Were it not for the Lord, I would cease writing my series on the church. Oh yes I would. Although almost every bit of it was written before I started it, it is not fun to send out into the world a message no one wants to hear or to receive unsubscription notices in my inbox. The writing is not even beautiful, I question whether it is needed, and yet, I press on simply because I feel that is what the Lord requires of me.
It has been indeed freeing in some ways, but the matter at hand is that I want to thank you. Thank you for those of you who are still reading and have not yet left me. Whether you come or go, you are beloved and valuable, and you are free to do either, but your presence here so encourages me and my heart. My very human heart, that if I am honest is very prone to wander and very prone to pack it up and run away. I so rarely know what it is like to have co-laborers and long-sufferers who stand alongside me for the very long haul.
My life is full of endings and new beginnings, and every single time that is so, I grieve. For a girl, who has readily made people her gods, God has been faithful to ensure I do not set up new idols. I would like to say I am used to the coming and going, but I am not sure I ever will be. I long so graciously for that day when I am home, when grief is no more and the faithful are ever by my side at the presence and feet of Jesus. I suspect this series on the church is an act of obedience more for me than for you, though I hope, my dear brothers and sisters, that it is edifying to us all.
I long to see your faces, touch your skin, and smell your flesh instead of imagining you across the computer screen so far away. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you be blessed in all your comings and goings. I may not see you or know you, but the Lord does, so I leave you with this blessing.
The Eternal One bless and keep you.
May He make His face shine upon you
and be gracious to you.
The Eternal lift up His countenance
to look upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26, The Voice
I am not caught up on your series my friend. In this seasons, some posts are too deep and take too much time for my weak brain to process. But I plan to read, at some point. Thank you for being obedient to write the words you feel the Lord is giving to you, no matter the cost. Hugs!
Jamie,
So proud of you….you inspired my FMF post on the word “Messenger.”…((Hugs))
Jamie – Keep reminding us of what we all really need to hear – like you are doing in these posts! We may not always like it, but we need it and we know it! Ultimately, those that know the truth and want the truth will stand by you! Keep on shining the light!! It’s so needed!
Jamie, I have been enjoying your posts. Yes, sometimes the call to really live as Jesus’ disciples can be hard for people to hear, but how will they know if no one shares? Keep writing!