Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:19-30, Acts 19:21-22, 1 Corinthians 16:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
It was an early morning in June when I logged into my work computer at our university library. I hadn’t been online for more than a minute before seeing tributes pouring in from church leaders, moms, and others whose lives have been enriched by this one woman and her heart for God. Elisabeth Elliot had died.
Elisabeth’s writing helped guide my spiritual formation after I stumbled across her work somewhere around the age of twenty years old. An American missionary, wife, author, and speaker, she was a modest saint, one who would never call attention to herself. She saw our lives as “chalices” or “empty vessels willing and ready to be filled with the life of God.” But on this June morning, people seemed to think it right to honor her long walk of faithfulness.
During his missionary journeys, the apostle Paul honored his ministry partners in a similar way by speaking well of them. When he wrote to groups like the one in Philippi, he vouched for his friends and elevated their good qualities so there would be no question of their credibility. Timothy was a “like-minded” man doing the Lord’s work with “proven character” (Philippians 2:20,22; 1Corinthians 16:10).
Epaphroditus was his “brother” who should be welcomed with “great joy” (Philippians 2:25,29). Paul also asked these churches to recognize and hold in high regard those among them who were risking their lives for the kingdom (1Thessalonians 5:12–13).
Jesus told us, “You will have suffering in the world.” (John 16:33). I’ve always found it strange when we describe life as having seasons of trials and tribulations. Instead of life being a static plane of serenity with intermittent times of trial, it sometimes seems that life itself is the trial with intermittent times of serenity. One thing that gives us strength while following Jesus is our friendship with others and their encouragement on the journey.
I hope people pointed out the good they saw in Elisabeth Elliot while she was alive. I imagine that her modest personality was challenged now and then by opportunities to focus on affirmation from others. But even if not, I hope her story inspires us to follow Paul’s model and affirm the God-honoring qualities we see in our brothers and sisters. This isn’t to draw self-serving attention or make them arrogant; it’s an opportunity to build up the body of Christ in a world so often marked by anything but serenity.
Written by Bailey Gillespie
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97 thoughts on "Timothy and Epaphroditus"
I recieved news this week that my mentor in the faith died at 107 years old! This woman taught me everything that I needed to know to undertake the building of the kingdom.As a little girl she took me with her to visit the sick
to serve the downtrodden and most valuable of all how to study and interpret
God’s Word. In later years I learned to be a godly wife and mother from her example. Truly we must honor those who labor among us exemplifying
holiness , righteousness and a
deep love for Jesus.
While I will miss her
I am determined to pick up her mantle and do for others what she did for me and the
kingdom.
My condolences, R! What a blessing to have a mentor like that! God bless your efforts to continue her service. ❤
The main reason I am still a Christian after all these years is because of the “mentors” I had along the way. Being able to be supported, encouraged, taught from some seasoned Christians along the way has been the key to sticking with it. It’s important that we do the same for others. We may be the only reason someone doesn’t fall away.
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This comment is for Tina’s wonderful post. I tried posting it on her comment but it kept saying it had already been posted. Soooo I’m trying again. Hopefully it doesn’t come out three times. Happy Friday!
Thank you Tina for sharing your story of Efua. I have always said that mental illness is so hard to treat and understand. I told my kids and myself many times to be kind to people because you just never know what they are fighting. Have a blessed Friday. ❤️
❤ that’s ok! Worth reading 3 times!
I am thankful for this corner of Christ’s kingdom! This sisterhood gives me great joy!
Heart!
Amen! ❤
Ah, dear Shes. Paul was ever tough-minded & tender-hearted. How sweetly, sounding & sincerely he affirmed his two assistants. Timothy & Epaphroditus walked with him, trusted & true. They were given important assignments. One almost died in service. What responsibility. What a loving relationship. I pray to be as attentive, as sensitive. In my “follower-ship” & fellowship. By God’s will.
