Saturday, March 17, 2012

WE ARE CONNECTED IN THE ROUGH TIMES!

Photograph of Mural in Baltimore by Linda Mose Meadows


“Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.” saith the Lord. 
Psalm 91:14-16

I bet you've had this happen? You’ve walked into or almost bumped into people conversing and in earshot could easily have joined in on their discussion.  You heard their exchange, but knew it was not the time to give your opinion. In those instances my friends would say, “Keep your twenty two cents to yourself.”  That’s how much they valued your input. Well, I am sure this was the case, let me explain.  As I quickly walked by I witnessed it and heard it in her tone of voice, another woman, whom I concluded was the mother of a tall, handsome and athletic looking young man. I am sure he was a teenager, not totally focused on what was being said to him.  He wasn’t disrespectful just not responding in the manner I suspect his mother desired. They were in the store isle standing in front of the cereal boxes, she was stressing the importance of  selection and cost. I sensed there was a level of frustration that the adult really did not mean to make apparent.  Her comprehension of the high costs of food boomeranged in my spirit.  But it was evident to me there was more to the angst. I don’t believe it was so much about the sparse boxes of dry cereal with the exorbitant prices. I discerned that her pitch and tone may have had to do with what was or wasn’t occurring in their life. No, I’m not a psychic, but I trust the Holy Ghost. (We don’t have a clue about the struggles and demands others face.) And I don’t claim to know her station in life; but I am sure God meant for me to feel empathy and connect with them. My instincts were revved and I knew the immediate issue was what the son desired verses what was affordable. Not that long ago it was me standing in the isle sharing with my son about his wants surpassing his needs. (Lord knows I have been there! Some instances those moments return.)

Listening to their exchange I was yanked back in time when our tall son was in undergrad and my heart would skip a beat whe he phoned because in his tone of voice I could discern whether it was a distress call or otherwise.  His frantic undertone said, “I need assistance now!” Just listening to the mother’s undertone I felt the urgency to help her!  My mother instinct kicked in when I also heard his voice. He tried to mask it with a cordial "Hi Mom!” but I knew better.

Eventually we’d get to the heart of the matter and I’d honor his request the way most of our parents do. And yes, I was prompted to assist this loving mother  and open my wallet not to boost about my charitable acts, but instead to demonstrate an active assurance that God’s heart and hands are open to her.

 "Thank you Lord God!"

[She] He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.” saith the Lord.
 Psalm 91:15-16

I recall in that similar spirit chatting with my favorite Bank Manager to learn that her smile belied the apparent truth that her heart was very heavy about her husband's third departure for serving in the military. I promised I’d pray for them.

“Lord keep us and protect us in Jesus’ Name. We need you and are counting on your infinite mercy and care! Thank you Father, thank you!”

After leaving the bank/supermarket with a few grocery items that had shot up in price in a week’s time, I just shook my head in amazement. There was one more stop before going home. I drove to my neighborhood Shoe Repair Shop that had not been maintaining their usual business hours. I quickly ran in the shop surprised that the door was ajar and wondered why there had been a sign on the door with the handwritten words Closed for Several Weeks-what, why?

The young proprietor confessed in an apologetic tone that his family was facing difficulty and he now worked elsewhere during the day. He shared that financially they were having difficulty paying their mortgage and his elderly mother now covered the shop. This was a rough patch! Once again I knew well about mortgage woes. But, friends what really resonated in my spirit were the words  wthe young man spoke: "But it’s going to be all right I guess!”

 
Without a doubt these are some of the most difficult times that this many people have encountered collectively in a very long while. It feels like more than a pinch, it’s often a strangle hold to stay afloat making our ends meet. Living in this world can be very hard! Yes, indeed it’s rough-it’s real, it’s personal hardships on an intimate level!

 As our elders would utter, "But God!"

Meaning; But for the love of God!

But for His unwavering provision!

But for His marvelous grace and sweet mercy! But for the beauty of God’s word which reminds us that His love abounds even in tough times! 

Imagine an abiding love for you-his children. A love not predicated on status, religion or pedigree. No matter the personal attacks, innuendos hurled and/or the tumultuous hardships experienced. We can count on God's wonderful supply of protection, grace and evident mercy. Daily we can abide under His care: His Lordship! Wouldn’t you agree it’s comforting to realize this? His deliverance and most assuredly His love and shelter will protect us even in the rough places if we just stay connected.

Hang on friends and safely tuck in your heart the scripture:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is [our] my refuge and [our] my fortress [our] my God in who I trust.” Psalm 91:1, 2

Finally be sure to reference on Youtube: Tonex, Kirk Franklin’s God Has Not Forgotten. Keep a melody under your caps.





Peace and God's Abundant Blessings to You,
Linda Mose Meadows, author of:
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s and God’s Promises
http://www.blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/
http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

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