“I want you to stay and hold me and tell me you’ll be here to love me today.” ~ Norah Jones
Once long ago, I got up at the crack of dawn to drive west of Yosemite National Park and climb into an inflated raft on Tuolume River. It was my first whitewater rafting trip.
We went through a few rapids, but nothing too exciting — until our Teva-clad guide pulled to a stop at a tall, jagged ledge. As the people got out to climb up and dive off, I sat glued to my seat. I eyed the slippery slabs of wet rock and imagined my arms and legs flailing down to an embarrassing belly flop.
After watching a string of people jump off without sustaining any concussions, I decided to go for it.
I stood over the edge, trying to act cool. I was scared.
I was afraid to look silly and awkward. But, I longed to jump in…
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…To read the rest of the story – click here and jump over to DaySpring’s (In)Courage website, where today’s post is published.
It makes a difference that you’re there, when I barista away from here. Share a comment at (In)Courage – thanks so much!
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Photo Courtesy of fusatia, Flickr.
7 Comments
I know you have no idea how God just used you to speak directly to my “No”. I’ve been on an unexpected and unpredictable journey since my four year old son was diagnosed with cancer. Through that diagnosis God set in motion the undeserved and breathtaking rescue of my heart. Me. I found out that I mattered to Him.
And recently He has been setting before me an opportunity. This will call upon me to Jump. I have been saying no. I prayed specifically this morning for God to speak to my no. I got up from my chair and subscribed to incourage, having caught a glimpse of it yesterday on my internet travels. I returned to my place of prayer and an hour later your post is in my inbox.
I wonder when I will get it? When will I stop believing that I am a spare part in His kingdom? Maybe this morning?
Julie! That just took my breath away, hearing how God connected His encouragement through your prayer and today’s words. Thank you for taking the time to share your journey in this moment! You’ve encouraged me and others here. Jesus, may Your encouragement continue to wash over Julie this weekend. Amen.
Unbelievable. This post was a direct answer to things I’ve been praying about and specifically to the questions I was just asking the Lord in prayer this evening. There was something I felt called to in my life years ago, and then I got off track by some sinful choices and by hesitating in obedience. Now I feel called to return to it but I worry about all of the things you articulated in your post. Thank you so much for writing this. I am going to read it a few more times and I feel I have some answers now. I’ve never seen your blog before, what perfect timing. That is just so great! Correction, GOD is just so great!
Bonnie, Thanks so much for your “visit” 🙂
Bonnie,
Thank you so much for your writings on this blog. I’ve discovered your blog through Holley’s blog.dayspring. You both have encouraged me in the last months, during my journey regarding a relationship directed towards marriage.
As the last 5 years have shown, some Christian blogs really “mentor” me and God answers to my daily struggles through your faith-life lessons you share. Thank you for doing that!
These days I had a strong desire to check your blog (haven’t done it in months) – and I found this post about my “no” and “God’s yes” – “strange” providence of God. I was restling with feelings (egocentric) and true love – specifically about showing a certain young man that I care so much about him, even if I said we have nothing to discuss (when he requested that we willl have a face-to-face talk). Also, what you said about the “art of attraction” that takes two, the time for receiving but also the joy of asking was telling me I have to show him my heart for him, and not only wait to be pursued exclusively by his actions – I discovered he just needs to know my feelings for him before moving foward (initiating a discussion about us, cause we are in ministry together but don’t date or anything).
So I wrote him an email, yesterday, after reading God’s answer through your post, and he wrote me back so warmly, and he said (for the third time now) that we will speak face to face.
So, thank you so much! And please pray for John and Roxana Ileana – that we will have God’s guidance for our future relationship (if there will be any relationship at all : ) ) and also His blessing over the love we have for each other (I am certain of mine, I can “guess” his, through his warmth and actions).
Love in Christ,
Roxana Ileana
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