Unexpected -- A Song from My Hubby

When I was single, I prayed over a list of things I would want in a husband -- two lists actually.  I had a must-have list that had to be met to warrant a first date, and I had an added bonus list that I wrote saying, "God if you really wanted to bless me, these things would be great in a husband."  One of the things on the second list was someone who could sing and play guitar.  Jeff is not only a singer and guitar player, but he is a song writer as well.

I've been away this week for school, and Jeff wrote me a letter for every day I was gone.  Yesterday, he surprised me by sharing that the first line in every note was a lyric to a song.  I am so blessed to call him my husband and I thank God for not giving us both more than we ever dreamed.  Anyway, enough of the sentimental stuff. I was so impressed with his song, I wanted to share it with you.

Rambling through the Snow

OK, so today is one of those days that I am reminded that I grew up in the south.  I went to class this morning in Virginia and there was less than an inch of snow on the ground.  At noon, classes were cancelled for the rest of the day, and so I faced the blizzard-like conditions on my way to the car.  Snow was piled on top of my car five to six inches deep.  "So cool," I thought.

Well, I threw all my stuff in the car and climbed in the seat.  As I turned the ignition, I realized that I needed to clean off the windshield and the snow was too heavy for the wipers to do the trick. I climb back out of the car and wipe off the snow using my hand (no gloves mind you) and my arm.  I cranked up the defrost and off I went.

About a half a mile up the road I realized that I should have cleared off the side windows and the back window too.  I couldn't see to change lanes.  Not really thinking, I rolled down the window to clear off the snow when an avalanche of ice and snow fell into my car.  I quickly rolled the windows back up, but I still couldn't see.

Finally I pulled over and wiped down the windows and the back windshield, and left again.  This time I noticed that my side mirrors were snow covered, my seats were drenched, and my fingers were frozen.  I shivered as I continued to drive, and I realized that if my Ohio colleagues could see me I would be the laughingstock of class.

You see, in Georgia, if it snows even a little, life stops.  Stores close. Schools cancel.  Everyone stays indoors and praises God for a day of rest.

I was definitely humbled as I travelled in the wintry mix today.  I am grateful to be indoors where it is nice and cozy, and I thank God that I live in the South.

1 in 4 people

Did you know  research suggests that 25% of the population will seek medical help for mental illness in their lifetime?  That is a quarter of the population.  Think about your closest friends; if this is true, 1 in 4 will experience mental illness at some point in life.

Why then, so we still suffer in silence?  Why are we afraid to ask others to pray for us because we are depressed or anxious?  The short answer:  stigma.  Sadly, people don't understand mental illness, and we tend to shy away from things we don't understand.

I can remember when just saying the words cancer or AIDS was taboo.  People would almost whisper the words and cancer was known as the Big C. With education, people have learned more about these illnesses, and much of the stigma has been erased.  Athletes even openly discuss their HIV status on television today.

We are still a long way in the battle to eradicate stigma associated with mental illness.  I challenge you to take time to learn about mental illness.  Don't be afraid of people with a mental illness; after all, this is 1/4 of the population.  Mental illness is a part of a person's life. It does not define his life.

If you know someone with a mental illness, find out how you can support and encourage them.  Many long for someone they can share with about their struggles.  Do your part to stop stigma!

Leaving a Proverbs 31 Legacy

I don’t know about you, but when I read Proverbs 31, I am often overwhelmed by this superwoman’s abilities. I can’t sew; I don’t have a green thumb; I am not a business woman. I tend to worry about the future, not laugh about it.

A few days ago, I attended the funeral of a precious woman who truly leaves behind a legacy. I was struck by how her family and friends described her. She was a gentle woman with a servant’s heart. As her son-in-law spoke of her love for quilting and gardening, I was reminded of Proverbs 31. Much like the woman described in Proverbs, this dear woman made sure her family was clothed, that they were warm, and fed. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

 Wow! What a testimony she lived. Recently a girl I mentor asked me to teach her how to be a godly wife. I was really surprised, and wondered what I have to teach her. As I’ve pondered Mrs. Thomas’s life, I have realized that being a godly woman has less to do with works, and more to do with lifestyle. Do I exude grace and mercy to the people in my life? Am I quick to forgive or do I hold onto grudges? Do I face confrontation with a gentle and quiet spirit or am I quick to lash out in defense?

I have a lot to learn, and I pray that God will help me to live in such a way that my family sees Christ in me. Mrs. Thomas leaves behind such a legacy because of her faith in Christ. He gives us what we need to live for him. I may never be able to do all that the woman described in Proverbs achieved, but I can strive to live a life that reflects a Christ-like attitude, and I can do my best to care for and love my family.

I thank God for his sufficiency – “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5). I pray that we will learn to walk in his strength and power, and not in our own. As Paul said, may I die to self and live for Christ more each day.