I had a thought the other day. I don’t remember what prompted it, but it was simply this:
We are all survivors.
Which means: If a person is walking on this earth alive, they are wounded in some way, and they have survived. It’s a realization, I hope, that would fuel more grace and mercy on my part in my daily encounters.
It also gives me a way to envision this coming week, this Holy Week. It’s not just me walking with Jesus on this path—it’s all of us: hurt, seeking, wounded survivors. We are moving through the week together, accompanying Jesus who will heal our blindness, free us and bring us into life where we do more than survive: We live.
Sending prayers of trust and good outcomes to you, Ria. I commend you for giving this young woman a chance and by the intercession of Our Lord, things will turn out well. Trust in the goodness of The Greatest Forgiver of all.
This verse came to mind when it comes to marriage, close friendship and business relationship in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16a, “Do not be joined to unbelievers. What do right and wrong have in common? Can light and darkness be friends? How can Christ and Satan agree? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? How can the temple of the true God and the statues of other gods agree?” *** I pray that she is a Christian and if she is not, may God draw her to Himself through this business relationship! *** Matthew 10:16, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as wise as snakes and as harmless as doves!” *** “Snakes aren’t usually aggressive, not as a first resort. They wisely remove themselves from situations in which they would be threatened if they were found out in the open.” This harmless or gentleness like doves may be seen as weakness to the world, but it is the manifestation of great faith and submission to the Lord! ******* May the Holy Spirit guide you and show you His way every step of this business adventure! Proverbs 16:9, “In their hearts human beings plan their lives. But the Lord decides where their steps will take them!” Amen!
Ria, I pray for you both but especially if this young woman who may have had a checkered past, may repent and have a conversion of heart in her future business dealings.
Of course, I meant "into my LIFE". The details are not important and there is nothing romantic involved here - it's strictly a business relationship, but it involves me trusting her and her trusting me. Again, please keep us both in your prayers. Thank you again.
Oh Amy, what a wonderful reflection for the beginning of Holy Week! Yes, we’re all survivors and we’ve been given the grace to walk with Jesus during the last days of His earthly life. As He shares our suffering, we’re given the opportunity to share His suffering with Him another time. Even though it hurts to recall these days, we’re strengthened and made holier through Our Lord. Please take a moment to say a prayer for our beloved Pope Francis as he continues to suffer with multiple health problems. Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for giving yourself to all of humanity and may we live in the Light of Your Love and Mercy
I remember years ago at my Parish in Houston, Monsignor asked us to come on Good Friday and sit with "Mary". To go through the anguish of watching her Son suffer and die. I found a pew towards the front that had a pillar you had to maneuver around to sit down, and there I sat for 3 hours. One of my most memorable Lents, when I actually felt as if I was "present", as I gratefully grieved. Prayers for Andy's successful knee surgery today, Ken's results to be hope filled, and ALL of our Living Faith Family's needs, petitions and praises.
My prayers are for all of the LFF. Also, I'm thinking of those who won't be able to participate in Holy Week experiences for whatever reason. I know I'm looking forward to being in church and focusing on the what a gift was given to us in Jesus' Resurrection. Let us remember those not able to be with us. Better yet, if we know someone without transportation it would be so nice to offer a way to church for them. May we all have the most prayerful Holy Week
Reminds me of what Jesus said in John 10:10, “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) have come so they may have life. I want them to have it in the fullest possible way!” My favorite song - Famous For by Tauren Wells https://youtu.be/hLCYTUaoqDM?si=tH1CYgVXS-z2rkTw *** Shoulders by for King and Country https://youtu.be/TfiYWaeAcRw?si=SqORm2TLdYRxKLCJ *** When We Fall Apart by Ryan Stevenson https://youtu.be/xUPgzd3nwMo?si=JGMLLojJTJ2j2Acc
*** Don’t Stop Praying by Matthew West https://youtu.be/bpbZqMJ-B44?si=V_JrP1rQywkA0joF
Just went back to read yesterday’s comments that I missed. Jane you made me cry. Absolutely in a good way. For a long time, many years, I sat alone at home without transportation or support to be part of a community except through this site and later limited Facebook. Not only did I feel alone but, at a young age, of no value. When I suggested this book to the group years ago it was a one moment post (it was actually the lent my mom passed). To see it bloom into not just someone read it but someone can spread its message for the sake of Christ even further touches me deeply. Although I’m not healed by any means, my life is so much fuller since then with social activities and friends who care. I believe my mom’s intercession has been instrumental. Thank you all for being my foundation community and for providing the Spirit of encouragement each and every day.
