“But now, says the Lord, he who created you…who formed you:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1
What one word speaks to you in today’s verse?
We all need someone.
This is a beautiful, lonely, hard, and easy truth.
Beautiful if you have someone.
Lonely if you don’t.
Hard for the times you’d rather not need.
Easy for the times when someone you need — needs you too.
You might look at me with my first book published, with a loving husband Eric and two beautiful kids Josh and Caleb.
And you might think I ought to be so happy.
I am.
But, I also want to confide in you.
Even Though
I want to tell you that the journey to really being you — the journey to really finding your voice may inevitably lead you back to parts of your story — people, experiences, conversations or situations — that you’d rather avoid.
You may tempted to choose safety. To stay quiet and hide, rather than be vulnerable and real.
You may have to make some hard decisions where there are no uncertain outcomes.
You may have to take up a cross that’s been hard to bear.
Maybe like me, in order to follow God where He wants to take you, you will need to go through uncertainty. Maybe even loss.
Even though you know God is with you,
and even though you know faith will get you through,
you cannot avoid the hardness of the journey.
Even though there is much to be thankful for you — and your heart is truly grateful for all the ways God is walking with you — you cannot deny the weight of the cross on your shoulders.
The hardness of the journey doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path.
Who Am I
As I’ve confided in you — prior to finding Spiritual Whitespace, I always knew in my mind that God loved me.
But God is inviting me to not just know I’m his beloved. God’s calling me to dare to be his beloved. Today.
To step out and make choices I have never done before.
To say no, when it’s more comfortable to say yes. And to say yes today, rather than waiting to be better, stronger or more ready.
It’s too hard. Who am I to think I can make this journey?
After Jesus was beaten on the head by the reed the Roman soldiers put in his hand to mock him as king, after they crushed a crown of thorns into his head, and after they had flogged him with whips, Jesus was thrown out of the Praetorium.
The Pretorium was the governors hall, where Pontius Pilate gave Jesus the death sentence, where the soldiers assaulted Jesus emotionally, hurling unspeakable wounding words targeted to bring shame and humiliation.
It wasn’t enough to break his body.
They wanted to break His heart and His spirit with their words.
Need Someone
After this takes place in the secrecy of the Praetorium, Jesus is expected to take his first steps through the Via Dolorosa. In front of everyone.
“When they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, coming in from the country, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus.” Luke 23:26
Following his beating, it’s likely Jesus could not physically carry the cross all the way to Calvary.
Jesus needed someone.
In that moment, a man whose journey somehow crossed his path was pulled in to help him.
We don’t know if Simon even knew who Jesus was. Did they even exchange any words? All we know is that an ordinary person helped the Savior.
Through one simple, understated act, a person became part of the journey with Jesus.
It’s okay to need someone.
When the cross is too heavy to carry — but we still want to be faithful to see the journey through — needing someone isn’t a shameful.
Is Jesus calling you to step forward on a journey that feels uncertain and daunting?
Don’t be ashamed at the weight of that cross. Keep stepping forward and dare to be his beloved. Today.
Listen. God’s Words For You
Experiencing anxiety is not cause for alarm. We are headed in the right direction — following our heart with Jesus. And with others.
If we went back to hiding and staying safe, we would experience no anxiety.
But, think of Jesus. Imagine how His steps on the Via Dolorosa were soaked in anxiety, physically disorienting suffering, and emotional anguish against the sea of voices.
Then think of Simon who walked broken road alongside him and carried the cross for him.
Jesus needed someone.
And he doesn’t want you to journey alone either.
Jesus whispers —
“I know.
You need someone.
Hold onto me.
Now let me place someone on your path.
To carry your cross with you.
Let me love you through a friend.”
Reflect. Your Journey
Who are the Simons in your life? Who has carried your cross?
Who has prayed for you, helped you? Who has been there for you?
None of us can make it through this life alone. Even Jesus journeyed with trusted friends, many of which were killed because of their association with Him.
Take a moment and think of someone who has helped you along your journey.
Picture them. What they said. How they said it. What they did. how they did it.
Close your eyes and think of them. As you do, thank God for them. Ask God to bless and protect them.
Email today’s blog post to them and thank them.
Take a moment to thank these understated people who have helped you climb the hill of life.
And if you’re struggling to think of a Simon, yet longing to need one, dare to let someone know of your need. Someone safe. Let someone help you carry the burden.
Let God transform your need for someone to become a beautiful truth.
Our #OneWordLent Prayer Today
Thank you Jesus for walking the lonely road,
so I don’t have to walk lonely anymore.
I need someone.
