"Don't be afraid, Gail!
-- It all works out just fine. --
You're just transitioning to the next chapter!"
That sign has been hanging there for almost two years. I was going to take it down a couple of times, but before I knew it, I was transitioning again. I was glad it was there for moral support! I guess it's just not done speaking to me yet!
The other day I met with a gal who is currently in a challenging place in her life. We talked for a long time. She shared her story and I shared mine. The benefit I have in sharing my story, (as told in my book), is that I already know the ending: It all works out fine! I try to remind people in difficult places that God is still with them. In time, all will work out for them, as well.
That's because He is Faithful!
(Rev. 19:11)
Sometimes when I talk with people I wish I could do so much more. I think I would make a great fairy godmother. Just give me a wand! Many times I wish I could just pull out a magic wand and make everything alright for people.
lasted about one minute.
The more I think about it,
the more I realize that
would be like the blind
leading the blind. LOL.
I've noticed that God isn't much of a wand-waver. Yes -- He does do miracles! But more often than not, He chooses to journey with us through difficulties. In my book, The Yellow Brick Road: A Woman's Journey to the Edge and Back, it says this:
"Journeys often change our way of looking at things.
Journeys often change us. They give us opportunities
to learn and grow. It's interesting, because journeys
usually take us out of our comfort zone and into new
and different environments. Given the choice, most of
us want to return to what's familiar. But then we never
experience anything new, we never learn, we never
change, and we never grow. The journey following
my divorce would be the greatest test of my faith in
my twenty-five years as a Christian."
I am continually reminded that I am not all powerful. I'm just a vessel for the All-Powerful to move through. He's the one who chooses when, how and with whom -- not me. Where I would be quick to "Abra-Cadabra!" and "Presto-Chango!" with my wand... the Holy Spirit reminds me that He is at work in people. He's stretching their faith. He's fine tuning their ability to hear His voice. He's teaching them to walk with Him. Not to mention that His results are always greater than we could ever imagine. It's like that old saying...
"You can give a man a fish.
-- OR --
You can teach a man to fish!
One will fill his belly for the night.
The other will fill his belly for a life time.
I know I've said this many times before, but I'll say it again. We are all responsible for our own walk with God. I might be good at walking down my own Yellow Brick Road, but I can't walk down your Yellow Brick Road for you. You have to do that yourself. Sure... I can guide - - I can offer advice -- I can even encourage you! But I can't walk it for you. You must do that!
This quote by L. Frank Balum from
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,
sums it up perfectly:
sums it up perfectly:
"You must walk.
It is a long journey,
through a country that is
sometimes pleasant and
sometimes dark and terrible."
In RED shoes,
Gail
