I think that in each of our lives, God gives us infinite opportunities to be a soundboard for his love. And as the years have gone by I have tried to recognize his nudges and act upon them even when they seem to make very little sense. God planted this seed a few years back after visiting with Nancy when my cousin Tommy Brennan died, and then continued to swell when Bob, Jan Griesenbeck’s husband died. God has rumbled my soul over and over with a heavy heart for friends whose husbands have been called heavenward. And finally the nudges have become non stop in my heart and out of what I believe to be obedience to a call that I truly feel God has generated, I am stepping out in faith to take a first step.
On Monday, April 29th, I am opening my home from 6-8 in the evening to young moms, grandmoms and wives whose world has been turned upside down by the death of their husband. I have debated with God over and over in my prayers, telling him that I think he has chosen the wrong girl, but the stampede of passion continues to whirl around in my heart.
I have No agenda, just faith that God has something planned. If it were me reading this and I was in the position of a painful loss, I would probably say no way I am going to show up at somebody’s house that I hardly know, or for that matter even those of you whose hearts I have been blessed to know might feel the same way. But I am not seeking for you to spill out your guts of emotion, fears or brokenness, though that may very well happen when a safe environment is created, I am just creating a landing spot for runaway hearts and a format for HOW, (Hearts of Women) to come together and store up strength and courage from one another to move forward and tackle tough spots ( I imagine, all are tough spots).
Before you say no, just pray about it, really pray about it, and as you are driving and running your errands you may not be the one who has suffered the loss but you know someone who has and, the support of others who are walking the same road would be a true Godsend.
This is a true act of faith for me, and I have learned that when God nudges me continually about the same topic that I need to respond in obedience. I will have snacks that can even count as a light fare for dinner for I love snacks, healthy ones and ones not so healthy, but I truly believe that if you step foot on my porch and enter my doors, you will walk out feeling God’s arms of compassion and love wrapped around you. And you will realize that you are not alone in your struggles. For this is God's idea not mine, and he knows your pain, and has walked ahead of you as you took the first step to survive and has given you strength to take the next one.
In my thoughts I believe this will be a group of God's leading, for God's purposes. I am merely a facilitator, and it will begin loosely with a prayer, devotional and a little biblical background and together we will see how God chooses for it to unfold.
When this idea finally found roots in my heart, I knew I had to share it with Jan Griesenbeck, because we are good friends and she probably is the one who God has used, unknowingly to her, to impact my heart for this mission. But I had no idea how she would respond and I was hesitant to initiate the conversation. But the day came and we were talking and I broached the topic holding my breath to hear her response hoping I had not hurt her by bring up the subject. Her response was that she knew God had something brewing because she had just been talking to her daughter telling her that God has put on her heart to pass forward what she has learned as she has walked down this road of grief.
God had gone before me and touched her heart as well. This was a confirmation that I too should follow my convictions and see where God wants this to go. So together we will venture into an unknown arena and see just how God, in his strength, his grace, his foresight, his compassion, and his love will lead us if only we will choose to follow him.
1 Timothy 5:3 Give proper attention to those widows who are really in need.
Jan and I met for a coke yesterday and we talked of this venture with great enthusiasm, knowing that if God has orchestrated it then he will bless it, HIs way. It may be designed for only for a small handful of friends, new and old, and it might even be Jan and I but we will be there and be available. We will be praying for God to guide our hearts and open yours to hear God's whispers and feel his nudge.
Dear Lord, I know that you know and oversee all things going on in all of our lives. And daily you present us opportunities to be a disciple of your word, your story and your love, but often times those nudges are not ones that we can relate to or understand. This is one of them for me. Please guide me as I faithfully try to follow your lead and open not only the doors of my home to your call but also open my heart to share the love which I have been given and shown by you and is to be available for all who know you and love you back.
Amen
Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!
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