Thursday, March 26, 2026

Funeral Music and Dangling Fringe

Matthew 9:18-25 (NLT)  18As Jesus was saying this, the leader of a synagogue came and knelt before him. “My daughter has just died,” he said, “but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand on her.” 19So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him. 20Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, 21for she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” 22Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith had made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment. 23When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, he saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music. 24 “Get out!” he told them. “The girl isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at him. 25After the crowd was put outside, however, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up!

This is the story of a miracle within a miracle, and both involving the sense of touch. In one case it was a request for the Master’s touch—a touch that could change death into life. In the other, it was the touch of faith and humility by someone whom the culture of the day considered to be less than a dog—a women with bleeding issues deemed unclean and unfit for society.

One must admire the courage of the synagogue leader, for I’m certain his quest for Jesus’ help would not have been popular among the other pharisees of that area. All the other pharisees were in the process of trying to disprove and discredit Jesus. This leader knows the truth and is convinced that just the touch of Jesus’ hand can bring his daughter back to life. That is faith in action; faith that is willing to stand up no matter what others may think.

The woman knows her denigrated status in society all too well. She cannot ask Jesus to touch her, for she is unclean and has been for twelve years. She does not dare approach Jesus to his face. And yet although she stealthily sneaks up behind him, her faith is exceedingly strong. She is confident the mere touching of the fringe of his robe will be enough to bring healing.

In his compassion, Jesus responds to the faith of both requests. With the touch of his hand, the synagogue leader’s daughter is restored to life. Even without his physical touch, he restores not only the woman’s health, but he also restores her social status to “daughter”—a high honor in Jewish culture.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for these and other examples of faith in your Word. Sometimes our faith seems strong and bold. Sometimes our faith seems weak and frail. But You know the right touch to strengthen us. We come to you in humility of heart. We thank you for life, for health, and for daily blessings.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


The devotional  Funeral Music and Dangling Fringe appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Speech Impediments and Walking Trees

Mark 8:22-25 (NLT) 22When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and they begged him to touch the man and heal him. 23Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man’s eyes he laid his hands on him and asked, “Can you see anything now?” 24The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.” 25Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly.

The touch of his hand and the use of spittle occur in many of the miracles Jesus performed during his ministry. In fact, in the previous chapter of Mark, another miraculous healing is recorded.

Mark 7:31-35 (NLT) 31Jesus left Tyre and went up to Sidon before going back to the Sea of Galilee and the region of the Ten Towns. 32A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him. 33Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone. He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue. 34Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said, “Ephphatha,” which means, “Be opened!” 35Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly!

In my time of study, I notice similarities. As mentioned, the use of touch and spittle occur in both. But I have discovered the use of spittle was a common remedy of that time and culture. Perhaps it is why, even today, when we burn our finger, we immediately put it to our mouth to ease the pain.

Another similarity is that in both events Jesus led the man away from the crowds. Also, in both cases Jesus gave the instructions not to spread the news of the healing (c.f., Mark 7:36 and Mark 8:26). News was already spreading rapidly and news of the events were drawing Jesus’ ministry here on earth to a close; and quickly so. In my limited understanding, less notoriety could create more time to provide more opportunity for even more miraculous events. Jesus’ time was limited. In his compassion his desire was to help as many people as possible. As I read through the gospels, this makes sense to me.

Yet there is a striking difference between the two miracles. In the case of the deaf man with the speech impediment, healing was instantaneous. This seems to be the way of most of the recorded miracles in the gospels. However; in the case of the blind man, or at least this specific blind man, the healing occurs in stages. The fact that the man knew what trees looked like, and the use of the words completely restored, cause me to believe that at one time this man had vision. Why did this man’s healing occur in stages? In my limited way of thinking; I believe it is because Jesus knew best what this man needed. He knew how much the man could handle all at once, and how much would be “too much” and sensory overload. I believe Jesus healed the man in stages because he compassionately knew that the man needed to be healed in stages.

