"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too." 2Cor. 1:3-6
If you read my reflection blogs fairly regularly, you know that many of my morning posts flow out of encounters with people were by simply listening to them I was granted Holy entrance into their lives. I was working my one-day a week shift at Lowes last night and a couple employees were adjusting the Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations. Walking through that section of the store it is a reminder we are entering into the holiday season. I was talking with a fellow employee setting up a Thanksgiving display. The conversation turned toward the upcoming holidays. The employee shared her mother had passed away this past June. She was very close to her. She said this would the first Thanksgiving and Christmas without her. Their family always went to her house for holiday gatherings and meals and this year it will be so different and she does not know what she will do. I just listened and let her share “life” with me. Then there in the seasonal aisle of Lowes, I prayed with her.
We all, including myself have suffered from loss. Loss of a spouse, parent, or other family member; a recent divorce, loss of a job, a recent move away from family. All these things can create emotions of sadness and depression. And we all, including myself, need others, someone to simply listen to us share our feelings to get through it. We all need real conversations with real people. Not just an on-online Facebook or other post and comments.
I post a blog daily to in someway allow us to be in conversation and share our life and faith together, Though I ask for readers to share their reflections and thoughts, it is usually a one- way conversation in which I am the one talking, However, I want you to know I am here for you. I want you to remember my door is always open, the coffee pot is always on and my sofa is always warm and a place of peace and non-judgement. Any one,, whoever you are.... who simply need to chat are welcome to contact me anytime. It's no good suffering in silence. I have cold drinks in the fridge...tea & coffee in the cupboard and I will always be here....You are never not welcome!! Starbucks and Waffle House are open where we can gather to talk as well or go grab a beer. You never have to go through a difficult season in life alone. You never have to suck-it-in and push through a gloomy overcast day of depression, loneliness, addiction, fear, frustration, or bleak thoughts alone. It's always good to talk but its even better to listen, and to be listened to. Some days this hits closer to home than we think. I'll always lend an ear and a shoulder and my heart. My hands are always ready to raise in prayer. Call/text me Gary Liederbach at 256-302-3785
My family, I pray you read the passage from 2Corinthians again. Then reflect on your life situations today. Maybe you need to call someone today to talk. I know if you pray to the Holy Spirit, he will lead you to a name you need to call and simply listen. OR maybe the same Holy Spirit will lead to a person’s name you know may be going through a life situation you need to call or go visit; not text, not FB, but actually call and talk to. Or a co-worker or class mate you need to step out of your routine and ask to listen to them, in Jesus name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!
Pease share your reflections and prayers with us in the comment box below.
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