Happy Friday she’s, its raining and so cold today up north for us, but rain is so calming for me. My today’s memory verses of choice will be “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-14). This is one verse extra from the reading today. What stood out to me was “Admonish the idle”. That means those who are lazy and complacent. Not to be frustrated with them, but admonish them. Bless God’s Words, so sweet.
Prayers lifted up…
@ADRIENNE: my condolences, prayers for your mom Connie through this grief and his family to have strength and comfort from the Lord.
@A WALTON: speed for the house construction by God’s grace, and continued prayers for mom.
@CATHY MCVEY: I don’t know what N/V is, but I am praying and believing for healing so you can read well.
@TANYA MCVEY: I am so sorry about the insensitive comment, words can be so hurtful especially something so meaningful to you. I tried to remember this verse “Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” Proverbs 12:18. The majority speak rashly. Praying for the ability to let go, forgive.
@MICHELLE P: praise for the insurance coverage. I am sorry to hear the boss brushed it off, but it’s good you brought it up into the open. I will persist lol. I had the exact same situation, which I seeked help and advice. I even listened to a ted talk on workplace conflict which causes big projects to fail because of different personalities. Why don’t you tell the coworker that his comments (or whatever that it is) has hurt you and you’re struggling with it, like this, what you said last week has caused me to keep thinking about it, and I am struggling to get past that, that matter is important to me and I will perform better as a team if you can be more accommodating in […], and I would so appreciate that. From ted talk: Emotionally immature people have low self awareness (and their damage to others) and can cause high workplace stress and conflict. A challenging personality. Rooting for you to find common ground! Hugs.
@SEARCHING: ❤️
@KELLY (NEO): thanks for your tip on goji berries and raisins on iron increase, I needed that.❤️
@RHONDA J: loved what you shared today (and every day lol)❤️
Be blessed dear sisters.❤️
*Edit: TANYA EVANS
Thank you Mercy for your prayers. Sorry about the acronym N/V. That is nausea and vomiting. Too long in my nursing world I guess :). I’m doing much better now.
I said I didn’t know what that was either Mercy!! Thanks for clarifying for us Catherine!! Good you are here!
Dear beloved sisters, I come to you asking if you can pray for a precious 2 1/2 year old boy named Alex. They diagnosed him with an aggressive form of neuroblastoma. He will be going into surgery today and will begin chemo treatments today. Pray that God will give doctors wisdom and strength for his family. Pray that treatments will work and that he can fight this battle and live a long, healthy life.
Praying for Alex and his family, that all will be well.
Father, we come together in prayer and agreement against this aggressive form of cancer over this child, we break the power of satan through this sickness by the power of God Most High, we believe and claim healing, freedom from sickness and death, and claim a healthy long life for this child in Jesus’ Name.
Yes, amen!!
Amen! Coming in agreement, thank you Mercy! I pray for his family too, so hard for parents.
Adding my amen to Mercy’s and your prayer for little Alex! Peace and wisdom for his parents as well. ❤❤
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Once again, your stories inspire me! Tina loved the story of Efua! Thank you for sharing. I too want to read more about Elisabeth Elliot! More than that, this encourages me to uplift and encourage those who serve alongside me at my church! That I choose my words carefully as Paul did to build up and not tear down.
Praying for all of you in whatever season you are in the Lord. Just remember you are never alone, He is always with you!
❤️❤️
“One thing that gives us strength while following Jesus is our friendship with others and their encouragement on the journey.”
__________
Thank you all for being a friend! So blessed to have this community! ❤️
Happy Friday!
❤
BAILEY said, “it sometimes seems that life itself is the trial with intermittent times of serenity….” We see it introduced here with the first sin. What was created as life in paradise was cursed:
Genesis 3:17-19
And to the man he said,
“Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat, the ground is cursed because of you.
All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it.
18 It will grow thorns and thistles for you,though you will eat of its grains.
19 By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made.
For you were made from dust,
and to dust you will return.”
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TRICIA C- I was also planning to mention pastor appreciation month.