I need you.
You’ve made it okay for me to need someone.
Give me courage to need others. To trust again.
Thank you. I love you.
You are beautiful to me. Amen.
What’s Your One Word?
Take a moment to be present in this moment. What is one word that speaks to you in today’s verse?
“But now, says the Lord, he who created you…who formed you:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1
Pull up a chair. Enjoy a cup of #OneWordCoffee together.
Click to comment. Share. As you feel prompted.
* Who can you share today’s encouragement with?
For more encouragement, get a copy of Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest.
Special 7 Week Lent Series || The Journey
#OneWordCoffee Link Up
Soul Writing With Jesus — Together
This new #OneWordCoffee Wednesday series inspires us to create space in a simple way, to be present, hear God’s whispers, to be refreshed & renewed. ?
Every Wednesday, I’ll invite you to stop, pause, & reflect on a One Word prompt.
Share how One Word speaks to you: 1. Simply post a comment (or) 2. Write a blog post, link up on Wednesdays. Visit the post before yours to comment and encourage. Please use the #OneWordCoffee badge in your post(click here) & link back (or) 3. Tag photos #OneWordCoffee on Facebook or Instagram inspired by your one word.
#OneWordCoffee ☕️ A simple invitation to create a new rhythm for your soul. To stop and hear God’s whispers. And swap some stories together.
Today’s 3/2/16 #OneWordCoffee Prompt: any word that speaks to you this week during Lent. Optional prompt: cross
Next week’s 3/9/16 #OneWordCoffee Prompt: any word that speaks to you during Lent. Optional prompt: wounded
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32 Comments
My one word for today is redeemed. Jesus is telling me that my pain on this soulful rest journey will be worth it. I so look forward to Wednesday because you give me hope for this journey. I really do need a friend that can pray with me and help me and so I ask for prayer in this area, I’ve been hiding inside my protective self for so long that i lost that part of me. Thsmks Bonnie and friends. I eas wondering if your mom and sister are still in your life?
Hi Kimberly, yes, it’s easy to stay in that protective mode. but we were not made the journey alone. as you pray and someone comes to mind, be bold and ask to go out for coffee. you can be curious about their story – i’ve found if others are willing to be vulnerable, that person will probably welcome yours. share your story. Dear Jesus, prepare the way for Kimberly and bring that person her path. Give her courage to reach out, knowing you yourself needed someone as well. Reassure her you will help her. Amen. // as for my mom and sister, that will be for another time, with another cup of coffee. 😉
Good morning Bonnie. The one word in Isa. 43: 1 is for me is I where it’s repeated a few times in the verse. It’s quite comforting to me because I know that my Redeemer lives and He’ll never leave nor forsake me. He’s my peace and my portion. I can call on Him anytime day or night in the good or bad times. That’s why I love Him so much. Also that’s why Bonnie I love you my kindred spirit and sister in Jesus. Your blogs and sometimes videos bring such peace and joy to my heart. Bonnie may our Elder Brother Jesus bring you many blessings the rest of the day.
good morning beth, what a beautiful personal whisper – “I”. one word makes all the difference in the world, when we hear those words through the Voice of Love. Jesus. so sweet to be kindreds and sisters in Jesus. have a wonderful, beloved touched day, friend! thnx for sharing a cup of #OneWordCoffee together today! i love this enjoying this time together.
My one word in your blog is created. He thought enough about me to create me. I wasn’t just an idea or plan that He never got around to fulfilling. He created me in His own image, with His breath and potential to tap into all He is in me. He doesn’t create something without giving it a purpose. That’s why He called me, first unto Himself, so He could reveal His purpose for me. It has taken me my lifetime to realize even a small part of this truth. Your blogs are warm, beautiful expressions of His love to me. Blessings to you today.
Thank you Bonnie! You have been “Simon” for me. Along with several others. Persevere is the word that comes to mind and hope. Each only possible through Christ.
you for me, as well. when it was too dark to see the next step ahead. we can make just one step in front of us, when we have friends who understand each other. love you, friend. thnx for sharing a cup of #OneWordCoffee together today! i love this enjoying this time together.
Thank you, Bonnie, for the beautiful reminder that we never travel the journey alone.
