Breathe

A couple of months ago, a Facebook friend was struggling with the death of a cherished friend and mentor.  His emotions were wreaking havoc with his mind and thoughts and the turmoil that ensued within was almost more than he could stand.  Post after post on his timeline told of his questions, his lack of understanding and his battle to find meaning in it all.  After weeks of wrestling with his grief and pain, one word began to premeate his thoughts –

He finally penned these words:

When you feel as if you can’t go on,

BREATHE.

When the storms of life cover you,

BREATHE.

When you don’t want to get out of bed in the morning,

BREATHE.

When you struggle with your emotions,

BREATHE.

When you feel as all is for naught,

BREATHE.

When you need a refreshing start,

BREATHE.

There are always going to be times when you feel choked off.  But know that the fresh breath of Oxygen will always be there to give you sustainable life.

– Ben Ford 4/8/18

Life can be overwhelming and if we aren’t careful, if we forget that we aren’t meant to do life alone, we can find ourselves suffocating under the weight of our burdens and cares.

In those desperate moments of grief, heartache, sorrow, uncertainty and helplessness, we must remember to breathe.

There is life-giving hope and strength in the surrender to our need to breathe.

There is rest and rejuvenation in each breath.

There is peace in the stillness that falls upon our souls.

Don’t allow life’s difficulties to smother you. Remember to breathe and in the quietness of each breath, talk to your Heavenly Father. Give Him your burdens, your troubles, your pain and your unanswered questions. Allow Him to breathe new life within you.

You can find peace in the midst of your turmoil today –

Just remember to

BREATHE.

 

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*** The heartfelt words written by my friend not only reminded me of my need to stop, be still and breathe when overwhelmed with life, they also inspired me to WRITE A SONG! I hope to be able to share it with you very soon. So keep an ear out! ***

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A Year of Smiles – Day 309

Reason to SMILE #309: REACHING THE TOP

In my life, I have had many difficulties. Being born with a physical disorder pretty much determined that. Walking, running, jumping and just getting from Point “A” to Point “B” have never been easy for me. I’ve had to learn to adapt. I’ve had to live without the fun of running races and jumping rope and as for walking, well, let’s just say I’ve never been much of a pacesetter. That’s my life. It could be worse.

There is, however, one thing in life that I have not been able to avoid and that is climbing stairs. Ah, stairs – the bane of my existence! Life would be so much easier for me without them but where would we be without stairs? We’d be stuck at the bottom of everything, right? No! Come on! Elevators have been around forever, like since 200 BC or something. So what’s the deal with all of the stairs in this world?

I know. I know. Where would we be without stairs? Would I have been able to look out over the Atlantic Ocean if I had not climbed to the top of the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, Florida? Would I have been able to take in the beauty of Mount St. Helens if I had not climbed up the stairs to the observation deck? Would I have been able to effectively be an angel in the Christmas pageant if I had not climbed the scary scaffolding to appear above the shepherds and sing of Jesus’ birth? Probably not. Sure, someone could have jeopardized the historical integrity of that beautifully maintained fort in St Augustine by carving out an elevator shaft. And someone could have built a lift to raise me up over those shepherds watching their flocks by night. (Seriously. Someone really could have built me a lift!) But the reality is there are always going to be stairs to climb whether I like it or not.

Stairs take us to a higher level, to a better view of things. And though a struggle for me, I’ve found that the climb is always worth it. In fact, with my limitations, conquering a flight of stairs is actually an accomplishment. I don’t always feel that way, especially when I’m standing at the bottom looking up. But when I’m looking back down after I’ve made it to the top, man, what a feeling! I did it!

So it is with life. No matter which way we turn, we cannot avoid those cursed stairs! If it is worth striving for, there always seems to be a climb involved. It may be difficult for us. We may not be adequately equipped to make the climb. We may be emotionally, financially or spiritually deficient and feel as though we will never make it to the top. But the Bible tells us God will equip and strengthen us (Psalm18:31-36). He never said the climb would be easy; still, He encourages us to keep going (Hebrews 10:36). Would we ever truly appreciate the accomplishment without the struggles of the climb?

There are always going to be stairs to climb but take heart. God has even overcome those nasty stairs. And when you get to the top and take in the view, nothing will be able to stop your SMILE!

A Year of Smiles – Day 277

Reason to SMILE #277: FINDING THE “AARONS” AND “HURS” IN YOUR LIFE

Do you know an Aaron or a Hur? Is there someone you can count on to pray for you when you need it most, to hold you up when you’re struggling to stand, to fight beside you in your battles? If so, then you know an Aaron and a Hur and I know your life is better for it.

Curious about these two fellas? Check out this post which I wrote about these amazing friends of Moses: Victory: Our Supporting Role. You can also read their story from the source, itself, in Exodus 17:8-13 (NIV).

I have discovered that I have many Aarons and Hurs in my life – those who will stop what they are doing to pray for me, to help when needed and to be my strength when mine is gone. Oh, what comfort to know my family and friends are praying me through the struggles of this life. And though the struggles wage on, I can SMILE knowing I am being held up by so many faithful Aarons and Hurs.

What about you? Do you need someone to hold you up today? Let me pray for you. Or maybe you know someone who is losing their own battle. Maybe you can be that struggling soul’s strength. Begin praying now. Then reach out and let that person know you will stand by their side and hold them up until their battle is won. Don’t wait. Time is precious and the SMILES are waiting.