Our church sets a basket in the welcome center for people to leave cards,gift cards, gifts each Sunday in October. We host a churchwide fellowship after church one Sunday in October. We can’t encourage/support our pastors, pastor’s wives, and staff enough! These verses reminded me to continue to look for opportunities to encourage. I always tell our SS teacher he did a great job with the lesson as I walk out. His reslinse: you always say that! That makes me smile.
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Joining in prayer with you sisters and sharing praises! Have a wonderful weekend! ❤
Meant to say this- on a lighthearted note: Epaphroditus is one of my favorite words (in the Bible) to say!
This is an old Don Moen song:
Give Thanks
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”
Give thanks with a grateful heart (with a grateful heart)
Give thanks to the Holy One (to the Holy One)
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son
We give thanks
Love this song – thanks for reminding me of it! ❤️
Love this! Thank you, from a pastor’s wife -me. ❤️
❤❤ I always let the pastor know I appreciate the sermon and often tell his wife how much I appreciate them. I should have said that.
“Sometimes,life is so hard you can only do the next thing. Whatever that is, just do the next thing. God will meet you there.” Elizabeth Elliott.
yes, so true. That is good for our jail ladies…God will give you a lamp at your feet. You don’t need the flashlight for up the path, it is trust in the next step alone!
❤
Oh my! So good! Thanks for memorializing, Mari V!
So good! Thank you for sharing that Mari.
Oh Paul’s passion for his churches (Jesus’ churches!). He LOVES them, wants them to succeed, stay in the truth and thrive! I know what it’s like when you are growing your own business and you want and care for things to be given to your clients like you do, your heart and soul. So when you have people working under you that “get it” you are so thrilled.
That is how we should be as disciples, trying to mentor others to also go out and do, preach, minister, build others up. It is not a one man job. When we are called to lead serving ministries, we then equip many others to want to head up their own. Just like a business franchise…to equip to run on their own and bringing in their own crew. Just think if the people coming to church every week were motivate to do more. Even if it is to take the WORD of Jesus into their work, Mothers into their homes, friends to their friends. Learn and Multiply!
There are many that want the harvest, but they don’t want to do the work. Let’s let that sit, and think am I out to “get” in my spiritual life only, or do I want to reap and produce?! I sure want to be used exceedingly by the Lord!! May I never grow tired of serving for Him alone, no matter how that should look!
Do you know just leaving a comment here is producing? It is!! Every commitment encourages others to comment, which in turn grows the community of SHE’s. How many times have we read….I don’t comment often but I have gleaned so much from you all!? Have you ever gone to HRT and seen the “0 Comments!?: I always say to my husband..”it is so sad no men comment…we have SO many on the She’s!!” I tell hi it would only take one or two to comment regularly to start it going!
I love my morning at SRT most every morning for 0 years..it is a blessing for sure, as each of you are!! Virtual Hugs! I also encourage us to have a Coffee Chats with each other to connect and “share our burdens” or just fellowship and “meet!”
Have a great day!
Wow, so sad that the men are missing out on the rich blessings we have from these conversations. They are so important to the sense of community here and to the insights we pick up from the Word.
Learn and multiply❤️ thanks Rhonda for your insight.
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Yes, and amen! Thank you Rhonda for always motivating and inspiring us in our walk and in each others lives! ❤️
Yes, amen! I noticed the same thing on the HRT site. 0 comments. I love and grow so much from everyone’s comments!
Laboring alongside someone is a sure way to polish the rough spots on both you and them. Ministering together produces bonds of family—I’ve said that I don’t necessarily have close friends at church—they are my FAMILY.
Yes Amen! Each time I lead a small group, I tell them that they should and will become the people you can count on when in need! They sure have been to me! When I was going through divorce 25 years ago, and when I had major back surgery they were there for me again to bring me food and take care of me! The difference, too,is that your sisters in Christ have different goals and concerns than your friends in the world. It is a big and impactful difference! You need to be pointed to Christ when hard times come not other bandaids of the world.
