Day 155 - November 16 - Five months
Connor ran into the lake five months ago today. He came home from the hospital one month ago today, so the sixteenth of the month has at least two fairly significant memories attached to it.
We didn't make it to church this morning - a really long night left us all in a zombie-like state for most of the day, so we read some scripture and a short devotional together as a family. It was a difficult day for me - I've been struggling for the last few days with the feeling that I have nothing of value to say to anyone, which has made it difficult to blog; and that sense spilled over to our time as a family as well. Ironically, I had a friend tell me the other day, "Don't buy into the lie that you have nothing of value to offer. I don't know why I'm supposed to tell you that, but here it is". It's interesting to me that he told me that a week before I needed to hear it. It's also interesting that it isn't a magic bullet that makes not believing the lie really easy. Given the history of the last five months, you would think that hearing a pertinent word from out of the blue, and then having the chance to apply it a week later, would make me go "Wow, God sure is looking out for me! I'd better heed the advice and not believe this lie." Unfortunately, I am apparently still completely human, and so I've really been wrestling to get my mind in tune with God enough to have an understanding of what I should be blogging.
Anyway, I mentioned that we read some scripture and a short devotional this morning instead of going to the church building for worship. Cherié handed me the book, opened to the right page - and the title of the devotional for today was "Ignoring the Odds" - which was about pursuing a passionate, obedient faith in the face of all the odds. Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?
It reminded me of a good story out of the Bible, however. It used the story of Joshua and the Israelites at Jericho to demonstrate that often, God's plans are not what we would come up with on our own, and yet obedience in the face of ridicule, persecution and the odds produces a far greater outcome than we would have thought.
So, we straightened our shoulders, set our faces again, and continued through the day - believing that we will see the boy get up again.
I guess that is the point of a devotional...
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posted by Eric Williamson @ 7:17 PM
11 Comments
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11 Comments:
Thanks for your post here Eric! You ALWAYS have something WORTH saying!! Hearing how Connor is doing, even the little movements at times, is very encouraging, and hearing and seeing the fun the family can have in the midst of a most difficult situation you are in, is very encouraging to all of us. You are so right, many of us are going through some kind of difficult situation in their lives!
I have to say, I re-read your post below, and man was it ever encouraging to me!! I had already read it a few days back, but it really hit me tonight!! Certain things we are even going through, your verses in Psalms, and especially what you wrote below it, REALLY touched me big time!!! Thank you for that! You allowed God to speak through you.
Many of us benefit from hearing about other people's struggles, and it helps us get through our own, knowing that we as Christian family, have each other to lean on or get encouraged from.
So you have MUCH to offer, whether you think so or not!! You've blessed me tremendously!! Thank you!
We won't quit praying for Connor and for all of you!
In Him!
Kim
You're right; you have nothing of value to say. And 61,797 hits from thousands of people on six continents in 5 months proves it. ;)
Sorry for the sarcasm...but I thought I'd just point out the obvious. Nobody would participate in this journey if they agreed with you. I for one couldn't disagree with you more! Everything you've shared about you, your son, your whole family, God, how He's stretching and growing you guys is a tremendous encouragement and intense challenge to us all. We've...I'VE...grown because of your words and your example.
Don't confuse the feeling that you've "said it all before" with lacking value. Sometimes a story isn't completely understood until you've looked at it from more than one angle. Think "Rashomon" for the 21st century: the same event means different things depending on the point of view. As you stated on Nov. 14, regarding Psalm 13: your focus has changed over the months. God is changing you, and your journey...your transparency...is affecting each one of us. You may not see now the impact God is making because of your obedience, but it's there.
Be encouraged, brother. You are a vessel. God adds the value.
Love you guys,
Jenann
Tex,
You've got me hooked on your blogs !!!! When you don't post for 48 hours, it makes me nutts !!!! I fear something bad has happened if you don't say otherwise. (I'm a classic worry-wart). If it's a "normal" day, and nothing is happening, we need to hear that. It means things aren't getting worse, and that, in and of itself, is getting better- in a left-handed-sort-of-way. Your word have meaning whether you admit it or not. HOLD FAST
Fuzzbuster
My personal definition of depression is knowing the truth but believing the lie. Thank you so much for sharing how God took the time to prepare you and encourage you before you even needed it, and also how difficult it is sometimes to grab onto the hand that God is holding out to you, even when you recognize it. Perhaps I shouldn't say God encouraged you; maybe it's more accurate to say that He admonished you, as in raise your children up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. There is so much love in that.
Good Morning Williamson Family.
Well, Eric; a few days ago (sorry didn't check back.) You blessed me and "knocked-my-socks-off" when you gave me a Great God Moment.
It was the entry you made when you saw how far you had come in your blogging. That you weren't starting out the same way. In fact you were encouraging others that they too with the help of the Lord,
can get through a most difficult time and get through it can come to a new place.
God is doing something HUGE in you and your family. You are being faithful and praising God IN the storm.
We all need to do that in our own storm and growth; and you have showed us an example of it.
Do we struggle? Still Roller coaster? But, I have to keep remembering...it isn't about "my feelings", but Who God is, and Who He says He is, and He is still on the throne to cover our deepest concerns.
You and the fam are a Wonderful Fragrance to the Lord.
Thank you for your testimony.
May God lavish on you, this very moment His Unfailing Love, Joy, and Peace that passes all understanding.
Bonnie/Fresno
Thank you....
Deb Murphy
Your "nothing to say" has been as encouraging as your "something to say," Don't stop! :)
I am praying that same prayer.... the one where Connor gets up and walks again.
Eric, You said you felt you had nothing of value to say. I look forward to your messages everyday. I see a very faithful man, husband ,father, friend in you. I cry because my heart aches for you. I have not gone through what you are going through, but I do have children of my own and I would probably feel like you, also, if I went through what you and your wife are going through I would wonder why? I do have a son in Iraq, and I pray everyday that he will be safe. You are loved, even by those who have never met you in person. Love in Christ, Marge Albrecht from Spring Creek, NV
Marge and all y'all,
Thank you for your words. As Michele mentioned, it is often a matter of knowing the truth but wrestling with the lie. Not unlike the rest of the time while following Christ, I might add! This is where I find myself this week. Next week remains a mystery!
Thank you for your words, and Marge, please tell your son that we greatly appreciate what he's doing. We'll be praying for his safe return.
Eric
Still praying and holding your family up to our God--the One who tells us that our present sufferings are just light and momentary trials compared to the weight of glory. How long and arduous those "momentary" trials can seem to us! Yet we know that He is in control and that He works all things for good for those who love Him. And all of you have shown yourselves to be faithful--a family who loves Him, glorifies Him, and shares Him freely with the world. He can be trusted to be working out something of great value and worth while you wait in submission to Him! Your perseverence in trust and prayer attests to His sovereignty and His unfailing love.
Each day brings its own miracles and wonders; please know that we all look forward to hearing even about the "little things" because they add up to a big picture! It would be really awesome to hear a list of all the things you have learned so far about Him, because you have undoubtedly grown in leaps and bounds in your faith.
I pray that your day will bring fresh recognition of Him ministering to the deepest needs of your souls.
Blessings,
Carolyn A.
Thank you so much for your "words of wisdom" even on the days when you aren't feeling very wise or, perhaps, very spiritual. You lift us all up and make me really rethink what's important in life! Our prayers are with you especially as you work a funky shift and also for Joelle as she goes to Chicago for a visit. And for you, too, Cherie--I am glad you & Eric got a chance to go out just for an hr. or two b/c relationships are so important. I know you know that--but had to say it anyway. Love you all--hope construction is going well and how are the kitties?
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