Monday, April 6, 2020

Here's What You're Telling Me You're Struggling With . . .


I'm thinking that one of the biggest gifts we can give each other right about now is the lovely gift of presence.  The sheer gift of listening well to another soul without lobbing a whole bunch of questions or opinions or Bible verses at each other.  The nod of the head in understanding and appreciation of where the other is coming from.

Respectful validation.  Virtual hugs.

Saying, 'oh yes, me, too.'

No judgement.  No guilt or shame.  No pat answers or advice.

No, none of that.

Of course, there's the time for sharing Scripture and encouraging words and we trade alot of those powerful blessings back and forth around here.

But today I'm giving you needed space, I'm honoring what you've told me in the conversations after recent posts.  About what you're wrestling with, what you're concerned about, how this traumatic season is impacting you down deep.

I want you to know you are loved and cared for.  I pray for you.  Many of your responses mirror some of my own.

We're all in this together, dear friends.

Jesus loves us.

His Spirit whispers, peace, be still {Mark 4:3}.




I've tried to be more intentional about naming what I'm feeling. It helps.
-  L

I have to know what is in my “backyard.”  What do I have to navigate? What is the effect on me locally?
-  C

It's important that we still honour our feelings and be okay (not beat up on ourselves) if we just can't seem to get the energy to do but rather need to process, maybe even sleep more. It's kind of like a grieving journey.
-  L

Whatever we normally struggle with is being magnified because we're left with our thoughts and our small spaces.
-  M

Yesterday I had overwhelming fear ... I admit I have had anxious thoughts.
-  P

It's okay to feel. We're humans who have been thrown into something none of us could've ever predicted.
-  Y

This has been a difficult week. I’ve lost track of who I am … and mostly how I am … more often than I can count. There’s an exhaustion of my spirit, a wordless, nameless, defies-all-description malaise. I can’t get out of my own way and often don’t finish what I’ve started. I’ve become the world’s worst listener, so lost as I am in my own fog of non-thoughts, but feeling every single one of that which I cannot articulate. Anxiety, yes. Depression, probably slightly.
-  B

Just this morning I was in a funk and spent time to try and figure out the emotions I was feeling. Just naming them helps us be able to deal with them.
-  T

My biggest concern has been the people of the church I pastor. Checking on them. Making sure they are okay.
-  B

I confess I have not handled my fear well. I keep trying to hand it over to the Lord, but then I seem to snatch it right back and that has me feeling shameful. I've had to quit reading and watching the news and even having to screen what blogs I read. I'm an avid reader but for the life of me, I can't pick up a fiction book because I just can't focus on reading right now. I wish I could escape into a good book.
-  G

My own mother is 91, and I'm a bit worried about her at this time, but since we have to quarantine due to Danny's preexisting conditions, we cannot help her at this time - makes me so sad. 
-  M

We are in stage 3 lock down here in Australia so no going out for meals out or ice cream. We're allowed to have a walk but must go straight home, no stopping, no sitting to look at the scenery. Only going out to essential work or to get essentials now.  The police & military have been placed so no one breaks those conditions.
-  J

It has been a bit of a roller coaster ride with my emotions.
-  M

Nesting hasn't been as peaceful or relaxed as it sounds like yours is. I feel more pressure from various directions in my life than normal actually. Some of it is because a blogger's life is never done ... especially since there are many who need our calming voice in the midst of this chaos. But also because I'm used to less cooking, and thereby, less cleaning around my home!
-  B

Adjusting to new routines and people around all the time has taken a bit of time.
-  L

I'm grieved for those who are sick or who have lost loved ones. 
-  D

I would describe myself as somewhat ill at ease some parts of every day with occasional forays into panic. :-)
-  B

I am worried and anxious. I try to limit my exposure to the non-stop news cycle to once a day. 
-  L

I don't think I am too worried.  However, I don't seem to be sleeping much at night, so something is going on in my head.
-  M

Like a bad dream.
-  L




Oh, God. Bless the merciful. Bless them.
Bless the hospital chaplains who are crying and praying in trauma rooms with the scared and the hurting. Bless the doctors and the nurses, the janitors and the lunch ladies, the front-line workers and behind the scenes faithful ones during this terrible time. Bless the ones in the nursing homes with lonely seniors, putting themselves at risk to keep caring for the vulnerable. Bless the families on the other side of the window glass with phones, smiling and waving and holding up signs of love to their elders. Bless the vulnerable and at-risk and those who open their doors to them even in the midst of a pandemic. Bless the scared kids and the adults who notice them.
Linda


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spending time with 

39 comments:

  1. Many of the thoughts shared here mimick my own. And I get so frustrated at pastors and their sheep who still are going to these megachurches and disobeying the law. I miss my church family and pastors and shopping at my favorite stores. So I hang on to the Lord and put my trust in Him.