In Scriptures, we are promised wisdom to understand the Scriptures if we ask for wisdom.

James 1:5 (NLT) If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

Yet I strongly believe, at least in my own case, that our Loving Heavenly Father knows how much we can handle at any given time. He opens our mind’s understanding of his Word gradually, over a lifetime. Each time we open our Bible and read; each time we open our Bible and study; each time brings deeper understanding and a closer bond with our Heavenly Father—who He is, what He desires. And THAT dear friends is the greatest motivation for beginning today. Start reading your Bible today. Start studying your Bible today. Leave the amount of wisdom and understanding to your Heavenly Father for he knows how much you can handle. He is faithful.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the promise of wisdom and understanding to know You and Your desires for your faithful people. Thank you for helping us grow in stages.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  Speech Impediments and Walking Trees appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Tasty Food, Hariy Hands, and More

As we continue our interesting journey through Scripture with the five basic senses, today’s passage includes multiple sensory highlights, in fact we discover all five of them.

Genesis 27:14-27 (NLT)  14So Jacob went out and got the young goats for his mother. Rebekah took them and prepared a delicious meal just the way Isaac liked it. 15Then she took Esau’s favorite clothes, which were there in the house, and gave them to her younger son, Jacob. 16She covered his arms and the smooth part of his neck with the skin of the young goats. 17Then she gave Jacob the delicious meal, including freshly baked bread. 18So Jacob took the food to his father. “My father?” he said. “Yes, my son,” Isaac answered. “Who are you—Esau or Jacob?” 19Jacob replied, “It’s Esau, your firstborn son. I’ve done as you told me. Here is the wild game. Now sit up and eat it so you can give me your blessing.” 20Isaac asked, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?” “The LORD your God put it in my path!” Jacob replied. 21Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come closer so I can touch you and make sure that you really are Esau.” 22So Jacob went closer to his father, and Isaac touched him. “The voice is Jacob’s, but the hands are Esau’s,” Isaac said. 23But he did not recognize Jacob, because Jacob’s hands felt hairy just like Esau’s. So Isaac prepared to bless Jacob. 24 “But are you really my son Esau?” he asked. “Yes, I am,” Jacob replied. 25Then Isaac said, “Now, my son, bring me the wild game. Let me eat it, and then I will give you my blessing.” So Jacob took the food to his father, and Isaac ate it. He also drank the wine that Jacob served him. 26Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come a little closer and kiss me, my son.” 27So Jacob went over and kissed him. And when Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he was finally convinced, and he blessed his son. He said, “Ah! The smell of my son is like the smell of the outdoors, which the LORD has blessed!”

The story is full of sensory highlights. Isaac’s eyes were growing dim; his sense of sight no longer able to serve him as it had in the past. His sense of hearing was still intact; he recognized the voice of his younger son, Jacob, but it left him perplexed. The taste of savory game was just as Isaac liked it. The hairy hands felt just like his eldest son, Esau. But it was the smell—the smell of the outdoors—that convinced Isaac to fall for the trickery. And after all, that is what the name Jacob means, trickery; deceit.

It occurs to me that we call ourselves Christian; we talk like Christians, we act like Christians, we do our best to give off the Christian vibe. But our Heavenly Father knows our voice; he sees all we do; he knows our hearts; and he knows the thoughts and intents of our minds. There is no way to trick or deceive our Heavenly Father. To Him we carry the tell-tale smell of the world. There is only one remedy, and that is being cleansed with the saving blood of Christ.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

You know us completely, Oh LORD. We can hide nothing from you. Forgive the ways in which we fall short of your glory, cleanse us through Christ. Create in us a clean heart and renew the desire within us to serve you.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  Tasty Food, Hairy Hands, and More appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Monday, March 23, 2026

Bitter Water, Quail and What Is It?

Our five basic senses are sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. These five senses help us gather information about our surroundings. I thought it might be interesting for the devotionals this week to provide some mini lessons through familiar Scriptures highlighting one or more of the five basic senses each day. Today’s mini lesson highlights the Sense of Taste.

