We have to overcome a feeling of helplessness.
We have to hope.
-Jane Goodall
I passed this abandoned house today. Why do these old homesteads pull at my heart? Especially the lonely old ones. They get me. What other people see as helpless or hopeless, I've always thought of as beautiful and redeemable. It's what gotten me into trouble in my relationships. It's also one thing that's given me a sense of purpose in life.
I was at the local food bank today. People are hungry. People are hurting. People are looking for jobs they can't find and money they don't have. Times are tough and even I'm not immune. I'm facing a few bills I can't pay and am keeping a nervous eye on my bank account. And while I'm sometimes tempted to succumb to the helpless and hopeless air that's settled around my community, I try to hold out.We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed....
Therefore we do not lose heart.
Though outwardly we are wasting away,
yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
-2 Corinthians 4:8,16
Our situation is not helpless. Your situation is not helpless. Neither is mine. We have to overcome this feeling of helplessness. We have to hope....
24 comments:
Brin -- this is an awesome post. God did not give us a spirit of fear. Thanks for the reminder.
Lynn
Brin
I was so touched by your post.
Roberta Anne
Amen... SiSTeR... You have truly uplifted me this evening. You keep on going, I am right behind you.
MeRRiE BLeSSiNgs, Pamela from Kentucky... Oh, if you aren't doing anything, stroll on over for some SpiCeD CoFFee & BuTTer CooKiEs I am having an OLe FaShiOn KenTucKy ChrisTmaS OpeN HoUse this evening. HoPe to see you!
Brin, thank you for being so sensitive and willing to be specific. So many of us are feeling it, but we don't often articulate it. Thank you for the very special scripture reminder, too. God is our source and He alone.
By the way, please don't rescue that homestead. It really is for someone else. I'm certain! :D
Thank You for that, it is exactly what I needed today!
A great post! That scripture sums it up. Somedays I think I need to just stop watching the news and live in my little world. That is really not the answer. The Lord wants us to be able to relate to others and we need to know what is going on in our world. These are hard times, but we have to focus on His love and Him coming back to us one of these days.
Thank you, Brin, for that post!! I start my day (and sometimes end my day) by reading your page. This one, today, reached deep down inside and really stopped me in my tracks. I could relate to every word. Thank you, thank you for reminding us what is important... you really help put life in perspective.
Thank you so much for this wonderful reminder. I've had people ask me how I've always stayed so calm when we've had some very difficult things happen to us...even in the midst of the struggles and the hardships, my life is lived in the hope of what is to come. Then they'd stare at me as if I had a 3rd eye, but sometimes it would start an amazing conversation.
I feel the same way, Brin. I love these old barns and churches, too. My husband thinks I'm crazy, which is fine because being male, I think he basically thinks in the *now*, while I'm wondering what kind of folks lived here and how did they live. Great post!
We are all here for each other. I used to think that every bill had to be paid on time and then my husband had a heart attack when we were without full insurance coverage. We were able to make arrangements with some doctors and one hospital gave us a hardship release but we still owed $30,000 I became very strong during that time and we have had other set-backs since that have shown me that we CAN cope and stay strong with the Lord's help. He promised to provide. Hang in there and keep the faith. This won't last forever. I know.
Oh Brin, I don't know what I'd do without your words to refer too! Another keeper of a post! Those old houses pull at my heart too, if only I could save some. Times are hard everywhere, you may feel it harder than some but it's times like these that keep us humble, we just take one day at a time and learn to be thrifty. I've survived divorce, bankrupsty and unemployment and I'm still here, kicking! God does provide!
I've been woking very hard to focus on what your commentor 'family of boys' said, Living in the hope to come and remembering that in the grand scheme of things, this life is just a drop in the bucket of time.
I have been reading Philippians 4:4-9 every morning along with my bible reading.
v4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! v5 Let your gentlness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. v7 And the peace which trancends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
By the way, what happened to the donate to Freeman House button?
Have you replaced it with Henrybellas?
Another beautiful post. I too am a sucker for all things old, especially houses.
I pray for peace in your heart today.
Jenn
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
—Romans 12:12
You'll get through it, we all will with His help.
II Corinthians 4:18 has been quoted and cherished in our home for the past couple of months. My husband and I are facing life changing troubles with our adult children. Jesus is our only hope.
You have a comforting, intelligent, beautiful and interesting blog.
My daughter-in-law in Peru reads your blog. Hi Johana.
Brin, I've been keeping up with your post for a little while now.. I actually have an old farmhouse.. though it wasn't quite as neglected as the one in your post.. It did need help. I saw a vision, and it's taken 21 years plus to get it together.. I love my old house. God gave me the incentive to keep going and to have faith in my choice. Love the post.. tracey
This post was wonderful. Thank you so much for the reminder that God is our strength and that we need to continue to trust and hope in Him.
Erin
So sad that the homestead is abandoned. I'm really drawn to those old, lonely places too. I agree, as long as we have breath, we are not hopeless. Keep up all your good work. This was a touching post.
It is Saturday and I stopped by for a visit and I hope you are alright. Praying for your circumstances.
Roberta Anne
Brin-
Great words to encourage everyone during these tough times. I am new to your blog. Met you and your Mom at Jolene's Fall Festival. I sadly missed out on your baked goodies! Hear they are yummy! Can't wait to read what God gives you next to write about.
TC from Atlanta, TX
Wow, great post. I found you from scbell612's blog. I'll be a regular reader from now on!
Brin, I'm wondering if maybe you might reconsider your views regarding ads on your blog. I think there are many great blogs that utilize advertising in a tasteful, cohesive way that truly seems to be a win win situation. Many blogs do it and do it very well. Dooce (the most famous blog), Pioneer Woman, come instantly to mind and most of my favourite design blogs (Designsponge & Poppytalk to name two. I think being selective and only allowing ads that really do make sense to the theme and character of A Messy Thrilling Life ... could seriously help you to realize all of your Freeman House dreams. Just a thought. xo Susan
Thank you for those words. I'm facing some scary moments right now and I need my Lord's words whispered in my ears.
Great post Brin..I love old barns and houses and always wonder who lived there and how these people spent their life. I never tire of seeing them and would love my house filled with pictures of these old delapitated buildings. They truly do tell stories.
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