As iron sharpens iron,
a friend sharpens a friend. ~Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
The song for a snow day is steeped in slow. The wind whips outside, and I’m thankful to be toasty warm inside. The moon-red chai soothes my innards, and the wood stove heats my cold bones and home. The change of pace is a balm for my soul.
The past several years have taken their toll. I’m nearly finished with my His-story. It is Jesus’ story. Writing about my past stripped me down. Seriously. Literally. Completely. The self-editor within now wants to remove the “ly.” If you’re a writer, you understand. But I catch myself saying these words often.
I thought it was enough to swim in a dreaded pool after a leg injury. I laugh at my discomfort back then. God had something more in mind.
Fear overcame me. Doubt spun with self-criticism and scorn, and tormented and blurred my vision. Some days my fingers just sat on the keys, until I walked away in defeat. I couldn’t blog. I didn’t need the shame, smirks, or ridicule of the enemy. I had my own.
Last night as I considered the storm that approached, I decided to blog in the morn. I started to flip through my journal to recall what Jesus had taught. And three cards of encouragement fell to my lap. They’d been tucked inside for some time.
I hadn’t noticed until now that their message was the same: You are not alone.
The first was simple. Please know I’m here for you. You are not alone. The second showed two little girls hugged together in hula hoops. Then a reminder that one can be overpowered, but two can defend. And a triple-braided cord can’t be easily broken.
The third drew me forward. God never meant for us to face the tough times alone. When the storm hits, we need each other. A friend loves at all times. Our conversations stimulate our thoughts, attitudes, and actions as the sparks that fly when iron strikes iron. Our countenance improves. This is the reason God gave us each other. She wrote, “Remember, I’m always just around the corner if you need to talk, walk, vent, or spark. When you hurt, I hurt.”
As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend. ~Proverbs 27:17 NLT
When I committed to tell my faith journey, I never imagined how lonely the task would be. To write the grit and gravel is to choose isolation most days. So, my heart is full of joy, love, and gratitude for all who helped me endure with prayers, words, and belly laughs. Sparks flew and I’m stronger.
God is the giver of good gifts. The friend I found threaded through my His-story was my beautiful Jesus. He’d been with me from the start, but I’d never fully understood His grace, mercy, and perfect sacrifice. I now see with a yielded heart, and it transformed my perspective. Through the bitter-cold howl of my winter, I see His pure-white wonder. And all is well with my soul.
I pray as I write again, you will see the heart of Jesus. His love is for you.
Blessings,
Lily Mae