The one word that speaks to me in today’s verse is “mine.” It has been so easy of late to feel fearful and lack peace as I watch all the hateful, spiteful, and immature vitriol coming from this year’s election cycle. (And we have eight more months to go!) It is a fear based on uncertainty and unfamiliarity…….like being in the middle of an earthquake and feeling the normally solid earth dip and sway beneath my feet. I look for civility and honesty and mutual respect and find only screaming heads and dogmatic statements. All of which makes it so easy to feel discouragement and dismay……until I read a verse like today’s and it’s as if Abba Father pulls me close (the way a parent would pull a small child away from a busy street) and reminds me “do not fear,” child…….in spite of all that you see and hear in this world that is not your home…….”do not fear” for “you are mine.” Such comfort.
good morning teresa, yes, it’s a storm swirling everyday in our country – and those voices and sound bites and analysis is all reported to create drama — which means capturing attention — i love how soothing and how instantly beautiful our world becomes when we stop. pause. and listen – even for just a moment – in those 10 minutes, of Spiritual Whitespace – we can hear God’s whispers. And His voice is just like honey for the soul. I simply love your One Word today “mine”. so rich, so intimate. so YOURS. 😉 thnx for sharing a cup of #OneWordCoffee together today! i love this enjoying this time together.
“Beloved” is the word that comes to mind as I read this morning’s scripture. Thank you Bonnie and have a blessed day!
good morning erica! what a sweet sound it is to hear your name, friend — “Beloved”. you are His. may your hear His name for you echo {Beloved} throughout this day and your heart! thnx for sharing a cup of #OneWordCoffee together today! i love this enjoying this time together.
[…] linked at Faith Barista’s One Word Coffee (badge found on linkups […]
“Mine” Oh, the love and the strength that encompass this truth…
Good Morning Bonnie!
“Need” –oh independent me….
A visit to the dentist brought on extreme anxiety yesterday. I almost cancelled. My dentist is helping me get past this fear by remaining calm, gentle and kind. She understands my fear. There is no shame. Undoing the trauma another dentist put me through is one of her goals.
I needed hands to hold and sweet, gentle women to talk to me and help me yesterday in that dental chair. I needed to be cared for. I needed help. I needed others.
Those women in that dental office knew this and stepped up to help me. I became stronger by becoming weak and allowing others to help me. I am still processing this, but my anxiety is gone and I feel a little freer. I got through it with others helping.
I let go of control. I let others help me. I needed others in a huge way.
They helped me carry my cross and I am so grateful.
“Redeemed.” Listening to Big Daddy Weave right now!
All my life I have been called unworthy
Named by the voice of my shame and regret
But when I hear You whisper, “Child lift up your head”
I remember, oh God, You’re not done with me yet…
CHILD! He calls me Child!
Bonnie, this is beautiful! I experienced Jesus placing people around me this week. My marriage is hard right now, and He has surrounded me with women who understand. Blog posts about the very worries of my heart. An author’s book… Who’s launch team I forgot I was even on until the book came in the mail…but her words brought tears down my cheeks. Two of my friends prayed over me the other day when we met for Bible Study…which we never got to because we all love to chat so much!!!! I could barely keep myself together as my friend Kelly prayed for me. She had picked up on my sadness…and talked it out and prayed it out with me. It felt like, through all of these incidences, Jesus was hugging me through a rough edge that I had lifted up to Him. I had pleaded for His help, and He faithfully swooped down and exceeded my expectations. Marriage will be a work in progress… But knowing the arms of Christ are there to reach out and pull me through is ALMAZING and complete AWESOMENESS. Thank you so much for this piece.
Happy Wednesday!!!!
Megs
“formed you”. My being, physical, emotional, spiritual, is formed by Jesus. What a truth I need right now. I need it to sink to the very core of my being. The blog post was also very poignant as I thought about the army of people God brought into my life as I went through a 14 year spiritual and emotional battle. An army of people representing the army of hosts that God placed around me. I weep in thanksgiving that God who formed me, loves me so much. I am his. Oh Lord, may I live a life that treats this person you formed with respect and may my life reflect the gratitude in my heart.
Starting with a new counselor was a big step for me, especially after a not very good experience the last time I tried. But it came down to knowing that I had the ‘need’ and accepting that being OK. Being “needy” is intensely uncomfortable for me.
Morag…Like Bonnie says, we all need something sometime…If we’re honest with ourselves. It’s so good to know where to find food and learn trust. Day by day, we grow stronger and find peace in our souls. I pray your new counselor help you find the healing you need. God bless and keep you close to His gracious heart.
Created is my word. For me it means ‘made new’. I may seem to be like others but really I’m different is small ways. I’m made new every day growing closer to Abba, seeing more as He sees, acting more like He acts, and loving more like He does. The path I travel as I follow Him takes me in and out and around His creation touching those He needs to touch. It’s an exciting journey. As I travel, I find others who need me to carry their cross and they mine. It deepens my faith and fills it out and I feel stronger and more attune to where he wants me to go and minister to those He needs me to care for. I feel blessed today and at peace more and more. Thank you so much for good food for the journey. It always gives me another piece of the picture as I try to live and walk and love in His name. God bless you, dear one! Peace!