Awwwww Vicky, sending you much gratitude for always sharing and being authentic! Hugs.
Amy your words encourage me to remember what all this is about. Daily I pray for each individual around me that hurt others. I fear those prayers keep getting longer and longer but you encourage me to keep praying. Jane I will pray for Andy. Blessings to all the LFF. Each of you are in inspiration to this weary world. May we all go out and spread Gods love throughout. Special prayers for those with extra struggles these days and for all we have missed on this site that haven't commented in awhile and for those who read these words in silence. May God hug each and everyone of us today! God Bless!
FOR A HOLY HEART Lord grant me a holy heart that is always fine and pure and not frightened at the sight of sin but creates order wherever it goes. Grant me a heart that knows nothing of boredom, weeping and sighing. Let me not be too concerned with the bothersome thing I call “myself.” Lord give me a sense of humor and I will find happiness in life and profit for others.
"Without the struggle of afflictions, it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gift of grace increases as the struggle increases." St. Rose of Lima
Reminds me of these verses *** 2 Corinthians 9:8, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work!" *** Romans 5:20-21, "The law was given so that sin would increase. But where sin increased, God’s grace increased even more. Sin ruled and brought death. But grace rules in the lives of those who are right with God. The grace of God brings eternal life. That’s because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done!" *** John 1:16-17, "God is full of grace. From Him we have all received grace in place of the grace already given. In the past, God gave us grace through the law of Moses. Now, grace and truth come to us through Jesus Christ!" Amen!!!
Thanks Irene, I never heard that before but I absolutely agree with it. I think St. Paul agrees too, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Thank Irene! I took St. Rose’s name as my confirmation name when all the other kids took traditional names. If I saw this quote doing my research paper or in the years to follow I don’t remember it but now I know why I was driven to her. With you all in prayer today!
Good morning Amy, thank you for your wonderful and insightful interpretation of the line of scripture that spoke to your heart. Isaiah 42: 1-7 is a cornerstone in my life. In 1999 in a hospital bed all I prayed for was “let me die” I could see no future, I was emotionally overwhelmed with a physical condition to mirror my inner turmoil. Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. That line came to me and I honestly don’t know if I read it or someone said it to me but it sowed a seed of hope that thanks be to God, I accepted it. Over the I have rebuilt my life by the renewing of my mind, my attitudes and ways of thinking. We are all on the same path and on the journey we will be be presented with opportunities to help others and allow others to help us. Always remember we are not alone. The subtly of the footprints in sand brought a smile to my face. Go forward this Easter week in confidence with faith, hope and trust.
Patrick what a great story thank you so much for sharing it. A big hug and thank you! You enlightened one heart already today:)
Patrick- thank you for sharing that with us and thank you for hearing God’s whisper!
Beautiful thought - we are all in this together - as my husband and I go with our parish to the Chrism Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Richmond today! It is one of the most beautiful masses, when all the priests, seminarians and our Bishop process in together to bless the new oils for the year.
Amy, this is such a beautiful way to start our week. Thank you for continuing to bless us with such deep and meaningful reflections. May God continue to heal our brokenness on the journey. Continued blessings to all and asking for special prayers for Andy in his knee replacement today. Amen.
Good morning Jane, I will be praying for Andy today and praying that he continues to heal as he begins his rehab. It’s a bit of a journey, but will be so worth it as he becomes fully recovered. My bionic knees have helped me live a fuller life, 20 years later. Also lifting Karen in prayer as she continues her treatments. Asking Our Lord to give her strength and hope with these painful sessions.
Thank you for your kind words and a blessed Holy Week!
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those suffering in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
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Dear Living Faith Family: Please pray for me that I have not made a mistake by letting someone (a young woman) into my live who seems to have a checkered past. I have decided to trust her and I hope and trust in God that I have not made a mistake in doing this. Please pray for me and pray for her that we will both be okay and go forward in peace and trust. Thank you. And may God bless all of us this Holy Week and Easter. Love, Ria.