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    1. Yep, it's best to nest-in-place as much as possible, Regina. And oh what a celebration it will be when we are all back with our church families worshiping together.

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  2. You have provided such a sweet respite in this space today, Linda! Just stopping to acknowledge, listen and pray for those who hurt and struggle with this pandemic. But I especially appreciate your prayer for those who serve on the frontlines. We all need to bless them as they continue to bless others selflessly, and tirelessly! Hugs to you, friend! You are doing a great work!

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    1. Beth, I can't even imagine how courageous, brave, and resolute these front-liners are. They are in our hearts, we cheer them on, and we continue to pray for them ... and their terrified families.

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  3. I'm glad you are a safe haven for people Linda. People don't feel threatened or intimidated by you. That is good. You have a wonderful gift.

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    1. Well, this makes me happy, Bill --> 'People don't feel threatened or intimidated by you.'

      My heart's desire is to offer a safe, welcoming online presence for those God brings on to my path. It means alot to me to have your affirmation today, friend.

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  4. It was quite helpful to read all the comments! The 1st 3 weeks I was rockin' the stay at home life but the past 3 days I've been struggling. Can't concentrate, wander from one project to another without finishing, maybe a bit sharp tongued. It's very helpful to know that others feel similar. This too shall pass.............

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    1. Oh yeah, Valerie, I can relate --> 'Can't concentrate, wander from one project to another without finishing, maybe a bit sharp tongued.'

      Just ask my husband!

      ;-}

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  5. Hi Linda, it is do good to be here after such a long time.
    As usual you serve such encouragement. We are in this together and God is with us.

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    1. Ifeoma, it's so very good to see you again! I hope you and yours are doing well and are safe and healthy.

      And yes, thank God He is with us ...

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  6. What a beautiful post. I am not generally an anxious person but I can certainly feel the anxiety that people have been feeling. These are such uncertain times. It’s comforting and helpful to know that we are in this together.

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    1. Yes, we do pick up on each other's anxiety. I think the children are especially keyed into what the significant adults in their lives are feeling. It encourages us to take care of ourselves, to do what we need to do to stay healthy and strong for the next generation.

      They take their cues from us, don't they ...

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  7. What a gift you have for speaking calm into the chaos.
    Bless You, Friend!

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    1. Dear Loralu ... if there's any calm right about now, it is only because of the Holy Spirit's activity.

      For sure.

      I hope you and yours are well and safe ...

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  8. So glad you shared the emotions and feelings of others here, Linda, as it certainly alleviates the feelings of isolation and loneliness. We are all in this together, indeed! With God's help, we will come out on the other side stronger in our faith and stronger in courage.
    Blessings!

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    1. Yes, you heard my heart, Martha! Isolation and loneliness might be the worst enemy right about now. Second only to the actual illness itself.

      We are all in this together, Amen.

      He is in our midst. That is our comfort, that is our hope.

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  9. Love your heart and how you encourage us! Praying for you and all those who shared!

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    1. Yep, let's keep lifting each other up in prayer and encouragement!

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  10. We live our days in gallows' shade
    and cannot know tomorrow;
    are we going to swing, betrayed,
    or will we have to borrow
    all the courage that we can,
    all the skill we can assemble
    all brave within the ken of man
    although our knees, they tremble?
    Yes, this is a lonely place,
    but we are not forsaken
    there is love and tender grace,
    and our fear can be taken
    from the mind and from the heart,
    unto the God of whom we're part.

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    1. These lines right here, Andrew -->
      'we are not forsaken
      there is love and tender grace'

      Thank You, Jesus. You are not leaving us for one single moment. We are grateful indeed.

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  11. Thank you so much for posting these comments. Like everyone else, it is good to know I am not alone in my malaise, my loneliness, sadness, and, as one person said, "I can't seem to get out of my own way."
    My Aunt passed away on Saturday. I hadn't seen her for a few years, but we'd stayed in touch. And we've had to cancel our summer vacation to Cape Cod; it's devastated me. I am thankful our God knows and understands us!!