[…] post has been written for Bonnie Gray’s #OneWordLent […]
Love what you shared here, Bonnie and recognize so much of it. Oh how we need the arms of His Body. I know I have in the journey I’m on right now…and He’s shown me that when I lean into Him, when I confess my struggles and weaknesses, that He moves in on those in power to bring a whole team of talented, passionate lovers of Christ to walk beside me…and now I sit here overcome, no longer by fear, but by the incredible Love of a Saviour who has truly called me by name to pour out His Love in the words of a book that will go live on Amazon on Mother’s Day in honor of my precious Mum and His shining Light in her.
I’ve private messaged you on FB about it too: because I need your permission to quote from Spiritual Whitespace and One Word Coffee prompts: because God has used you powerfully in the Journey He has taken me on, for which I will always be so thankful for.
Just saw your reply to my message, Bonnie. Thank you so so much!!!
“But God is inviting me to not just know I’m his beloved. God’s calling me to dare to be his beloved.” I really feel this with you, Bonnie. Daring to be His beloved is a deeper heart work than just knowing, isn’t it? To step out and make daunting choices. To open doors that I have been keeping closed because it’s more “safe” and “comfortable” that way. I feel I need to open more of those doors, but I’ll admit I’m so afraid. Thank you, my friend. You have been a “Simon” to me. Blessings and hugs to you!
“The hardness of the journey doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path.” Those words are such a reflection of where I am at right now. I’m taking stock of the hardness and recognizing that while it has been SO hard, it’s also been SO good. God has grown and encouraged me, and allowed me to encourage others. Just today I expressed my gratitude to Him because in the midst of the struggle, my faith has been transformed, and really that’s transformed my perspective on Him. Love your words, Bonnie – so glad to be back linking up here. It truly is a sweet spot.
Thanks Bonnie for this post. I have a great marriage today because when I needed someone to guide me away from a wrong path, God sent a colleague Chuka Ugwu who with a simple question returned my gaze upon Christ. Today I remember him & pray for him. God’s blessings & protection I ask of the Lord for Chuka. When he needs someone, may heaven send in Jesus Name. Amen.
We are created to be TEAM. Together Everyone Achieves Much. May we keep doing life together, building up ourselves & not tearing ourselves into bits & pieces.
Have a wholesome day
Beautiful, Bonnie! So tenderly spoken and full of the love He has so clearly placed within you. Only one who has come to know they are beloved can speak as you do!
The word that stands out to me is “fear” as in “do not fear, you are mine.” This post really spoke to me. I am trying something new on my blog with a new blab chat feature. I was very excited about it until last night — and now I just feel scared. The reality is that my story is one that is hard for me to share. I would rather hide. And as you share in your post — you can wish that the journey was easier. So, thanks for the encouragement!
Mine:
My own I am not, I belong to my creator and He takes ownership of Me. it is not about My will, but His.
I was made for His good purpose. He formed me to bring pleasure to Him. In Him I live and move and have my being.
No fear of rejection because of my imperfection.Not without value His interest in me is vested, No protest he paid the unjust price, suffering once for MINE own sin, Judgement Not guilty.
Equal payment for Sin: forsaken separation by our Holy Father, a blood bought sacrifice His name is Jesus.
All I have I owe to Him who called me out of this dark body of sin. Amen!
Bonnie, I read this post today believing that there was no Simon in my life. There was no one to help me carry the burdens that weigh me down. I felt so lost and alone and then I realized that this post and you had been put in my path for a reason. God was giving me a Simon. The burdens are still there but they do not feel as weighty as they did. As my favorite hymn says, “Be Not Afraid”. I shall not be for God is watching over me and sending me what I need when I need it. Blessings to you. Thank you.
Praise God for the Simons in our lives! I’ve lived long enough to have been blessed by a number of them, in different situations, in different locations. May God also use me to be Simon for someone else. The word that stands out to me in Isaiah 43:1 is “formed.” Not only did he create us as human beings, he formed each of us uniquely, with specialized skill-sets, certain character traits, and interests. Together, the body of Christ makes a beautiful whole. How glorious to be a part!
Wow……God answered my prayer in the midst of my anxiety , depression and lonliness today. I asked Him to speak to me today as I went online to seek for an answer to my anxiety and he led me here. So happy to know that I’m not alone. Thanks a lot.