We all have favorite comfort foods; warm stew on a cold winter night, or perhaps a cup of chilled fruit or cold watermelon slices on a hot summer day. I am equally sure each of us has a memory or two of foods we never wish to taste again. One of the odd side effects of the recent COVID pandemic for many people was the loss of taste; complete absence of the ability to taste food at all. And here’s an interesting bit of trivia; nearly 20% of people have a genetic variation in the OR6A2 gene which makes them more sensitive to cilantro and report that it tastes like soap to them. Our sense of taste can bring good memories and not-so-good memories. But let’s move on to today’s mini lesson.

Exodus 15:22-25 (NLT)  22Then Moses led the people of Israel away from the Red Sea, and they moved out into the desert of Shur. They traveled in this desert for three days without finding any water. 23When they came to the oasis of Marah, the water was too bitter to drink. So they called the place Marah (which means “bitter”). 24Then the people complained and turned against Moses. “What are we going to drink?” they demanded. 25Moses cried out to the LORD for help, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. Moses threw it into the water, and this made the water good to drink.

In our Scripture passages today, the Israelites are thirsty and the only water they find is too bitter to drink. They complain to Moses; Moses cries out to the LORD; the LORD answers with a piece of wood. But the LORD’s wisdom is far beyond our own and this piece of wood works. The water is now safe for consumption.  Yet there is more to the story:

Exodus 15:27 (NLT)  27After leaving Marah, the Israelites traveled on to the oasis of Elim, where they found twelve springs and seventy palm trees. They camped there beside the water.

After refreshing themselves with dates and spring water, the whole community of Israel sets out once again into the wilderness. And it doesn’t take long for the complaining to start up again.

Exodus 16:11-15, 31 (NLT)  11Then the LORD said to Moses, 12 “I have heard the Israelites’ complaints. Now tell them, ‘In the evening you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will have all the bread you want. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’” 13That evening vast numbers of quail flew in and covered the camp. And the next morning the area around the camp was wet with dew. 14When the dew evaporated, a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground. 15The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. “What is it?” they asked each other. They had no idea what it was.  ... 31The Israelites called the food manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers.

Finally there was fresh game each night. Quail covered the camp. And each morning, a flaky white substance with a sweet honey-like taste for bread. Most Bible footnotes tell us that the word manna means, “What is it?” (v. 15).

Yet the lesson today isn’t about the sense of taste; bitter water, fresh water, meat, or bread. It’s about trust—the LORD said he would provide and he did. It’s about obedience—the people were given guidelines on how much food to collect; some obeyed and some received consequences for their disobedience. I would encourage each of you to go back and read Exodus 15:22-16:31 in its entirety including the verses in between our selections. This time instead of focusing on taste; focus on trust and obedience.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for giving us our sense of taste. Thank you for the lessons we can learn in your word. Along with the Psalmist, may we Taste and see that the LORD is good (Ps 34:8), for truly You are good. We place our trust in You. Guide us in being obedient people.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  Bitter Water, Quail and What Is It? appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Friday, March 20, 2026

The LORD's Promises Are True

Psalm 18:30-31 (NLT)  30God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. 31For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock?

Dear Readers, I cannot read this verse without my heart singing one more “golden oldie” hymn, and I share it now with you:

Standing on the Promises by Russell Kelso Carter, 1886

Standing on the promises of Christ my King, Thro’ eternal ages let His praises ring: Glory in the highest I will shout and sing, Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail, When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, By the living word of god I shall prevail, Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord, Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord, Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword, Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall, List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call, Resting in my Savior as my all in all, Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, Standing, Standing on the promises of God my Savior; Standing, Standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Your Word is full of precious promises for daily living and guidance; as well as for comfort and hope and encouragement in times of distress. If I could ask anything, I ask that you renew within us the deep desire to read your Word daily, to discover and hold tight to the precious promises you give us. Lord, You have graciously given us your Word and your Word is true. Now it is time for us to take the responsibility to have eyes ready to see, and ears ready to hear, and a heart and mind ready and willing to understand.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  The LORD’s Promises Are True appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Thursday, March 19, 2026

The LORD Cares

Psalm 9:11-12 (NIV)  11Sing the praises of the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done. 12For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted.

v. 12 (NLT)  12For he who avenges murder cares for the helpless. He does not ignore the cries of those who suffer.

