Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy;
No shadow of shame will darken their faces. Psalm 34: 5 (NLT)

I read my benign and shortened version of The Wizard of Oz to my curious grandson again. It was his favorite of the week. The book was almost as big as him, and it was spread between our laps. I explained that the Scarecrow wished for a brain and that the Tin Man needed oil to grease his joints. I went on to say that the Tin Man was like his Mima. His knees also hurt; we both needed oil like the plants we water. Eyes wide with understanding, he tapped me on my shoulder and said, “You’re going to be okay, Mima.” And my heart filled with joy and love. He was right!

From the words of a child to seasoned leaders and friends in between, God had begun to heal my soul. Beauty and intimacy had started to bloom where the enemy had intended evil- to separate and destroy relationships. It may seem odd to some to be grateful for  men as we prepare our hearts and tables for the upcoming feasts. However, they’ve breathed life back into my weary and thirsty desert canyon.

I’m thankful first for my friend and partner clad in simple faded blue jeans and flannel. He trusts in God’s lead and direction. Never has he silenced my voice; instead, he has encouraged me to tell of God’s redemptive Truth, and he has led our family with love and grace and humility. Our home testifies to God’s merciful work and patient endurance. And so, the song in my heart matches my smile.

I’m thankful for tears . . . men who weren’t afraid to be vulnerable and weep with me through the hard. For a brother and friend who helped me excavate and edit the ugly with persistence and validation, those who prayed often, a pastor who mirrored my pain and passed me a tissue, and one who hugged me like lost treasure tossed out by the turbulent sea. He encouraged me to use my God-given gifts.

God’s redemptive hand is seen from a tap on the shoulder to a hug that holds to a prayer that carries.

Though I was broken and betrayed and rejected by men as a child, and injured and confused by legalism and the twisted perspective of the church, God plants faithful men in the dry land and my circle widens. He has given me a heart to know Him and to also sow more seeds of grace.

Therefore, as I consider the week ahead, I thank God for friends and family, and the months of physical and emotional pain that led me to this fresh-found forest floor and freedom. God set His eyes on me for good.

God won’t leave you in the wasteland. When you seek His help and provision, He responds. He plants you in unexpected places and gives you a heart to know Him.

Let gratitude flow from our hearts,

Lily Mae

For I will set My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them again to this land; and I will build them up and not overthrow them, and I will plant them and not pluck them up. I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the Lord; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart. Jeremiah 24: 6, 7