Monday, February 16, 2015

When Bad Things Happen...

I made this card for a friend going through a rough time. A really rough time. Her situation has sent me reeling emotionally and has caused me to lean hard on my spiritual gifts of faith and trust in the face of genuine evil.

I never ask God why things happen, even when my heart is breaking. In this situation, however, I'm asking, begging for answers.

It's just awful.

This card is for my friend. I wanted it to convey softness and comfort and gentleness, hope and light.




If you are going through a rough time, I'd like to remind you to breathe and take things one day at a time. But it's also important to find people to support you through the crisis and be open to their help. Don't try to go it alone, and don't keep people at arm's length.

As a Stephen Ministry leader, I see first-hand how much of a difference one person can make in the life of someone who's suffering just by being there. Just by showing up. Often, we can't fix a thing or make it better in any tangible way, but we can be there for each other.

If you're suffering, reach out for help.

If you know someone who's suffering, reach out to help.

Yes, there is evil out there.

But there is also good. A lot of good. Let's all be a part of that good and be there for each other.

Supplies
stamps: Waltzingmouse Fine Feather; CASual Stamps Breathe
ink: Impress Fresh ink Sicilian Blue, Memento Luxe black
paper: Papertrey white
accessories: none

16 comments:

  1. I'm praying that your friend will feel God's arms carrying her tonite, Susan.

    Beautiful post and card!

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  2. When I saw the picture for the link, all I could think was "how appropriate for the type of day I've been having". After reading your post, I decided my thought instead should be, " just breathe. It's not that bad. Just let it go".
    Praying for your friend and you as you try to bring her a moment of comfort

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  3. This is beautiful, Susan...and will bring comfort to your friend. We are studying Peter in our Bible study and this week's lesson is about giving Him all your cares....easier said than done. I pray your friend's cares are soon eased.

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  4. Your card made me lose my breath. It's beautiful.

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  5. Your card is beautiful. I hope that you find the answer to your question. You are a great friend - being there is HUGE :)

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  6. So beautiful! I hope your friend finds her way safely to the other side of her troubles.

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  7. Beautiful card. It really carries a sense of peace. Sending a prayer for you and your friend in this situation.

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  8. I have the best readers ever! Thank you all so much for your good thoughts and prayers.

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  9. Your card and blog post took my breath away, Susan. Both are beautiful and SO true. Praying for you and your dear friend that she finds comfort and answers. Just being there for her is wonderful, and we all need to realize how helpful support from others can help.

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  10. I read your post and added my prayers to so many others, both for the trouble your friend is going through, and also for you as you look for answers. When I got to your card, I literally held my breath! It is simply perfect. We all need to remember to breathe! Thank you so much!

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  12. Your post Susan is such a good reminder of good and bad in this world and never take it for granted that the right choices will always be made. I'm sorry for what your friend is going through and how it is testing your faith. Prayers for both of you.

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  13. Beautiful, peaceful card. May you and your friend find the peace reflected in your card....

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  14. Lovely card and I will be keeping your friend in my prayers along with you as you support her.In the thoughts of so many unspoken prayers I send a wish for peace.

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  15. Adding my prayers to those already being lifted up..... We've been dealing with difficulties here too - thankfully, some wonderful things too! - but, knowing that we go in God's strength makes the day a little easier.
    I'm thanking God for special friends too.

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  16. Adding my prayers to those already being lifted up..... We've been dealing with difficulties here too - thankfully, some wonderful things too! - but, knowing that we go in God's strength makes the day a little easier.
    I'm thanking God for special friends too.

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment!