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I have nothing to say, in the upper room #XIX
15 years ago
General
Harvest
Read url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+126&version=NIV]Psalm 126[/url]
Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.
-Psalm 126:6 (NRSV)
IN spring 2001, I began leading a women's Bible study in the church where my husband was pastor. Our group started with around a dozen women; more joined in the fall session. Six weeks into the second study, my husband died suddenly. One week after his funeral, I went back to leading the study. My motive was not particularly noble. I needed to return to some sort of normalcy, and I knew these wonderful women whom I had grown to love would be support for me.
During that study, we bonded in a way that does not often happen in good times. As I honestly talked about my grief, my doubts, and my anger at God, the women talked about their deepest feelings. One person commented that I was the strongest woman she had ever known; I remember thinking, I don't feel very strong. During many of the sessions, though I was the leader their strength carried me.
Our group eventually grew to more than 40 women, and God alone deserves the credit. I believe God used my honesty when I was floundering to produce fruit I never could have anticipated. Even the weakest among us can spread the good news that God is always faithful.
Sandy Sheppard (Michigan, USA)
Prayer
Dear God, when our struggles make us want to pull away from other people, help us to be honest and to keep on serving. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Talking honestly about our doubts can lead to deeper faith.
Prayer Focus
Those who are grieving
Read url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+126&version=NIV]Psalm 126[/url]
Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.
-Psalm 126:6 (NRSV)
IN spring 2001, I began leading a women's Bible study in the church where my husband was pastor. Our group started with around a dozen women; more joined in the fall session. Six weeks into the second study, my husband died suddenly. One week after his funeral, I went back to leading the study. My motive was not particularly noble. I needed to return to some sort of normalcy, and I knew these wonderful women whom I had grown to love would be support for me.
During that study, we bonded in a way that does not often happen in good times. As I honestly talked about my grief, my doubts, and my anger at God, the women talked about their deepest feelings. One person commented that I was the strongest woman she had ever known; I remember thinking, I don't feel very strong. During many of the sessions, though I was the leader their strength carried me.
Our group eventually grew to more than 40 women, and God alone deserves the credit. I believe God used my honesty when I was floundering to produce fruit I never could have anticipated. Even the weakest among us can spread the good news that God is always faithful.
Sandy Sheppard (Michigan, USA)
Prayer
Dear God, when our struggles make us want to pull away from other people, help us to be honest and to keep on serving. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Talking honestly about our doubts can lead to deeper faith.
Prayer Focus
Those who are grieving
