggling with sickness, unemployment, longing to have a baby, and other things that just make my heart hurt for them.
I feel helpless. And maybe even guilty? I want to do what I can and I want to help, but I can’t say, “I know how you feel.”
Sometimes I want to kick myself for being so stinking selfish. For spending so many hours a day worrying about when our house will sell and where we’ll move when it does sell. And then I actually stress about what I’m going to wear on Easter Sunday as if anyone at all cares about what I’m wearing on Easter Sunday. I know Jesus sure doesn’t.
We have friends who have a sick child who is praying that she will be allowed and well enough to attend church on Easter Sunday. I have been literally on my knees praying for this spirited, wonderful, truly faithful girl and her family, who mean so much to us.
But what else can I do? Situations like this make me feel so helpless.
How can my life just go on when things like this are happening in the lives of people we love?
I’m not praying for a tragedy in our lives, but I do know that our Lord uses trials to force us to trust Him. And when we read that He works things together for our good, that is what comes to mind. He uses these opportunities to bring us closer to Him.
I also know that as part of the Body of Christ, that means that I hurt when others members of His body are hurting. And loving on our brothers and sisters in Christ is the best I can do right now.
I hope that you all are enjoying this week leading up to Easter. It’s a shame that this is the only time of the year when we’re intentional about reflecting on what God sacrificed for us, but this is why we are here. And this is what is on my heart right now.
On Sunday night at the performance of the The Story, I was especially touched by the “David” song. Because at the end of the day, I really do want to hear people say that my heart looks like His heart.
I want to have time for people. I want them to know they’re loved and I never want anyone to feel like I’m too wrapped up in my world to pay attention to their needs.
*I wanted to give a great big happy birthday shout out to Jennifer, one of my best friends in the world! I love you, Jen!
This is why I love you and your blog so much, you do truly inspire and encourage many, many people. There are many times when I read your words and I’m lifted up just knowing that there is someone else out there who feels the same way as I do about certain things happening in life. You’re so humble and I love how uplifting I sometimes feel after reading your words…they truly make me smile 🙂
just opened spotify for the day, and “david” was the first song it opted to play. love love love.
Erin, I have been struggling to put my thoughts on this same subject into words this week. I have so much that I want to share – particularly because this is Easter week – but haven’t been able get it out! Thank you for sharing this piece of your heart with us today. It is so encouraging to be reminded that, though we will all struggle at times, our Father will always be there for us. I will be praying that God brings you a peace about some of the things that you have worried about. I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Easter. And don’t worry – no matter what you wear, I am sure you will look beautiful!:)
I don’t think you should feel guilty. Maybe His need of you right now is to be the light of hope in other people’s lives. I mean, the reality is if we didn’t have some people blessed with the ability to help then no one would ever get any help. Who knows – maybe the prayers you are praying ARE the solution because they just can’t find it in their hearts to pray for themselves at the moment.
I am so glad I read this today and thank you for sharing. I have been struggling this week as well with the same things…last week, friends of ours little 22 month old girl went to be with Jesus. It is their second child to lose in less than a year. I am utterly heartbroken for them, sad and have no idea what to say. I hold tight to the promises that God will never forsake us and is our ultimate comfort and hope that my prayers bring peace to them.
GREAT post Erin! I sometimes struggle with this too because my life has been so great thus far, I find it hard with the what to say to others in situations. That is all we can do is love one another and strive to be more like Him. Thanks for the reminder on this great Wednesday. Easter has incredible meaning as a Christian!
dear, dear erin – never underestimate the power of your prayers. they may be all that carries a hurting friend or family through a valley or trial. through your blog, you encourage, inspire, uplift and bless more people than perhaps you know. you also serve your family each and every day. you’ve really led me by example in this regard. please know that your cares and concerns are not selfish. they are human. keep bringing them to the Lord. thanks (as always) for sharing our heart with us. it makes my day a little easier today. sending you a giant hug! xoxo
I so identify with this right now. My heart is so heavy for three families experiencing tragedy right now. Two of these three families are watching their children suffer immense physical pain – one child has cancer and one child was in a car accident. The other is dealing with news related to her unborn baby. I appreciate your thoughts on this topic.
Praying is the absolutely most powerful thing we can do for people! You just keep praying… you’re not helpless, you’re FIGHTING on their behalf when you’re praying. And then, just love them… like I’m SURE you’re already doing. The love of God is so practical, I just read that in a book about a lady who lives in Sudan and has a home for abandoned children. She said, “What does the love of God look like? To the thirsty, it’s a glass of water. To the hungry, food. To the broken, it may be giving them the dignity of their story being heard. On a cold day, it’s a cup of hot cocoa.”
You are such an encouragement to so many women {and I’m sure a guy or two} who read your blog everyday. Thanks for sharing your heart with us.
This post really hits home for me. There are days when I am so deep in selfish thoughts and then something happens to someone I love and it reminds me how lucky I really am. But that feeling of not being to really do anything for someone who is struggling…it’s so painful.
This time of year is bitter-sweet for me. My besst friend in the whole world lost her father last January… he was young and very sudden.. as I rode with her to the funeral My heart hurt for her and I know I would miss this special man forever. I held her hand as hard as I could, but I knew that the pain would last forever…. Each year I put an Easter Liliy in our church where we grew up in his name. Later in the day I go and plant it at his house and say a prayer for my BFF and her family!
I LOVE this time of year…. beach all summer.. fun, fun,,, but in the back of my mind I will forever remember Jesus did for us and know he has a plan for each of us…… not our plan, but HIS plan….
IN MEMORY OF BUD GANDY…. I will forever love you ” Studly”…. Life happens …. God just adjust it!
I agree–this week is such a special time, and I find myself turning to God more than I normally do. And you’re right–this is something we should all be doing everyday, not just during Holy week. And I think praying is the best thing you can ever do in a situation like the one with your friend’s daughter. It’s out of your hands and by praying that God takes over, you are giving them a powerful gift. xo
Have you read When Bad Things Happen To Good People by Rabbi Kushner? It may help you in your perspective as to why these things are happening, or maybe the book would be a comfort for one of your friends. The book has so many good ideas I can’t get into here, but one thing it is firm on is that when a friend is suffering, they just need/want to hear that what they are going through is brutally unfair. The book also encourages us not to ask “why did You do this to me?” but instead “this happened, and I need You … how can You help me, Lord?” It’s a fascinating read.
Beautiful, powerful post my friend. Not much else I can say.