I keep trying to find the right way to convey the circumstances, while still protecting everyone's privacy. The best I can come up with is very big and important things are threatening very unwelcome changes for my family right now. We are stuck in a wait and see where we may have answers in a couple of weeks, or not for months. It is causing unimaginable stress, sadness and fear--especially for my husband and myself. I have been praying this Novena to St. Joseph for 5 days already: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/novena/joseph.htm
Holy St. Joseph, Spouse of Mary, be mindful of me, pray for me, watch over me. Guardian of the paradise of the new Adam, provide for my temporal wants. Faithful guardian of the most precious of all treasures, I beseech thee to bring this matter to a happy end, if it be for the glory of God, and the good of my soul. Amen
In addition to this, we are in the middle of a stressful move. Prayers are welcome for this moves as well, as we try to navigate the logistics of moving against the backdrop of mammoth uncertainty.
In my daily prayers and bible study I am reminded of God's miracles bringing resolution in the most unexpected ways (the parting sea, a coin in a fishes mouth, manna appearing from nowhere). I cannot see the road before us, but I know that if I cling to God, His love is real and His plan is only good. And, I've learned in the past to beg for my heart's desire and I can most definitely TRUST HIM with my real desires. But, I will admit, it has been a moment to moment struggle to "lean not on [my] own understanding".
I am also daily remembering that even as earth-shattering as this potential change may feel to me, it is nothing compared to so much suffering in the world.
I have walked the halls of the pediatric oncology wing weeping prayers for my little boy. This is not cancer. It threatens a way of life, but certainly not anyone's life itself. And this is especially important for me to remember as at this very moment we have friend's clinging to hope and praying for the healing of their little boy. Please lift Ryan up in your prayers, too. He really needs them. And so does his family.
Will you please (please) pray with me? For Ryan? And for my family?
Thank you! From the bottom of my heart...
Dear Leslie, I have been thinking about you and praying for you a lot recently. I've suspected you are going through great difficulties. I don't need to know what they are in order to continue praying.
ReplyDeleteSt Joseph is my favourite saint to turn to in times of crisis. He always looks after our family so well. We pray the Hail Joseph everyday. Like your St Joseph prayer, it was good to memorise it and say it frequently.
Sometimes we cannot even imagine how God could resolve our difficulties. It's hard to hand everything over and trust. But He is so very good. That's another good prayer: "Jesus, I trust in Thee." It might keep the worry at bay if repeated over and over again.
I'll pray for Ryan too. Love and prayers,Sue xx
here's the lesson i'm really struggling with: not my timing, Lord, but Yours.
ReplyDeleteand man, that is the hardest one to pray...and mean.
once we all can learn to 'let go, let God' then we grow spiritually...and learn to lean more on Him, then our own strength, which is pitifully small.
just try to remember that it's all in control. then, relinquish your control. and if you figure out how to do that, let me know. <3
Praying Leslie!
ReplyDeletePraying for you. I stumbled across your beautiful blog just today. I, too, am a Catholic Convert. I shall keep you and your family in my prayers. God bless you, and may He give you strength. Remember that "we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose". (Romans 8:28)
ReplyDeletePraying for your family. God graces us with what we need.
ReplyDeleteAdam & Christina
Leslie,
ReplyDeleteFear not! Remember the Lord in His agony and join your sufferings to His. Obedience is the key to peace in times of turmoil. Worry is the temptation of the evil one. Don't give in to him! You are in my prayers -- all will work out...spend your temporal and spiritual energies wisely.
Blessings,
Kathy