 |
Some
bread and water from your cellmate :) God Bless YOU!! Editor's Note: As some of you know, the devil has been working overtime to derail Handmaidens and my other internet Christian outreaches efforts. Recently, I was feeling quite low. My husbands job was taken, we had to rent out our retirement home (we can't afford to live in it) health problems seemed never to end, there wasn't enough money to pay for web space... and on and on and on. Then my friend Carol blessed me with this: Hi Dear Friends!! I was lying in bed last night, and visualized something that I would like to express with words.. I saw someone, could be you, could be me...sitting in a prison cell...lonely, desolate, and the only thing to look at is four walls, and a small window. The bars and the mildew-stained glass allow a very dim view of anything that is outside this cell. Yet, I try and try to focus on what's there. Might be a beautiful day outside, although it's really hard to tell. And then, I hear it. Another voice. Another person! Someone in a cell, just like me! This voice calls out to me. I do not answer at first. I sense a reservation within myself, but yet, at the same time, hope. I decide to just "listen" for awhile. The voice continues to offer encouragement. Such a strange peaceful tone for someone who is in the same predicament as me. The voice is continually speaking positive words of affirmation. Words like, "Jesus loves you soo much." or, "Hang in there Friend..Jesus is coming." "Keep the faith!" "Don't stare at the walls, keep looking out the window!" "I can see more clearly through mine now...as each day passes, and soon, you will too!" Then, as I continued to listen, the voice began to quote scripture, in the most loving, comforting manner: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." I pondered this voice, as I felt a stirring in my heart. It was if something inside me that had lain dormant for a very long time, was beginning to be awakened. I wondered what this person looked like, and how they could be so optimistic in a place like this. I began to respond, haltingly at first. I wanted to believe the stranger, but the evidence contrary to what this person was speaking was overwhelming. I asked questions, and with each loving answer, I heard chimes of hope, drawing me closer to this light that I could not see. After awhile, I drew closer to the window, but this time, with a different heart. There was an expectancy within me that was not there before the voice began to speak. And there it was. I could see a silhouette of a mighty oak tree. I could see it's limbs swaying with the wind, as if it didn't have a care in the world. I began to focus on the words that my new friend shared with me. I made a decision to open my heart to receive them. That's when the floodgates opened, and that's when the scales fell off my eyes. The tree was getting clearer by the day, and I noticed for the first time, a tiny sunbeam pouring through a slot in that window. Was that always there? I never saw it before! Then, the realization of a great truth encompassed my whole being. I was free! No longer a captive to this world, but bound by the words that brought me new life, and life more abundantly! I began to welcome to the quiet time that I dreaded in the past. My new friend introduced me to One that came to set the captives free, and I so longed to talk to Him, to be with Him, at every opportunity. After a season..I heard the clanging bars that indicated a newcomer was in my midst. By this time, I felt such peace and strength surge from me, and I needed an outlet to pour it out on. I began to understand my friend's desire to pour into me. I needed to do the same! As I started speaking to the newcomer, I was mindful and thankful that my first friend blessed me with words of encouragement, at a time when the dark cell of this life was the only thing I could "see." From now on, as long as I remain in this "cell" I will continue to share the good news to those that He puts in my path. I cannot contain it! It is so much for one person. This "Bread of Life" has to be broken up and distributed to all that only see the four walls of this world. Once they taste it for themselves, they will see the full baskets that still remain, and a burning desire within their own hearts, will urge them to share. This allegory represents the online relationships that I have with you, dear Friends. I may never "see" you beyond this computer. But, I thank God for the "voice" that He has provided through it.. The constant words of affirmation and encouragement. They ARE making a difference. Yes, sometimes I do
wonder what you look like, and at the same time, I am so
grateful that you took the time to remind me that Jesus
loves me soo much.
In Christ!! We need articles, poetry and
other original submissions Graphics, Design
& Hosting by Web4Christ Ministries Home | Webzine | Archives |
Resources Author: Iona Hoeppner |
