the gift of ourselves

Monday, April 16


this weekend Kevin and I went home to northern California to visit my family
refreshing as can be. truly, lovely. 
being one of four kids, it is a rare treat for kevin and I to have my parents all to ourselves. i relished it. 
bike rides through almond orchards, sun shining bright. Cuddling by the fire place as rain dripped wet outside. Mom making me delish gluten free meals. Coffee with friends, flowers at farmers market, lunch with dear ones. 

on the way back to the airport, I connected with a dear friend who has been going through a hard season. a season marked by confusion where Abba feels far off. a battle with fear itself. wounds resurfaced. 

but her solstice was not a stranger to me. as i've walked with this friend, i've shared with her about a period I lived through that seemed to paralyze and cripple the essence of me. my bout with tears and fears. i do not attempt to understand the why but only that I trusted hope. i trusted the Prince of Peace to restore me. and he has. 

but in that moment, when my friend spilled tears raw, mine came too. outpouring. because it in that second, i understood, that maybe, just maybe, what i experienced can now transcend my tunnel vision on ME. my wounds somehow have given me the authority to stand in solidarity with the suffering around me. for what good is pain coupled with victory if we do not share this redemption with others? 

to stand in solidarity, be it painful or joyful, brings life. 
encouragement for the weary heart. 
to announce "you are not alone, you are not crazy, i have been there, and i have reached the other side" can bind wounds. 
hope prevails. 

Henri, once again, has so beautifully put to words what my soul learned: 
 "we must make our own lives - our sorrows and joys, our despair and hope, our loneliness and experience of intimacy - available to others as sources of new life. One of the greatest gifts we can give others is ourselves.  We offer consolation and comfort, especially in moments of crisis, when we say:  "Do not be afraid, I know what you are living and I am living it with you.  You are not alone."  Thus we become Christ-like shepherds."
so may we not be afraid of where our past has dragged us, but may we use it as a gift to offer others. may we allow God to gently use our wounds to bring healing and life to others. 

there is purpose in pain, comfort in solidarity. 

let us step out, and give the gift of ourselves today. 

much love,
Katie 

2 comments :

  1. Katie I'm so glad you commented on my blog so I could find yours! This is beautiful and I can relate so well. I am currently going through a season of hard things, and have already been able to better relate to those that are suffering. I know that God is using this time to not only bring me closer to Him, but to be a better friend and encouragement to others. I love that you said you didn't try to understand the why but trust in the hope. I love that. Thanks for sharing! following your blog and excited to get to know you more!

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