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Sunday, April 7, 2013

Painless Shelter

Recently in my Bible reading, there's a lot about fighting and victory and courage.

So this morning, weakened b y my recent hospital stay (the reason for my absence last week), exhausted about two out of three sleepless nights, I remembered an image I had used of chicks sheltering beneath their mother's wings, and I prayed, Lord, please make this a shelter day, not a fighting day. 

Different seasons. Nothing new about the concept day. And  I recognize that days like this, the physical aspects are often the fight.

But today I need, I crave, comfort.

As I lay on my bed, my legs cramping, crying, screaming from fun, for the first time, I could understand why someone facing unending pain would choose to end their lives. It no longer seemed so outrageous. And that fact is scary by itself.

I tried to put a good face on it. As I spasmed and pain pressed, I tried to make it a sacrifice. May this pain --spasm--help to complete--spike of pain--Your sufferings. Gasp, screech.

I  tried to redirect my thoughts. To think of at least ten words for each letter of the alphabet that describe God. I got as far as i, I think. I AM!  Imminent. In me. (I was stretching.) Before I gave it up.

A soft feather soft bed, eyes sheltered against the bright sun, sounds like a pretty place to be right now.

My shelter.

Too bad I didn't get to S.

20 comments:

Suzie Johnson said...

God bless you, Darlene. I'm praying your pain eases.

AngBreidenbach said...

What illness are you battling that causes such pain? Praying for you.
Angie

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry. I will pray for comfort...and peace. You are not alone.

James R. (Jim) Callan said...

Here's a prayer that your pain will go away - for a long time. Maybe a good book will help take your mind off the pain. And remind your doctor that it is hard for your body to heal if all its resources are going to fighting pain.

Clarice James said...

I'll pray. It's the only thing I know to do, but it's the best thing I know to do.

Unknown said...

My heart goes out to you and my prayers go up for you.

Sylvia A. Nash said...

Darlene, you have my prayers and my understanding. I deal with two chronic pain conditions. Some days you can laugh. Some days you have to laugh to keep from crying. And some days you just have to cry. May the Lord bless you with relief from the pain, sleepful rest during the pain, and a family who can understand and allow you the time to rest and heal.

Judy Bodmer said...

Darlene, as someone who suffers pain from migraines on a regular basis, I can identify. Think of Jesus and his suffering on the cross. Go ahead and cry out to him. He understands your suffering. Imagine him with you, holding you or whatever you need him to do. It might feel as if he's abandoned you, but he hasn't. May this time pass quickly. (In the code I've been given to prove I'm not a machine is a cross.)

Bethany Kaczmarek said...

Darlene, thank you for your transparency. Know that you are being covered in prayer today. May the Lord lift your chin and ease your pain, giving you peace and rest that can only come from Him. And may you have the strength to continue seeking Him in the midst of the pain. Praying for all this AND your healing.

stitchesthrutime said...

The best comfort I can give you is to assure you that no pain lasts forever. Twenty years ago,I had complications from back surgery that caused intense pain, constantly, night and day for 10 months. With the help of my husband and God I lived through it and it strengthened me. Then 8 years ago I had shingles that lasted over a year. Even though I was on pain meds a long time, I didn't get addicted. Now I have chronic colitis that comes and goes. I believe that God takes all suffering into account and will bless us a hundred fold for what we endure.

Just tell yourself this will pass.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Darlene. I knew you would get responses from these lovely people. It brings comfort to know you're not alone and that others pay attention, doesn't it? I pray it is true. May God speak to you during this difficult time. May he pour His love out on you today.

Megan DiMaria said...

Praying, Darlene!

Ada Brownell, author said...


When we are ill is when we need others to help bear the burden. Sometimes I can't believe what a wimp I am until I am ill. Quoting scripture or saying the name of Jesus often is all I can do to reach out for the Comforter. My face is swollen and completely covered with rosacea and nothing seems to be helping. It's embarrassing and discouraging. Yet I know God is faithful and never leaves or forsakes. May His presence and love surround you.

Deborah K. Anderson said...

Praying that God heal you, Darlene, for by His stripes you are healed, in Jesus' name.

(((((Darlene)))))

Robin Patchen said...

Praying for you, friend. I'm so sorry for what you're going through.

Robin Patchen said...

Praying for you, Darlene. I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through.

Anonymous said...

Hello, Darlene.

Hang in there! Praying that your pain is relieved.

Julie

Susan said...

Dear Darlene,
I will pray for your return to good health. And a solve for your health issues. He is the Healer. Be wise, blessings,
Susan Karsten

Sue Harrison said...

Praying for the pain to end and the joy to lift you up.

Jennifer said...

Praying, Darlene...