It is a treasure to have the words of others lift us up. Lord, may I always be one to build others up. What a blessing it is to be a part of the body of Christ and to live in a time and place when it’s not limited to our own church community, but we have access to online connections like SRT as well. We are all better when we love one another well.
Yes Amen Wendy!
And social media can be draining, but using it to be encouraging and sharing the joy of the Lord is amazing as well!
Dear Wendy B- You have been on my mind so much since you told us of your battle a few weeks ago! Are you on our FB Page? I listened to a POWERFUL speech by Joni Erickson Tada (one of my favorite inspirational teachers of Christ!), and I would really like to share with you and will share it there, and my FB page because it is truly powerful about “not wasting ONE day given!” It is powerful and challenging for all of us! But I pray for you to stay strong and be used by God in the unknown of the supposedly incurable cancer! We have a BIG God, and He calls each of us home in His time, I want to hear “Well Done, my good and faithful servant!” Lots of love and hugs to you!
❤
Amen! ❤️
I am amazed at Paul’s ability to be loving and truthful to the churches he wrote to. Verse 30 of Philippians 2: because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.
I mean, Paul didn’t hold back from reminding them that he was sending them someone who was encouraging him in ministry and working with him even though, if I read between the lines, he probably would have preferred Epaphroditus to stay. Are we doing all we should for those in ministry? Are we supporting them adequately? Are we encouraging them? Or do we just complain TO them or ABOUT them? As someone who has seen both sides of serving the Church (former pastor’s wife and missionary), I kind of feel what Paul is saying here to some extent. BUT, we had it easy in ministry in so many ways because our personal needs were met (income, housing, etc.) but the emotional toll could be a lot, I’m not going to lie. My husband was on call 24/7. We were scrutinized as a family. It was difficult to make friends because of the role we had in the church. Some of these struggles were self-inflicted (my husband is a workaholic in many ways) but now that we are out of full-time ministry so to speak, I can look back and see some of the damage it did to our kids. I think it is part of the reason our son is where he is today when it comes to his faith. I’m sorry if this sounds like complaining. I don’t mean to complain. God is redeeming us as a family and we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God all by ourselves. It wasn’t the Church’s fault, it was our human nature’S fault. But this passage did give me pause and reminded me that it is our responsibility, Church, to care for those in ministry to us.
Amen! I am so sorry your family experiences the burn out that we so often see in minister’s families! Thank you for sharing from your experience and allowing us to witness God’s redeeming work as it happens. ❤
Thank you Laura – as a pastor’s wife, this is truly appreciated. ❤️
Many pastors’ families suffer in silence. Thank you for sharing Laura, so we can have a glimpse of the battles and tremendous sacrifice they/you have to go through. Thankful for pastors and their families.
Okay,I need prayer. The pastor’s wife said something that offended me while praying for me. I asked her to pray for me because I am hosting a huge event for work. This event took 9 months to put together between 2 countries.She prayed ” Lord although this event is Ungodly, you show up and make your presence known.”
She called my event ” Ungodly”.
It is a human library where you check out a person instead of a book. I have all different types of people participating Jews, Christians,Palestinians,handicapped,etc…It’s for work and it is not a drag queen show.
Jesus was right when he said,” Offenses would come.”
On the up side last night on the way to Bible study I prayed if God wanted me to attend and keep attending let someone buy the book/study guide for me. The group leader bought me the book.
Tanya, I am so sorry you were offended! I’m sure she meant “secular” not “ungodly”. When people offend me I try to think of whether they wanted to offend me or if I took what they said the wrong way. Praying you can forgive her and praying for your event! It sounds great! ❤️
I’m sorry to hear you were offended, all the moreso in the context of prayer….that hurts. I know for myself when I pray for others I can struggle to find the “right words”, I wouldnt say I’m an eloquent pray-er. I often reflect back and think what I prayed didnt come out right at all or sounded weird. On more than one occasion I have gone back to the person to clarify what I meant and be sure that I did not offend or hurt them. Is it possible that she just used the wrong wording and meant that even though the event was not church related or a Christian event that she was asking for the Lord to still move, be at work and use you as a means to bless others and shine His love?
