"Rising from the Ashes" "You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak. I will ask you questions, and you must answer me.' My ears had heard of you before, but now my eyes have seen you. So now I hate myself; I will change my heart and life. I will sit in the dust and ashes."
Job 42:4-7 (New Century Version) Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise" is one of my favorite poems. I can relate to her defiance and yet resolve; her joy despite the pain; just knowing her dreams are not to be denied. This has been a year of change and contrasts. I started the year knowing that my marriage had long ago ended; all that remained was the legal formality. I tried to put on the brave face, but change had come. Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise. Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops. Weakened by my soulful cries. ~ excerpted from "Still I Rise" A short time later, my newest granddaughter was born with such joy and anticipation. She had some difficulties and required major surgery and my faith briefly came into question. Talk about contrasts. God still answered my prayers. We do not know if she is totally out of the woods, but we have spoken the word of total healing. His unchanging hand is with us as we are part of His family. Unbeknownst to me, I had a previously undiscovered growth requiring major surgery too. I turned it over to God and out of the ashes, "still I rise." Through these trials, the old Carla now has a renewed sense of purpose according to His word. I am comforted knowing that God has continued to open doors of fulfillment at my job through growth and development of additional skills. I am also continually encouraged by like-minded Christians who have poured out their love for me during good and my trying times. Longtime friends have undergirded me in ways I could not fathom; reminding me that I am strong, resilient and caring. I need not dwell on what others think of me or the way I allowed myself to feel given past circumstances. God is not through with me yet. "Still, I rise." Today, I stood to witness our precious grandbaby's dedication to the Lord. I awakened early in joyful anticipation as her parents presented her before the body of Christ. Out of the ashes, much good has been given and I rejoice in His favor. There has been change and some pain, but it is a new day. This is the day the Lord has made, and I rejoice in it. I am taking small steps finding my way back to His place and plan for me. I look forward, with renewed optimism as I embark on another part of the journey. Out of my love for the Lord and He for me. "Still, I rise." In His Love, Carla ΓΏ Amen and Amen! _____________________________________________________ O. Addison Gethers e-mail address : [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] window live messenger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] aim: durangoadd64 skype: cowboys62 yahoo messenger: OADDISONGETHERS --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Deaf-Blind Inspirational Life Group" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/DBILG?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
