Alongside

I sat in the waiting room, waiting with them, while their sick baby had surgery on his heart, late into the night.  I wondered, if, I could say anything that mattered, they did not need small talk or polite conversation. Sometimes there is nothing to say.  Admittedly, it can be excruciating to be silent in a painful moment, so we panic, wondering, "What should I say?"

 We want to be a hero, saving the day, when we see someone's dream has been lost and their heart has broke.  The thing is . . . when  you have been in a place that is hard . . . you learn no one can fix it . . . but . . . you do need help in moving through it.

Most of the time, what we need to do is to intentionally stop and experience moments of life together, realizing the most heroic and healing thing to do is to come alongside of one another through the presence of God.  In the end, there is more power in our presence than in words.  I am a fervent believer that being present, paying attention, and listening makes more of an impact than saying some words when it feels like something needs to be said.  The strength in quietness comes through the power of the Spirit, who empowers us to move forward with trust in a place of life where there has been a paralysis of sorts. 

Consider.
In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength (Isaiah 30:15, NIV).

Read Isaiah 30:15 throughout the day.  Let the words, quietness and trust, speak to you; these two words are missed in the noise and confusion of hurt and heartbreak:

Quietness and trust comes through understanding God is God.  

Quietness and trust does not discount reality or create a passive attitude of what will be will be, but is an inner awareness of the presence of God.  

Quietness and trust is a state-of-being, the absence of anxiety, worry, and stress, as the mind, heart, and soul are calmed by the presence of God.  

Quietness and trust is an inner confidence that God's promise to come alongside, to be present, and to never leave is true.   

Quietness and trust is strength beyond human reason.

Come alongside of others in quietness and trust, knowing the dynamics change when you walk into a situation with the presence of God.

Learning to Kickstart the day alongside of others in quietness and in trust,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)