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    1. Allison, I am so sorry for the loss of your Aunt, especially at this already difficult time. I pray you'll know an extra portion of God's peace.

      I hear you about the Cape. Nearly everything is closed down here and I'm not sure what the summer will look like. I kind of find it hard to believe that everything will magically be in place. There is not the workforce or the health care to support visitors.

      I know this was a hard decision. This surely is a time of disappointment.

      Let's see what God will do ...

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  12. Linda, this was encouraging. Reading that others are experiencing similar things. That we are all over the board and there is no right or wrong way or answer. We are all doing the best we can with God by our side.

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    1. You're so right, Theresa ... we're all doing the best we can by His Grace. Oh the stories we will tell of His faithfulness in the years ahead.

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  13. "No judgement. No guilt or shame. No pat answers or advice." That's why I feel safe here, Linda. You are still using your counseling gift in this space here. Thank you. Sometimes people say, "Oh, they're making it out to be much worse than it is." That really breaks my heart. But I know some are just trying to be strong and convince themselves. This is so serious. Even one suffering or one life is serious. And I worry a lot, too, about the increase of domestic violence. And so much else. Thank you for your encouragement and Sarah's prayer. So many are sacrificing their lives for the good of others. So often lately my heart gets overwhelmed and I have to cry, "Lord, have mercy!" Love and blessings of a Hope-filled Easter!

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    1. Oh Lord, protect our families from friction, discord, and violence. May Your Spirit be alive and active in our homes at this tense time. Teach us how to give each other space and grace. Prompt us to love well.

      Please protect our children and use these difficult days to draw them into a deeper personal relationship with You.

      For Jesus' sake. Amen.

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    2. Amen! Thank you, Linda. ❤️

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  14. Linda, thank you for sharing these thoughts from other readers. We're all impacted by this in different ways. I was grateful for your reminder on how validating it can be for another when we just listen rather than trying to fix or suggest. As I navigate this time, I find days when I just can't concentrate. Or I'm focusing on the unimportant. I am purposing to spend time with the Lord each day, which does help keep my thoughts grounded.

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    1. Jeanne, you are so wise ... purposing to spend time with the Lord on a regular basis is the key to getting through this well. I'm guessing many of us have sharpened up on His invitation to meet with Him ... or are so overwhelmed that we've let it slip by.

      I'm glad you brought this to the table, friend.

      Easter blessings to you, to your family. I hope you and all your guys are surviving well!

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  15. Busyness and baking can't fill what God can only do. He is our comforter and peace provider during this time. And He is good with our lamenting too! A gift is just to listen and not judge others or ourselves. Thanks for your comfort and wisdom here, Linda. Happy Easter!

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    1. THIS is fabulous, Lynn --> 'Busyness and baking can't fill what God can only do.'

      That truth made me smile. And your counsel on allowing ourselves to lament is certainly necessary right about now. Let's not let it build up inside til we explode.

      Easter blessings to you, friend. I'm so glad you're here.

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  16. Linda - I left a comment the other day and it didn't show up. :( I think when I try to leave a comment while using my Ipad it doesn't go through.

    Thank you for always providing a calm place to process our feelings. May you find Easter joy as you celebrate our RIsen Savior.

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    1. Oh, I hate when those comments vanish into thin air, Mary ... but thanks for coming back and giving me another chance!

      He is risen!

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  17. I think your first sentence pretty much sums it up, Linda. "I'm thinking that one of the biggest gifts we can give each other right about now is the lovely gift of presence." I'm so grateful to be part of this beautiful community that you've nurtured here, my friend. To be seen and heard and "sat with" during this weird time is truly precious. Much love to you and your family this Easter!

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    1. Yes, we're all traveling into the unknown future, side by side, trusting our Risen King to carry us through.

      And yes, the connection we all share is blogging at its finest. I so appreciate our conversations here ... and at your place. Thinking of you in this difficult anniversary season, dear friend.

      May you find Him faithful.

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  18. LInda, First and foremost I want you to know I am praying for you right now. I am so glad you shared your post with Grace & Truth. I needed your words this morning. You have reminded me presence is what people need the most. They need to be heard. I have a zoom meeting in a few hours and your words have encouraged me that showing up is enough. Thank you. Happy Easter! Maree

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    1. You're absolutely right, Maree.

      More often than we think, simply showing up is sufficient.

      Bless you, bless that meeting ...

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