My friend lent me a book to read entitled When I Lay My Isaac Down by Carol Kent. Much in this book has spoken to me while I read it. One of my favourite parts I want to share with you. It begins with the words "The Power of Hope"
"Hope becomes unsinkable when we realize our hope is not in having spouses or friends who will never disappoint us, or in enjoying financial security or in having perfect health or in having children turn out exactly as anticipated. Hope remains constant when we get to know the Source of all hope.
"Perhaps the psalmist said it best: I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honour come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me (Psalm 62:5-7).
"Hope's power is that we have the energy and desire to gon on living because we believe something better is coming. That's the bottom line for Christians: something better is coming. There is more to this world than meets the eye. No matter what happens to you or your familiy, no matter what disappointments you encounter, no matter what diagnosis the doctor gives you, even if the end result is physical death, there is still something more.
"But we're not home yet, So my encouragement for today is that if I put my hope in the Lord, there are great benefits. Isaiah once said, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31)" (p. 108, Carol Kent)
What a wonderful comfort! I know Annette had this comfort too, which is such a comfort to us. We know the end of the story! I pray that you will also experience this hope in 2008.
Peace and Hope,
Lisa
9 comments:
Thank you Lisa, this sounds like a book that may be good for me to read. I know that Annette was such a hopeful soul. When I was going through my cancer treatment, she sent me a small angel, the angel of hope. I have looked at that angel every day and I think of her and of hope.
May you have a good new year.
Hugs,
Kris
Lisa,
Thanks for sharing with us. It means so much to still feel connected to Annette right now.
Happy New Year to to you and yours, and your family will continue to be a part of my prayers for 2008.
Dear Lisa, thank you for sharing those quotes and thoughts. It's such a comfort to know both you and Annette drew comfort in scripture and hope. We are all looking forward to that something better.
Thank you again, how edifying.
I read this book shortly after the death of our 16 year old son and it also had a profound affect on me. I wanted all my friends and family to read it, to understand the deep grief we were going through. I am thankful it has helped and encouraged you as well.
Lisa, that's beautiful. Thank you.
Happy New Year.
Hugs, Kei
Dear, Dear Lisa,
God has blessed you with the gift of writing, as well. Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts, ideas and books with us. The journey doesn't end with Annette's death. If anything, a whole new journey begins.
Every year I pick a word or character to focus on for the year. This year it is 'courage'. So Lisa, as Moses said to Joshua, "Be strong and of good courage... for the Lord is with you."
Blessings to you and your family, Tom and his family, and Uncle Gordon. Love, Alice
I'm so happy that you have decided to continue to make entries in Annette's blog - you are a beautiful writer, and your words do give us hope, and the knowledge that this journey is multi-faceted.
Please continue to share your thoughts and feelings with us.
May I say ditto to Betsy's post?
Thank you so much for being here for us, when I know we should be here for you! I come here hoping to catch a glimpse of Annette, to be close to her and you do it beautifully! Thank you!
Dear Lisa
So good to stay in touch, and I love how you write, just like Annnette was able to express her feelings and yet comfort and encourage so many others even in her deepest pain and direct us all to the Hope that only the Lord can provide us with.
Love ye, P&S Nauta
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