Have prayed for you right now and hope this event goes well, that all of your hard work would be valued and appreciated ❤️
I agree Wendy..I am always a little uncomfortable praying for people and even leading groups because I just seem to stumble and say, in my mind, the wrong thing or word! Sometimes it’s what holds me back! But I am “assuming” she meant what you said here. It is hard not to take offense, I have really grown in that area because I realize I think I always say the wrong thing!
Tanya I am so sorry you were offended. As a pastor’s wife I can honestly say – I have unknowingly and unintentionally offended others in our congregation over the years.
I would hope that she meant it as Lynne from Alabama stated. But in the event she meant it as a “stab”, pray for her heart to be more sensitive to those who are in her surroundings. The times I did offend and didn’t know it, things would have gone so much better and differently if the offended had come to me right away and given me an opportunity to apologize. Instead they waited a long time – sometimes years, giving it time to fester and cause bitterness ..Remember, Satan will use ANYTHING to cause discord among the brethren. He is very clever. Don’t let him have the victory, but instead ask God what He wants to show you thought this. ❤️
Our sermon last week was all about how words are powerful and remembering and embracing the truth and discarding what isn’t true. Praying that your event goes really well Tanya!
I would encourage you to flat out ask her what she meant when she said that, because she may not have meant what you think she did. And if she did, you would be able to tell her how it made you feel, instead of guessing someone’s intentions
Amen to this! I would ask her too and let her know that perhaps her assumption or misunderstanding that it’s ungodly is hurting your feeling, as it’s your hard work, that this event is to benefit others in education, or etc.
Father Thani can be a vessel of encouragement that draws people to you. I. Jesus name, Amen
Thank you, Aimee D-R
Simply said. Simply do.
“Instead of life being a static plane of serenity with intermittent times of trial, it sometimes seems that life itself is the trial with intermittent times of serenity. One thing that gives us strength while following Jesus is our friendship with others and their encouragement on the journey.“ oh man if this quote by Bailey doesn’t ring true for my 2024. God has given blessings of momentary times of serenity this year, but the storms have been many. You She’s have often been the encouragement I’ve need in the height of the storm! Thank you so much!
♥️♥️♥️
Agreed!
That was my thought! “Life itself is the trial with intermittent times of serenity.” That rings so true!!
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Thankful to be able to be here for you! ❤️❤️❤️
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. We always have a little celebration for our Pastors and their spouses if they have them. I think it is important to remind our Church leaders that they are appreciated and loved. But, I think it’s important to remind all of our fellow Christians at whatever time of year that they are appreciated and loved. I need to make an effort to do that more. A simple, quick text or a card in the mail, I’m sure it would be so appreciated.
Have a great weekend, dear sisters. I am keeping you in prayer. And I just want you to know that I appreciate each one of you.❤️
Back to you, Tricia!! ♥️
Ditto! ❤
Thank you Tricia for bringing to attention that October is Pastor Appreciation Month – as a pastor’s wife it’s very encouraging when your hubby is shown that he is appreciated. ❤️
Trust in the Lord, showing kindness and welcome to others, especially those serving Him. I have to remember that this (Jesus, salvation, living for Christ and serving Him) is a new way of thinking to those Paul is teaching and reminding, having set aside the law of their ancestors and its hundreds of rules. And we are still being taught and reminded by his words.
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ADRIENNE- such sad news. praying for your mom Connie and her boyfriend’s children (Amanda & John)/grandchildren. May they draw closer to the Lord or come to know Him in the grieving.
CATHY MCVEY – glad you are feeling better and thankful you were able to catch up! There are “computer” glasses that I know people have used if that might help – I’ve seen them sold in the reading glasses section. For them it had to do with either their distance from the screen or font size.
