If it’s one thing we can expect is that life will be hard.
Sounds harsh doesn’t it?
When you think about it, this is why we can really appreciate the hope we have in Christ.
We will all face difficulties at some stage.
But what if instead of being blindsided by life and all its challenges we stood in awe of hope?
You know, the hope that you didn’t see coming but desperately needed. Blindsided hope.
The hope you experience in the little things — like the unexpected call from a dear friend that just lifts your spirits.
Or the hope you find when a cancelled appointment presents a rare chance to rest at that exact moment when you’re at your very last.
Or the good news from the doctor, when all indications suggested otherwise.
Blindsided hope is the focus of today’s Sparkle Circle. To talk about this, I’m super excited to introduce my sister, Andi. She gives an intimate glimpse into our family’s recent journey and our deeply personal story.
But I believe that Andi’s story (our story) is one you can relate to as well. ‘Cause, who among us has never been struck by the difficulties of life?
I have a feeling we’re not alone.
So maybe, just maybe, you can find some hope here too.
Blindsided Hope
Those of you who subscribe to Marva’s blog will likely remember her recent newsletter about not seeing that brick coming. Well, the same brick that hit Marva came hurtling at me through a cloud of too many things going on at work and at home and not enough time for me.
I felt blindsided.
That brick landed squarely on me and flattened me out.
So as I write, I am still trying to claw my way out from under it.
That brick, like Marva’s, was the loss of our little brother.
I have yet to write about it and hardly speak of it at all.
Now, I am not one who easily finds comfort and peace in scripture readings or remembering the biblical teachings of my childhood. No, for me I tend to need more tangible, flesh and blood help.
I find my strength and peace in my family and sometimes even strangers. I find that I have to ask God to answer my prayers through my sisters, mom or anyone He chooses to send, because I don’t always hear what He is trying to tell me.
So as I try to claw my way out, I reach out to my family and others who are struggling as well. I know that this will take some time but I also know from experience that God always sends help, sometimes from the most unexpected places.
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If there is a take away here, it would have to be that we should all come to know what we need in order to dodge bricks or get out from under them when they knock us flat on our backs.
For me, it’s knowing that when I am so pressed I need to remember the dark times He has brought me through. I also need to engage all my senses to really see, hear, feel and know God’s love through interacting with others.
You see, the more we allow ourselves to become overwhelmed with life and our responsibilities, whether real or perceived, the harder it is to see the brick coming, dodge it or get out from under it.
God can help us dodge any brick or pull us out from under one but we must be willing to trust him to do so. We don’t need to run ahead of ourselves or ahead of Him trying to solve tomorrow’s problems because, Matthew 6:34 tells us that “sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
Let our heavenly father go ahead of us and trust him to take care of tomorrow.
What about you?
What was the brick that hit you recently?
Where did you find hope during the difficult times?
How can you offer hope to someone today?
Of course, we’d love to hear your story. Encourage someone else by sharing your experience in the comments.
And if you’re still fighting to get out from under the brick, we’d be more than honoured to pray for you. Just get in touch via the contact page and we will confidentially lift you up in prayer.
Blessings to you,
Andi
Meet Andi
Andi is an almost retired, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend. A child of God and counselor by profession, she finds Him in her garden and in helping others find peace in His promises.
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Ready to lighten your load, share laughter and even a happy tear or two?
Join my sisters and me for the Sparkle Circle, right here every last Tuesday of the month.
Because doing life together makes it so much sweeter!
I am so sorry for your loss and am continuing to pray for your family. How heartbreaking – and yet, we can see how the Lord is growing your faith as a result of this!
Thank you for being so sweet, Julie, we certainly appreciate your prayers. And yes, we know that even now, God is doing a great work in us. All in His time.
Blessings to you, dear friend!
Thank you, Andie, for so honestly baring your heart. I am so grateful to God that others will find comfort in our painful journey. I love your reminder ‘to engage all my senses to really see, hear, feel and know God’s love through interacting with others’. I find sometimes, if we are not really ‘looking’ we may miss what God is doing right in front of us. Thanks again, my sister; love seeing you in this forum. To God be the glory!
It’s so tempting to become numb when we experience deep pain, isn’t it? But I love how Andi encourages us to engage our senses. I think she’s on to something, Carlie!
So glad the three of us are in this together.
I adore the term “blindsided by hope”. This happens to me frequently but only when my heart eyes are open. Thank you for sharing your story. Hope grows as it is shared.
Thank you , Andrea. I love your term ‘heart eyes’ and the thought that hope grows as it’s shared. I’ve found that to be so true!
I appreciate you stopping by and sharing this bit of sparkle with us!
Hi Marva! Thanks for stopping by my blog today during testimony Tuesday! I can see that God has been helping you grow in your faith as well through extremely tough circumstances. I’m so thankful for the hope we find outside of our grief and our loss and in a God who fills those places with his loving kindness. Blessings to you and your sister!
I enjoyed my visit to your site, Amy and I’m happy you stopped by. Thanks for your kind words and the reminder that God fills those holes. We’re so grateful that He does!
Blessings to you!
Hey Andi, Am so sorry for your loss. You are an inspiration. By you writing about it, you are helping somebody evidently. I lost my elder brother when I was in high school. Was not able to express myself except to cry. May you receive and be able to comprehend the comfort that comes from the father of all comfort, our father God.
We’re sorry to hear that sad news about your brother, Mavis. It gives us hope to know that in spite of your loss, you still find comfort in God!
Thank you so much, Andi and Marva for this. It’s so encouraging! I love the reminders to remember what God has carried me through in the past and also the hope and love I receive from the people He puts around me. Holding on to His hope definitely helps me sparkle. Blessings to you both!
I’m so glad we have God’s faithfulness as a beacon of hope when we get tossed about by the world. Truly God is still good to us.
Wishing you blessings, dear Deb.
What an awesome and encouraging article! And an awesome testimony! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Blessings,
Jasmine
Thank you, Jasmine. God is good all the time, isn’t He?
Oh my heart is heavy for you Andi! I’m sorry to hear of your great loss. What a beautiful positive post. I will pray this part of your journey blesses someone else in the years to come.
My thoughts are with you, I lost my older brother when we were children. Let the memories you created together comfort you now Andi. I want to come have tea with you, you are a remarkable woman! May your journey be your story sister – hugs!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jaime and I appreciate you extending the hand of friendship — we truly are in this together.
Thanks so much for stopping by — your sweet words have lifted my spirit!
Blessings.
I’m sorry for your loss Andi. Yes, God is walking ahead, giving is all we need. Once in a dark place, a pastor said to me that even though I was in the valley, I was still His princess and walking with God, head held up in the light.
Those are such encouraging words, Lynn. That pastor sure was wise! 🙂 Thanks for passing along His words of wisdom to lift our burden today!
Blessings to you!