Life's Pathway

Life's Pathway by Fern Ackerman

There is no easy path to take,
When traveling down life's road.
We try to choose the right one,
To have the easy load.

But trouble over takes us,
As we trod along the way.
Heartaches, trials, and crosses,
Seem to come and somehow stay.

However dark the night may seem,
However deep the pain.
Pour out your heart to Him in Prayer,
He will help you to sustain.


I love this poem by Fern Ackerman, because it speaks of how people think and how much God loves us.

Have you ever considered the words, "Help me, Lord," are more powerful than any flowery prose we can say? Sometimes, I am so distraught, all I can say is, "Help!"

Last week Satan attacked me with a punch that dropped me to the ground. I cried. I prayed with many words. I ranted. But I got nowhere until I said out loud to God, "Help me, please!"

He came running, and a warmth of love enveloped my entire being. I thought, "Oh, God, my God how great is thy name." Afterward, I read in his Word all my favorite scriptures.

I said in an earlier post November is a harsh month, because Joshua would have been 32. I must keep on my full spiritual armor and grieve God's way. That may mean sorrow that overwhelms to the point I'm on my knees to him. Over and over again.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Until next time . . . read the word and pray. God bless you dear readers.

Whispers Of God: In the Years After Suicide

Whispers

The man whispered, "God, speak to me," and a meadow lark sang. But the man did not hear.

So the man yelled, "God, speak to me," and the thunder rolled across the sky. But the man did not listen.

The man shouted, "God show me a miracle," and a life was born. But the man did not notice.

So the man cried out in despair, "Touch me, God, and let me know you are here." Where-upon, God reached down and touched the man. But, the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.

Borrowed from:
Church of Christ
Cleveland, TX

I want to add, we can most importantly find God in his Word, the scriptures. I think the man above did not seek God there to start. I find time and again when I seek God in his Word and in prayer first, he allows me the wonders of experiencing his creations mentioned above.

God increases our faith and gives us a respite from our sorrows and fears. I love that about God.

Now begins a more difficult time, since Joshua's birthday looms ahead. He would have been 32, making plans for the holidays. But Joshua is no longer here, and last week began a bumpy ride of emotions. I cried out to God with fists clenched. I kept reading his Word and prayed. I had no worries that God wouldn't get me through, the beginning of many long days to come. I even said out loud, "I am miserable. I don't like what I'm going through. Please take this pain from me."

In due time, God did.

Since then, I've been peaceful, but I also awoke a few mornings knowing more sharply I am weak and sinful. God let me see myself. I tend to notice the best in others and in myself, but it's important for a reality check. Hard as that is it will bring forth fruit when I am stronger than ever before, ready to be an example again.

What was my earthly reward? I spent an afternoon in the woods with my husband. So quiet, except for the trickling waters of creeks, the singing birds, and the wind high on the tree tops. Oh, and one jet plane in the distance, just to remind me of reality. God knows me, through and through.

Please understand you are not alone. God watches over us, and he loves more than any human can.

Psalm 119:105, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Until next time . . . read God's Word, pray, and know his joy.

I AM THAT I AM

Recently, I read those words spoken by God to Moses in Exodus 3:14, ". . . I AM THAT I AM . . ."

God is telling us that is who he is. I am Jean Ann Williams. You are who you are. God is the I AM. He is our Creator.

Knowing God is our supreme I AM has brought me great comfort. For I wonder, how can a mere person such as myself manage on my own? I can't. For six and a half years I've struggled daily as a suicide survivor. My small world isn't much compared to God's; Creator of the ground I walk upon.

Is this world harsh? Sure. Is this life wrought with pain and misery? Sometimes it feels never ending, but God sends us a reprieve to give us rest. In the meanwhile, the I AM is the first being we should call out to while in great tribulation, especially for parents who lose children. Because when our children die there may be some measure of guilt. No matter that we have spent years or days caring for our babies, only to have them leave this world. That's the least amount of guilt.

What if you've neglected your child in one way or another and then they die? That's more guilt than any parent can shoulder alone. That's horrific loss. Go to God in heartfelt pleading and he will hear you. Pick up his word, the Bible, and seek his answers for your life. There you will find forgiveness and comfort.

Even though I made Joshua my job for his 25 years on this earth, I made many mistakes. I still struggle with some guilt. That's when a sadness overwhelms me. Where do I go? To the Lord, and then he sends people to me, and it brings me back to my tasks on earth.

Read Exodus 3: 13-15, and see in detail what I AM THAT I AM said when Moses asked, ". . . what shall I say to them?"

Until next time . . .