Have you ever been across the table from someone who has something really heavy to talk about? If you are a friend who listens well then you have been in that seat. It’s not easy to see pain on the face of someone you love.
I’ve been thinking about watching pain in light of my own pain. I recognize now what a gift sufferings are: a gift of empathy for the pain of others.
This week is heavy with this remembering. I hold out to others what I call Sacred Space; the very present sitting with them in their pain, the hearing, the knowing, the seeing what is real for my friend. I remember. It hurts. It is deep down to the fibers of being. Is there an end to the pain?
This week is heavy with this awareness. As Jesus stepped each day toward the Cross His own awareness heightened. His very real love for all of us drew Him forward to the deepest empathy one could have:
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
The Sacred Space of knowing is held out to you today, by the One who knows you best and loves you perfectly. What will you do with this gift offered you?
Lisa,
Your writings really hit home for me today. I want to thank you for listening to me and my troubles you showed such empathy and understanding.
When you wrote about Jesus dying on the cross without threats or retaliation I shuttered. I forget sometimes what has been done for us. Thank you for reminding me of the sacrifice and for helping me become aware of what the Lord would want me to do in my situation.
You are a beautiful person with so much to share. You have a gift for insight that shows when you speak to others.
God Bless,
Nancy
Nancy,
It means the world to me to hear how God’s Word has impacted others. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement to me but most of all thank you for your willingness to share how this post has affected you. Praying you have a blessed celebration of the Resurrection!
Yours along the Way,
Lisa
LISA ~
“Thank you!” With all my ♥ heart ♥ & soul, “THANK YOU” for your posting! What precious thoughts for me today, on the eve of GOOD FRIDAY! Your writing is especially Precious because of two things:
(1) This is the eve of GOOD FRIDAY
(2) I’m suffering pain, too.
What you wrote reminds me that GOD is at work during our tough times. “If it’s a tough Friday, wait until Sunday!” GOD takes time to unfold HIS perfect will.
. . . Love you, Sister!
. . . JESUS used you in my Life again today!
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Amy-Lynne I am so thankful to hear that my words were used of God in your life today! Thank you for taking the time to encourage me with your comments.
Blessings dear heart!