I hate the so-called "prosperity gospel". I do not serve a God who blesses you because you do something. I serve a God who blesses you because He is good... and He loves you. So when I hear the whole "name it and claim it" mumbo-jumbo... my hackles are in a tizzy from that first moment.
But, as in most things, there is an ounce of truth amidst the crazy.
And recently I have been part of that goodness.
Last year, my word was "peace". I prayed "peace" all over my days. I prayed peace into the lives of others. I worked hard to make my life something that would leak peace into those around me. And I still do.
Those who know me well have joined me in my quest to cover my life and home with "peace"... I have received gifts and words over the last 16 months very focused on the word "peace."
So it was a logical jump that a friend use that word to explain my Daddy's death to her almost-3 year old.
When Daddy died, I texted my friend- something that 6 weeks ago I never imagined I would do, sending life-altering news in a text. Who would do that? I'll tell you who... this girl. In those first hours of confusion and anguish, I reached out to those around me with a quick line or two about what had happened so that they could rush on my behalf to the Throne of Peace... as I was unable to find my way. My sweet girlfriend received that text in the presence of her son... and realized she had to put words around her shock and grief. Words that he would understand- especially as they had not yet had to talk about the abstract and concreteness of "death".
In a moment of Momma-wisdom, she gently explained to young W that Miss Becky really needed peace, and it was their job to pray peace for her (me).
Beauty.
That family, like so many others around me, prayed that prayer... and I have been the recipient of peace.
Now, I will fully admit that I don't understand how prayer works. But I know it does. And I know that God hears the prayers of those who love Him... and loves the prayers of children. So, win-win for me- they pray it, I get it.
But the biggest blessing- to me- in all of this is the lesson that my friend has taught sweet W. Because every time he sees me, talks to me, hears about me, he asks his sweet Momma if I have gotten more peace. He is now part of the bigger picture of the inter-weaving of this world and the eternal. As he is on the earthly look-out at my life and my quest for peace, he is at the same time reaching his precious little hands toward heaven on my behalf.
He has named it, and both of us have claimed it.
Beauty.
And that makes it well with my soul.
Peace to you, and to sweet W.
But, as in most things, there is an ounce of truth amidst the crazy.
And recently I have been part of that goodness.
Last year, my word was "peace". I prayed "peace" all over my days. I prayed peace into the lives of others. I worked hard to make my life something that would leak peace into those around me. And I still do.
Those who know me well have joined me in my quest to cover my life and home with "peace"... I have received gifts and words over the last 16 months very focused on the word "peace."
So it was a logical jump that a friend use that word to explain my Daddy's death to her almost-3 year old.
When Daddy died, I texted my friend- something that 6 weeks ago I never imagined I would do, sending life-altering news in a text. Who would do that? I'll tell you who... this girl. In those first hours of confusion and anguish, I reached out to those around me with a quick line or two about what had happened so that they could rush on my behalf to the Throne of Peace... as I was unable to find my way. My sweet girlfriend received that text in the presence of her son... and realized she had to put words around her shock and grief. Words that he would understand- especially as they had not yet had to talk about the abstract and concreteness of "death".
In a moment of Momma-wisdom, she gently explained to young W that Miss Becky really needed peace, and it was their job to pray peace for her (me).
Beauty.
That family, like so many others around me, prayed that prayer... and I have been the recipient of peace.
Now, I will fully admit that I don't understand how prayer works. But I know it does. And I know that God hears the prayers of those who love Him... and loves the prayers of children. So, win-win for me- they pray it, I get it.
But the biggest blessing- to me- in all of this is the lesson that my friend has taught sweet W. Because every time he sees me, talks to me, hears about me, he asks his sweet Momma if I have gotten more peace. He is now part of the bigger picture of the inter-weaving of this world and the eternal. As he is on the earthly look-out at my life and my quest for peace, he is at the same time reaching his precious little hands toward heaven on my behalf.
He has named it, and both of us have claimed it.
Beauty.
And that makes it well with my soul.
Peace to you, and to sweet W.
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