Once again, dear Readers, there is an old hymn written by a Methodist Espisopal minister which speaks more clearly than my words ever could. For all my dear friends and loved ones; who are experiencing a wide range of emotional heartbreaks and distress; I offer the following words of encouragement:

Does Jesus Care?  by Frank E. Graeff, 1901

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained Too deeply for mirth and song; As the burdens press, and the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long?

Does Jesus care when my way is dark With a nameless dread and fear? As the daylight fades into deep nightshades, Does He care enough to be near?

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed To resist some temptation strong; when for my deep grief I find no relief, Tho’ my tears flow all the night long?

Does Jesus care when I’ve said “good-bye” To the dearest on earth to me, And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

O yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares. He cares.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

How deeply thankful we are that you do not ignore the cries of those who suffer. No matter what the cause of each person’s distress may be today, I ask you to wrap your loving arms around them and to allow them to feel your presence and your comfort.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  The LORD Cares appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

The LORD Will Not Abandon

Psalm 9:9-10 (NIV)  9The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

v. 10 (NLT) 10Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you.

What wonderful words of hope and encouragement! The LORD will not abandon us nor forsake us. Abandon and forsake are strong words for it implies no intent to return. That is not the way of our gracious Heavenly Father. In fact He is not the one who ever leaves; it is we who stray away from Him. We drift, and sometimes pretty far away. But our LORD will never abandon nor forsake those who trust him, those who seek him. He is there; always as near as our next whispered prayer.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the precious promises in your Word. Forgive us when we stray, when we falter, when we drift, or when we doubt. Remind us how close your presence is to us. Thank you for the stability and comfort we find in you.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  The LORD Will Not Abandon appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

The LORD Reigns Forever

Psalm 9:7-8 (NLT)  7But the LORD reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. 8He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness.

Earthly justice of humans is not always just. Judges come and go; they do not last. Nations rise and fall; they do not last; nor are they always fair. But the LORD reigns forever. Once again consulting the old worn 1965 Websters on my desk, I take comfort in knowing that when I read the LORD reigns forever; I know His rule will prevail—always. The LORD is just. The LORD is fair. After earthly time is no more; the LORD will still reign.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We are often impatient and complaining people. Our human tendency is to focus on the bad, the unjust, and the unfair. Forgive us, Lord. Remind us that You are fair and just and You hold all things in your hand. Earthly judges and nations will come and go; but You will reign forever. Teach us to trust in You and your timing.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

 

The devotional  The LORD Reigns Forever appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Monday, March 16, 2026

The LORD Is To Be Praised

Psalm 9:1-2 (NIV)  1I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 2I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.

There are days when the words of an old familiar hymn rustle about in my mind; speaking volumes more clearly and better than my words ever could. Such is today as I recall the words written by Fanny J. Crosby and set to music by Chester G. Allen many years ago.

Praise Him! Praise Him!

Praise Him! praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim! Hail Him! Hail Him! highest archangels in glory; Strength and honor give to His holy name! Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children, In His arms He carries them all day long:

Praise Him! praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! For our sins He suffered, and bled, and died; he our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation, Hail Him! hail Him! Jesus the Crucified. Sound His praises! Jesus who bore our sorrows; Love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong:

Praise Him! praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Heavenly portals loud with hosanas ring! Jesus, Saviour, reigneth forever and ever; Crown Him! Crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King! Christ is coming! over the world victorious, Power and glory unto the Lord belong:

Chorus Praise Him! Praise Him! tell of His excellent greatness; Praise Him! praise Him! ever in joyful song.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the life of Fanny Crosby and her faithfulness in service to you. Thank you that her words remind us and inspire us to give you all the Praise and Honor due your name. I praise you with all my heart!