MERCY ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
SOPHIA MITCHUM – praying as the remembrance day for your mom approaches ❤️
A WALTON – praying for your mom’s health to improve and for the housing situation to resolve soon
MARI V – what a thoughtful son! Praying for the lady he met.
MICHELLE P – hallelujah! I’ve been praying about the insurance situation, thankful they continued evaluating your claim and policy. Praying things will resolve with this coworker, that he will stop the inappropriate behavior, and for the boss to see what’s going on.
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Update on me :) Pain is significantly reduced and sleep for the last 5 nights has been good. Praying the temporary fixes continue to be effective. I am so thankful for the relief and for your prayers.
Cousin is going well in the adjustment to her new normal and continuing to pray she’s able to get back to her old normal in a few months.
❤ So glad you have been able to sleep well! Also glad your cousin is handling life changes well and pray for that physical normal to return soon.
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Computer glasses! My son bought a pair and they helped him a lot, CATHY MCVEY.
Praise the Lord you have been sleeping better and that your pain has reduced – continued prayers!
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I felt a little “stab” when reading 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, remembering a number of people who have passed through our church family that were not respectful at all to my husband (their pastor) and were more proficient in discouraging than encouraging. But praise God – they have all been “removed” by God and we have a wonderful congregation at present!
This is a good reminder to respect and honor those who have labored to help shape our faith… those who have discipled us and taken us under their wings.. though imperfectly. I would not be in the place I am, without overseers to guide me. I hope I am that person for others, now. ❤️
I responded on my post yesterday, but for those who didn’t read and were praying for me – my insurance called me back and told me they’ll be covering the damages/loss of my vehicle! :) Instacart (grocery delivery) was not part of my policy’s exclusion of coverage… thank God! It was more for fast food delivery (Uber, Doordash, etc). ❤️ yesterday was also a good work day and I am keeping my distance with my coworker. As I shared with @Mercy yesterday, I have tried sharing with the boss/owner a bit how I’ve felt, but it is difficult because he is kinda friends with my coworker and isn’t around when he treats us poorly. Praying God continues to guide me. You know, He brings all things to light!
I am trying to remain positive and thankful, thank you for your prayers – all is well!
God bless each of you. May we continue to labor in Christ for His kingdom to be reigning on our earth. :)
Praising God with YOU,sweet Michelle!!! God is SO good!!!
I love this, and yet it should be the back up plan. If the other driver rear-ended you, they are at fault and *their* insurance should be doing the compensating. Your insurance paying will mean you paying the deductible and your premium going up (Big-eyed emoji). HUGS. ❤️ (if I have misunderstood the situation, disregard everything but the hug :))
Glad to hear things went better at work yesterday, and that the insurance will cover! Yay! Thank you Father God!!
“One thing that gives us strength while following Jesus is our friendship with others and their encouragement on the journey.”
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And that is what you are, dear Shes❣️
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NATASHA R – continuing to pray for peace of mind and spirit during your recovery.
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SOPHIE MITCHUM – sorry for your loss. May Jesus’ presence and peace bring you comfort in the coming days.
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MICHELLE P – whoop-hoo! Praising the Lord for the turn around with your insurance. Could you ask the cafe manager to be schedule you on different days or times than the troublesome coworker (or minimum overlap)?
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AG – continuing to pray for the flooding recovery in your community and the opportunities for the church to be the hands and feet to those in need.
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MARGARET W. – praying the Lord will bring you peace about the season of friendship being over. May He comfort your heart with memories of good times you shared with her and help you let go of the hurt.
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SEARCHING – praying you are feeling better.
Thank you, Kelly! Unfortunately, no. We are a small staff and family run place. He is there every time I am there. Often, I am working alone with him. It is okay. God will continue to guide me. Thank you for your prayers. I hope you are well, Kelly. ❤️
❤️ yes Kelly these Shes are such encouragement and support on the journey with Jesus. I’ve been less vocal recently, but your comments and so many others have been an encouragement to me!
