And, when I was unsure of myself, I reached for her hand, gave it a squeeze, and immediately felt her reassuring squeeze in response.
Hand in hand. Heart to heart.
I read something this morning that carried me back to these memories. I found it in A.J. Russell's devotional, God Calling:
"Call often My Name, 'Jesus'.
"The calling of My Name does not really summon Me. I am beside you. But it removes, as it were, the scales from your eyes, and you see Me.
"It is, as it were, the pressure of a loved one's hand, that brings an answering pressure, and a thrill of Joy follows, a real, and a joyful sense of nearness."
The only thing that supersedes a mother's love is that of our Father God. His love is beyond our comprehension - it is all-encompassing. Imagine this: to call on His Name merely opens our eyes to see Him in our midst, for He is with us always. The calling of His Name is like squeezing His hand with the communication of a love-need. How wonderful is that?
Jesus hears His Name and responds. Immediately.
"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your Presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me." ~ Psalm 139:7-10
Hand to hand. Heart to heart.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page. I'm featuring a powerful song by J.J. Heller titled, "Your Hands". For about three minutes you'll be reminded of the tender mercies of God. It just might be what you need to make it through the day.
Good Morning Nan, as I read this I felt a special squeeze on my hand, as if Papa God was saying," I am right here." I too lost my mother when she was 46. I was 22. Just recently as I recalled my walk with her. There were days and years that flashed with colors of ugly. But when I dig deeper, I see Jesus, splashing my days with hues of beauty and peace... taking my hand and walking me through it all. I absolutely needed ths song this morning. I am thankful for the prayers and encouragement that you share with others. May we continue to seek and find and see Him there..in the hands and heart of the Lord. I love You Nan Jones, my very precious God-given friend.
ReplyDeleteYou're so precious. I found myself reading this post several times yesterda, too. The Lord used it to minister peace to me, as well. Wasn't that song powerful? Oh my goodness. I don't know how I missed seeing it before. Thanks for stopping by. I love you Doodle.
DeleteHi Nan! Oh my, what a real sadness to lose your mother at such a young age. I can't imagine how painful that must have been.
ReplyDeleteI think that when you call 'Jesus' and he holds your hand, your Mom is there too. How could he not be with such an encouraging lover? I love that image of her just simply holding your hand. Simple gestures like that are so powerful.
Thank you for sharing such a painful time with all of us. I know that you are now the one holding hands, making Jesus and your Mom so proud.
Blessings.
Ceil
Love you sister-friend. Thank you for your kind words.
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