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  The LORD Is To Be Praised appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

Friday, March 13, 2026

The LORD Never Fails

Lamentations 3:21-24 (NIV)  21Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

Zephaniah 3:5,8 (NIV)  5The LORD within [the city NLT] is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail... 8“Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD...

Today my Write From the Heart post will come from another person’s heart. The following post was originally posted on Facebook many years ago. The post focuses on grief after loss of life, but I feel it can also be applied to loss caused by distance and miles as well. I have no way to track the original post in order to credit its author, but I pass it on with appreciation for their willingness to share from their heart.

In response to the comment: My friend just died. I don’t know what to do., a self-proclaimed “old guy” writes the following response:

I’m old. What that means is that I’ve survived (so far) and a lot of people I’ve known and loved did not.

I’ve lost friends, best friends, acquaintances, co-workers, grandparents, mom, relatives, teachers, mentors, students, neighbors, and a host of other folk. I have no children, and I can’t imagine the pain it must be to lose a child. But here’s my two cents...

I wish I could say you get used to people dying. But I never did. I don’t want to. It tears a hole through me whenever somebody I love dies, no matter the circumstances. But I don’t want it to “not matter.” I don’t want it to be something that just passes. My scars are a testament to the love and the relationship that I had for and with that person. And if the scar is deep, so was the love. So be it.

Scars are a testament to life. Scars are a testament that I can love deeply and live deeply and be cut, or even gouged, and that I can heal and continue to live and continue to love. And the scar tissue is stronger than the original flesh ever was. Scars are a testament to life. Scars are only ugly to people who can’t see.

As for grief, you’ll find it comes in waves. When the ship is first wrecked, you’re drowning, with wreckage all around you. Everything floating around you reminds you of the beauty and the magnificence of the ship that was, and is no more. And all you can do is float. You find some piece of wreckage and you hang on for a while. Maybe it’s some physical item. Maybe it’s a happy memory or a photograph. Maybe it’s a person who is also floating. For a while, all you can do is float. Stay alive.

In the beginning, the waves are 100 feet tall and crash over you without mercy. They come 10 seconds apart and don’t even give you time to catch your breath. All you can do is hang on and float. After a while, maybe weeks, maybe months, you’ll find the waves are still 100 feet tall, but they come further apart. When they come, they still crash all over you and wipe you out. But in between, you can breathe, you can function. You never know what’s going to trigger the grief. It might be a song, a picture, a street intersection, the smell of a cup of coffee. It can be just about anything...and the wave comes crashing. But in between waves, there is life.

Somewhere down the line, and it’s different for everybody, you find that the waves are only 80 feet tall. Or 50 feet tall. And while they still come, they come further apart. You can see them coming. An anniversary, a birthday, or Christmas, or landing at O’Hare. You can see it coming, for the most part, and prepare yourself. And when it washes over you, you know that somehow you will, again, come out the other side. Soaking wet, sputtering, still hanging on to some tiny piece of the wreckage, but you’ll come out.

Take it from an old guy. The waves never stop coming, and somehow you don’t really want them to. But you learn that you’ll survive them. And other waves will come. And you’ll survive them, too. If you’re lucky, you’ll have lots of scars from lots of loves. And lots of shipwrecks.

My dear readers, again I offer my sincere appreciation to the original author of this post; there is only one thing I would add. Remember the faithfulness of our LORD and loving Heavenly Father. He never fails. His mercies and compassions are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for going with us through the shipwrecks of life. Thank you for the mercy and compassion you provide each day. You will never fail us nor forsake us. We abide in you.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  The LORD Never Fails appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.