In Remembrance. . .

 Cynthia Malone has been a bright spot in my life that no amount of time will ever dull.  At 9, she listened to me recite bible verses, at 17 she coaxed, prodded and believed in my abstinence speeches to local high schools.  In my thirties she'd send me cards, pictures and scripture to lift me from the grief of miscarriage.   She always gave me her time, laser focus and unequivocal wisdom. My husband even carries a photo she sent with scripture and encouragement long before our paths ever crossed.

She connected right into the center of my soul and passionately spoken truth over me.  She gave my fledgling heart dignity, honor and wisdom.

Today, its her beautiful script that brings me comfort. Her heart leaps off the page with the same focus and patience she's always blessed me with.  In one of her last letters she admonished me and encouraged me with challenges that mark my life.

"God does not expect us to wear ourselves to a frazzle, I grew up believing it was the righteous "Christian" thing to always be available for those in need.   Now, I am finally listening to the message God has told me over and over again since 1976-'Be still and know that I am God,' "Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.'" 


I have often thought about how Jesus 'slipped away' and 'went across the sea' etc-to find much needed rest.  Here He was the God-man with all the answers and all the power to heal-but physically limited. If he took time away from all those clamoring for His listening ear, words of wisdom and healing touch can we do any less?


Ask yourself, God and Nate--what did God create in me? How did He create me to BE not DO? It's easy to ignore our WHO and focus on our DO especially in a society that values doing over being, products over people, and service over self care.  


I am now determined to learn the lessons of being still, resting and trusting Him. Now I spend alot of time drawing, reading, praying and being.  There are times I want to get into the fray and feel like a horse that wants to run but is being held back by my owner for my own good."
Love and Prayers, 
Cynthia

I am so thankful to a gracious Lord for this powerful woman's influence in my life. For her dedication, her faith and her willingness to listen to her creator even when it meant admitting weakness.  My road seems emptier today but I'm grateful that Cynthia is at peace.    She's celebrating with her creator!  Oh what joy they must be having together.  My prayer, personally, is that I would leave a portion of the legacy this Godly woman dealt.   I smile when I think of her whole, both resting and running, never tiring for all eternity!

Cynthia (in blue) at our Imago send-off.  Never shy, I owe some of my stage presence to her quick wit and courage. I don't think she ever met a stranger or someone who didn't deserve His love.

Hearing Jesus Speak into Your Sorrow by Nancy Guthrie

Hearing Jesus Speak Into Your Sorrow by Nancy Guthrie
   All of Nancy's faith, suffering and perspective find their voice in this brilliant book. Blessing us with her hard earned theology.   Refined in the crucible of suffering, this book is every woman's guide through the difficult questions of life including but not limited to infertility and loss.

 This book has ministered to me and my dearest friends as we have wrestled with God in the face of deep heartache and sorrow. I adore how Nancy mine's the scriptures for the heart of God and his heart for his children amidst the destruction of life this side of heaven.   I'm so thankful for how she has grounded my wandering faith that struggled to hear God's heart in the midst of my grief. This book is great for a support group, or anyone who's trying to shed deeper insight on the theology of suffering.

My take 5.5 out of 6

Book Description by Tyndale House Publications:
In this paradigm-shifting book, Nancy Guthrie gently invites readers to lean in along with her to hear Jesus speak understanding and insight into the lingering questions we all have about the hurts of life: What was God’s involvement in this, and why did he let it happen? Why hasn’t God answered my prayers for a miracle? Can I expect God to protect me? Does God even care? According to Nancy, this questioning is not a bad thing at all but instead an opportunity. It’s a chance to hear with fresh ears the truth in the promises of the gospel we may have misapplied. It lets us retune our souls to the purposes of God we may have misunderstood.