Answer Gently

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. – (Proverbs 15:1, NIV)

A gentle answer makes anger disappear, but a rough answer makes it grow. – (Proverbs 15:1, ERV)

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels. – (Proverbs 15:1, TLB)

 

Both my mother, and her mother before her, modeled this verse in action for us growing up. On countless occasions, I witnessed each of them diffuse situations, simply by meeting someone kindly, who was engaging with them in a way that did not begin on the kindest of terms. Their smile and genuine love for people would soften the hardest of hearts, and win over the grumpiest of characters. For me, more times than not, a gentle response to a child escalated in the classroom, has provided them room to calm down or breathe long enough to avoid further incident. Walking this road to recovery with mom is no different. Losing mobility, freedom and independence, for a strong, self-sufficient, care-giver like mom, has got to be beyond frustrating. She is handling it gracefully 99% of the time, and it is my charge to be extraordinarily gentle through the 1%, when her frustration gets the better of her. Gentle words affirming her frustration, yet recognizing her strength and progress, have been pivotal in working through moments of challenge. Humor has been a lifeline as well. Thankfully, we know each other better than anyone else, so a mere look speaks volumes, and can inspire giggles in an instant, even in moments of madness.

Much of the reason she is not feeling ready for visitors, (other than the very short list of family and lifelong friends whom have already been in contact), is her own desire to uphold a spirit of gentleness and kindness, as she cannot wrap her head around not being able to be the gracious host that she normally would be. Please continue to be patient with her willingness to see visitors, as I imagine she will become more willing as she is more confident and settled back in her own space.

Today will be the first official day of in-home therapies, as physical therapy kicks off this afternoon at 1pm. We are eagerly awaiting phone calls from the occupational therapist, speech therapist and nursing care facilitator, to figure out what the schedule will be for them as well. Yesterday was a very relaxing day, as mom and I enjoyed watching a few movies between meals, stretching and rests, after the fellas went home. This week will be busy, as we work to discover a new normal with appointments coming into the home to aid in mom’s recovery. May we ever rely on the Lord to be gentle with those around us, for kindness keeps anger at bay.

 

No matter what comes,

Be gentle and kind;

For we do not know,

Battles deep inside.

So often anger,

Is hurt or a fear;

Set free by kindness,

If love braves draw near.

Seek to have courage,

To always be kind;

Give love to others,

And true peace, you’ll find.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that a gentle answer turns away anger. Thank You that this is not simply a theory, but proven, time and time again. Thank You that Jesus modeled this for us throughout His life, death, resurrection and ascension. Forgive us for the times that our responses are not gentle or kind. Teach us to trust and rely on You to give us the wisdom and strength to be Your heart and voice to others, so that they may see Your love in the way that we respond. Show us how to love others well, as we choose to be gentle and kind to all, no matter how others speak or act toward us. Give us grace O God. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose kindness and love, just as You do with us. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! – Galatians 5:22-23

Unto You

Life seems to come in waves. Some waves are gentle, as they move us closer to where we are meant to be. However, sometimes we find ourselves in a strong set of the raging rollers, that would be wonderful if equipped and trained as a professional surfer, but for the rest of us, they seem to inspire a hold-on-for-dear-life sort of response, and require trust and perseverance to paddle through, until they at last pass. Fortunately, no matter what condition we find the sea we are sailing, we have One who can help us safely navigate. “For He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care.” – (Psalm 95:7)

Please make some sense,
of what isn’t mine;
show me your hand,
as I give you mine.
Help me see light,
when darkness surrounds;
be my lifeline,
please don’t let me drown.
These pounding waves,
seem will not relent,
yet gratitude,
restores joy again.
Help me to hold,
that which remains true;
You are still God,
making all things new.

 

Come let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song. – (Psalm 95:1-2)

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our safety in the stormy seas, and that You are our anchor, keeping us from drifting away from where You call us to be. Thank You that You remain present, and that Your presence is our reason to give You all of our worship and praise. Thank You that You are our God, and that we are Your people. Forgive us for allowing our eyes to fix on the waves that are coming toward us, and instead, help us to look to You to keep our head above water and ride the wave as You call us. May our obedience and perseverance demonstrate Your heart and hands to those who are seeking, and may many come to find You as the Lord of their lives. Let our love be a reflection of Your love toward us. Be glorified in all that we say and do. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; …write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3

The Great Gift of Grace

image by Glesni Mason

For the grace of God,

that brings us all hope;

our delivery,

the true lifeline rope.

It instructs each one,

how we are to live;

teaching to deny,

evil the world gives.

Strength and self-control,

so we may choose well;

wait for blessed hope,

redemption from hell.

The glorious day,

the Savior appears;

He will take us home,

and allay all fears.

Those who call on Him,

will not be denied;

by His blood, redeemed,

now called purified.

Because we are free,

and considered His;

be ever eager,

do good as He says.

(Responding to Titus 2:11-14)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that all hope is held in You, and all who hold Your hope are redeemed and empowered to live a life that is pleasing to You. Forgive us for our faltering – the times that we have succumbed to ungodliness and worldly passions – and grant us Your strength to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives. Give us ears to hear You, and hearts that are willing to obey. May many come to know Your covering as we choose to walk in Your truth. Let our lives shine bright before all. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

When Answers Come

When so long a dream

image by mi9.com

and hope seem deferred,

a glimmer of grace,

I question what’s heard.

Years of prayers lifted,

ever-fading hope.

Clinging to lifeline,

the end of the rope.

Then out of nowhere,

words of hope are heard,

is this the answer?

It seems so absurd.

Great joy rising up,

with guardian wall.

I long to shout out,

yet fear I may fall.

It is in His hands,

where it’s always been.

Help me to trust You.

Keep me far from sin.

For You have great things,

in store, just for me.

With no strings attached,

Your great gifts are free.

Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Matthew 7:8 – “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Dear Heavenly Father, I stand in awe of the wonderful ways that You work.  Your ways are so much higher and greater than I could even begin to imagine!  Lord Jesus, I know that the waiting will have been worth all the while; help me to trust You as it all unfolds.  Grant me Your patience, not mine, and allow me to see through Your eyes so that I will not grow weary nor discouraged.  Forgive me for my frustration, fear and hesitation to trust that it could be true.  Thank You that You are so much more than my mind can conceive.  Father, have Your way.  May we be ever-listening and obedient, so that Your love can be clearly conveyed to those who need to know it most.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present