John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he may lay down his life for his friends.
If you have followed this blog, you may recall that in the past decade I have bid earthly farewell to 3 great friends. In 2002, Shirley Weitzel died at age 52, after a long brave battle with cancer, in July of 2006 Karen Porter, 42 was killed in a single car accident, one hour after I left her side, in September of 2006 Jim Mullen 48 years young surrender to the deadly clutches of alcoholism, in his untimely death.
I was left in a ravine of grief and overwhelming sadness as I battled the grips of devastation; the short time between deaths added unbelievable difficulties to my healing and recovery. However, as painful as this period was, God used it for good; I humbly surrender all of my burdens, which I could no longer carry, to Him.
Total surrender has opened the windows of my soul for healing, growth, renewal, restoration and salvation, to the beloved daughter of the king of kings, God the Father.
Isaiah 45:8 "You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the cloud shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the Lord, have created it.
I must admit, that for years I have lived in a spirit of entitlement, believing that I was entitled to receive the gifts of friendships, that would fill the void in my heart, left vacant by Shirley, Karen and Jim`s passing. This valuable tidbit was brought to my attention at a Sozo Healing seminar this past weekend. I had light bulb moment, as I realized the selfish wrongs of my desire!
As we were led in prayer, I humbly apologized to God for forgiveness, I prayed that Shirley, Karen and Jim would forgive my spirit of entitlement, expecting God to replace them; I forgave them for leaving me. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it was what I felt led to do! No doubt, God continues the process of healing and our sanctification until we die.
What constitutes a best friend? From "The Friendship Book," by Steve Wingfield, these qualities are required, commitment, sharing, kindness, encouragement, availability, confidentiality, sacrifice, and touch. Silly me, another light bulb moment, I`ve been searching for something that I already have? I am so blessed to call my husband, Rick,--- God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit my BEST FRIENDS!
Was it a co-inky-dink that I watched a video today called, "My Best Friend The Holy Spirit," by Robert Morris, I believe that I just received one of my favorite, "God Winks." Thank you, God!
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