Thank you, Kelly. Your prayers are precious to me. ❤️
Yes, that is what we are! ❤️
Amen
Oh my, your wirds BAILEY, took me back a thousand decades to my childhood in Ghana, West Africa.
My grandma lived by the sea. She didn’t just live by the sea, you fell out of her back door, onto warm soft sand and the most beautiful sight for soothing the soul, the sea! The most perfect place on earth to a 10/11 year old. To be honest, as I recall now, it truly was some years ago, when I returned for a visit!
I digress!
There was a woman who used to walk the streets, uncleaned, unkempt, that took food out of the bins and ate it. She often had things thrown at her as she passed people’s houses, or shooed. I never saw anyone be kind or nice to her.
I was at school when news came that she had died.. I was able to attend her funeral with grandma.. the whole town turned out to bid her farewell!
I didn’t understand, as I watched neighbours of grandma’s, line up to say goodbye to her. When we got closer I was even more confused because the lady in the casket did not look like the lady that had walked the streets. The lady in the casket looked beautiful, her hair was kempt and tidy and her dress, she was like a sleep bride!
I asked grandma later, why in death were her people now taking care of her.. why did they not take care of her when she was alive.. I think,to a 10/11 year old life was black and white, but to this 65 year old there were many reasons why not..
Fifty years ago, things were different.
She was mad.
She did have loving family, that were overwhelmed and could not help or take care of her.
She had a home.
The neighbours remembered her before her illness. The madness.
The family were able to send her home in style.
BUT GOD..
Times have changed, even in that third world country.. and I suspect the lady would have been helped more now than back then.
What I also realise is that her family never stopped loving her, and she always had a roof over her head, somewhere to lay her head, and in death, they were able to honour her.
I would like to honour her now by telling her name.. her name was Efua, (born on Friday), a beautiful child of God, whose mind was lost for a while..
BUT GOD.. always had her in His sights and keeping..
AMEN.
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Happy Friday dear hearts as I honour you all today..
I Thank God for each of you, your kindness and love to me and each other.
God bless you!❤️
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I think sometimes we are1q
Lovely story. Thank you for sharing.
Dear TINA, one of the most beautiful stories you’ve given us, where indeed things are not black or white, where we don’t always know someone’s story beyond what is visible, where love is shown in ways we may not see or understand, joining in heart and lesson with Bailey’s story.
Thank you for sharing her name, Efua, with us and I’m honored to know her story. May we not throw things (or words or attitude) or show unkindness toward others.
My 10/11 year old self would have wanted to visit your grandma’s house with you ❤️
So true, we don’t know the back story always. You’re absolutely right, Searching. Thank you, Tina!
Thank you for sharing Tina.
We don’t always know the trials people go through.
What a blessing your story of Efua has been to me this morning. Thank you Tina for sharing your stories with us and your gift of writing! ❤️
Thank you for sharing Efua’s story. ❤️
Thank you for sharing your story Tina, and for remembering Efua. I am always amazed that you have so many stories that pertain to our devotionals! God bless you, and keep sharing! Have a blessed and happy Friday! ❤️
Thank you for sharing the story of Efua. Life seemed so simple and black and white when I was younger. I would love to be able to think like that again.
On a side note, I sat next to a very nice young couple. I asked where they were from and it was Ghana!
❤️
Oh, Tina! As usual with your stories I see the ‘movie’ as I read! Because you mentioned that Efua means born on Friday, I just had to look at the old poem. I know it’s just a piem but, it says: Friday’s child is LOVING and GIVING! How ironic that she was treated so out of misunderstanding!
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I,too, am SO VERY THANKFUL for each SHE!
You have all found a ladting place in my heart! ❤❤❤
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Thanks,again, Tina for freely sharing your gifts!!! ❤
Thank you Tina for sharing your story of Efua. I have always said that mental illness is so hard to treat and understand. I told my kids and myself many times to be kind to people because you just never know what they are fighting. Have a blessed Friday. ❤️