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 | Isaiah 46:4 (NIV) |  |
Just when I think that I know what I will write for the blog, for some reason the Lord often changes my direction. I must have a “trust” issue that He wants to fix! The following information is the result of a precious observation I encountered while pulling into the grocery store. Odd as it seems, I peered through a holy windowpane and saw a sweet spiritual truth that pricked my heart.
A big black truck parked beside us in the parking lot at Calvin’s grocery store. A grandfather, dad, and daughter got out of the vehicle. I probably wouldn’t have thought anything about it except the grandfather stood at the front of the truck with his phone camera pointed toward the sky. I couldn’t understand what he was taking a picture of because from my perspective, there wasn’t anything special about the sky. I asked Brian what he thought that man was doing and he said that he was taking a picture of the sunrays that were streaming through the clouds. Stretching across the front seat and looking backward, I then could see the beauty. The grandfather took the picture and then the dad picked up the 2-3 year old daughter and they began to walk together toward the door of the store. The fair skinned little girl was stringy haired, thin and lanky. Her daddy held her torso tightly as her little thin legs bobbled and swung and her arms hugged him tightly. Her head was sweetly lying on his shoulder. The daddy, totally tattooed, bronzed with the sun was a rough looking character and his clothes were torn, dingy and dull. As they passed by the front of my car, my eyes peeked into a spiritual realm. For me, this was a picture of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and me…the little girl…as I should be. The Father had been viewing creation and was delighted in what he saw. The son, comely and despised looking, I compared him as Jesus carrying his blessed daughter as she trusted his hold and sweetly rested on his shoulder. I don’t know the events of their day, but I sensed a weariness and fatigue from the child, and tender love between the three. I thought nothing more about it until later this week as I was driving to Hammond, LA to lead a music workshop.
I’ve had a very busy week beginning a new job, preparing for the workshop, serving a dear friend in the loss of a family member, preparing for 2 other committee meetings, trying to finish homework (I’m a new student, too), preparing for the RESTORE Retreat, and thinking about this blog! I don’t tell you all of that for pity sake. I tell you as a reality and because I know that you too are probably just as busy. Oh how we need some rest! On the drive, I was feeling the toll it was taking on me, emotionally, physically, and mentally. Then, I recalled the image of the trio at the grocery store. That’s when God began to sweetly whisper in my ear that He would carry me! My mind suddenly began to recall moments from my childhood when I was carried. My memory took me back to age 3-5 years old. The following are two very different examples.
My uncle loved to pick me up (or I begged him to do so, I can’t recall). He would hold me tight and spin, as I threw out my arms as though I could fly! We would go so fast that the wind would whip through my hair. Then, he would toss me high into the air and he would shout, “Super Girl!” I would laugh, having no fear of being dropped, and then I’d scream, “do it again, do it again!” My eyes are full of tears as I write this sweet memory. I recall the “freedom” and “security” from trusting my uncle’s grip on me. I loved to fly through the air! Perhaps this has contributed to my “free- spirit!”
Being carried by my other great uncle, unfolds yet another memory, but not a happy one! This uncle in later years became very dear to me, but as a child, I could not understand his method of demonstrating his love for me. He would hold me and then release, as if dropping me, then catch me again. Sometimes, he would throw me very high into the air…I mean high! And then catch me. I would hold to him tight! It wasn’t near as fun as playing Supergirl. I think he just liked my tightly held hugs. One day, while walking through my grandmothers back yard, he has holding me and then suddenly, he held me over the fence where a fierce barking dog tried to nip at my feet! I feared I was in danger and kicking, screaming and crying, I struggled for my uncle’s neck. I remember him telling me, “It’s ok. I’ve got you! Quit kicking! That dog’s not going to hurt you! The more you scream and kick, the more the dog will bark.” I think it was his way of trying to help be not be afraid of the dog. Looking back, that’s not what I would do, but that was his method of teaching me to trust him and get over my fear of this dog. There is a spiritual truth here if you look deep enough.
Speed forward through time, and I was now in my 3rd year of college. I was on fire for the Lord and walking close by His side. This was also during a time in my life when my dad referred to me as Job-ess! It seemed that I was always into some kind of trouble and always had a great need. God used this time in my life to help me trust Him more and build character. I saw this poster in a Christian bookstore and had to purchase it. It seemed to tell the story of my life and provided me much comfort!
 | This painting is a reminder of the mercy that flows from the hands of God. If you will notice, the sky is grey and thick with clouds. No clear vision of things to come or even things of present can be seen; only storms all about. The sea is stormy as the billows rise and fall with the deep waves indicating no calm, only fierce winds and trouble. Out of the darkness and the clouded way, the hands of the Father seem to cradle the girl, protecting her from the storm. If you look at her eyes, you will notice that they are looking at the one who is holding and carrying her, keeping her safe from harm. Her face shows no fear but reflects a trust in the One whose hands hold her tightly. The title of the painting is Safe In His Hands by C. Hall. The scripture reference for it is Psalm 91. |
“Shhhh! Let me carry you.” I heard in my spirit on that long drive to Hammond. “Shhhh! Let me carry you.” I heard again in church during baby dedication. Loved ones surrounded babies as parents carried and embraced them closely to their hearts to be dedicated to the Lord. It seemed like a picture of me being held by my heavenly Father. “Shhhh! Let me carry you!” I heard again as we sang, Who is Like the Father by Richie Fike. "Shhh! Let ME carry you!” I heard yet again during the sermon. Tears have filled my eyes all day today reflecting on how I long to be carried by the most Holy God and more importantly realizing how He desires and wants to carry me!
You think God might be trying to tell me something?
Perhaps He is speaking to you as well.
Shhh! Let Him carry you!
You think God might be trying to tell me something?
Perhaps He is speaking to you as well.
Shhh! Let Him carry you!
This is my song for the week! I think it's quite appropriate. Be blessed by Steven Curtis Chapman. Just this very week I shared the words of this song to my friend who needed someone to carry her. Little did I know that it would come home to me as well.
And if you want to be totally blessed, spend some time listening to today's sermon by Kevin McKee on the Chapel website: www.thechapelbr.com the 9:00 am LSU service entitled I Am Adopted.
And if you want to be totally blessed, spend some time listening to today's sermon by Kevin McKee on the Chapel website: www.thechapelbr.com the 9:00 am LSU service entitled I Am Adopted.
One more little side note: Driving home from my workshop Saturday, I began to think about times when adults are carried. I've always teased Brian about carrying me! Ponder this, when a groom marries his bride, it is customary for him to carry her across the threshold. Of course I wondered about the significance of this and did a little research. One of its meanings is this: It's symbolic of the groom stealing away with his bride, whisking her from her family and into a new life with him. As believers, we are the bride of Christ! I am so awaiting His coming, to whisk me away, and carry me home to Glory to spend a life eternal with Him.
I have been encouraged today by the Lord. It is my prayer that whatever you are going through, is to remember to rest in His arms as He tenderly carries you. You and the weight you carry is not too heavy for Him. Let Him ease your walk.
 | Carried by His Mercy, Love, and Grace, Sherry |  Click on picture for a larger image |
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