And, I am not alone. What ails us Lord? Seeking God, as I cried last night, the words to a song came to my heart. "I the Lord of the sea and sky, I have heard my people cry. All who dwell in dark and sin My hand will save. I who made the stars of night I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send? Here I am Lord." Yes, Lord, here I am: but who to, and where am I go. Then this morning, from our reading from Scripture---God is asking again. Isaiah 6-v 8 "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said; “send me!”
This is what ails us, frustrates us---we cannot go. We cannot see smiles behind a mask. We cannot touch, hug or even extend that sign of peace. In some churches---there are no songs--lifting up praise. Even with the beauty of the world all around---too many people walk about, eyes downcast, fearful of the unseen and the unknown. If we have a ministry--visiting those unable to go, the imprisoned, and those in nursing homes--they are closed. Our spirits are withering without the ability to go. We even avoid eye contact while in public, as someone may get the wrong message. The ongoing news is depressing, and full of hate, anger and judgement against each other. The new enemy, whose lives do not matter; are the conservatives and those who believe in God's laws. The elderly are especially attacked for they are people who are weak. Basically ---our sadness comes down to this. "If we are unable to LIVE in love, serve God, and minister to each other--out of fear; well where is LOVE. Where is God, if love is hidden in our lives? He is always there, but it is our own spirit having a hard time KNOWING He is there. Remember this---every prophet, like Jesus in his time, was unaccepted, persecuted, ranted against--and lives threatened. The Religious today, and those strong in their faith ---are even killed in some countries. Recently, a priest was attacked as he walked saying his prayers, here in our America! These indeed, are VERY TRYING TIMES!
God continues to ask. "Who will go for us? Who will continue to believe in My Almighty Power and TRUST in MY LOVE? Who will not be afraid, be patient and wait for MY MOVE when IT IS TIME? Who? Do not give up, or be discouraged, heart sad and in despair. See with eyes of faith and be the servant who continues to be faithful until MY RETURN. I am already here, you will find Me when you find LOVE, FAITH, and HOPE again. For I live in LOVE. Again--do not despair!"
A suggestion to help bring love and hugs into your life again. When you see a friend, hug yourself, and nod your head to them. See if they don't send you a "hug" back. Write letters, call people that God brings to your mind. I called a friend yesterday on messenger/video and told her I needed a hug--and she did too! Later she writes a thank you message for reaching out to her, made her smile again. "Who shall I send? It is YOU---just go in a different way and adapt to ministering in new ways.
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Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from Immaculate Heart of Mary church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)
But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.
My husband Robert and I have been married for 54 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.
God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!
Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com