Sunday, November 15, 2009

Making a Difference

This morning, my neighbor told me her pet bird died last night. She'd had it for seven years and loved it like a child. A week ago, she dropped a weight at the gym and broke her toe. Two months before that, her fifteen year-old cat died. She buried it herself but a coyote dug it up the next day. Ten months ago, her husband of seventeen years left her for another woman after being unemployed a year and drinking day and night.

She cried as she stood before me with her shovel in her hand. She told me God had given her enough. She couldn't take any more.

I wanted to cry with her because I've been there too very recently. But instead I shared with her something from a book I'd just read--a book lovingly sent to me by a blogger friend this past week. It encouraged her as much as it had encouraged me.

We're making a difference as bloggers. As much as we're making a difference as writers.

Tomorrow instead of being online, I'll be sitting in a hospital room waiting for my husband's surgery to take place. Waiting for the doctor to come out and tell me it went fine. I'll worry, because that's what we do when loved ones go through trials. But I'll also take with me the comfort that many of you will be praying along with me.

And that's what really counts. Isn't it?

40 comments:

Kristen Torres-Toro said...

Terri, I am so glad you were able to encourage your neighbor. My heart breaks for her.

I'm praying God will guide the surgeon's hands, give both you and your husband peace, and bring healing tomorrow!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Praying for your friend. Praying for your husband. Praying for your strength during the surgery.

We have no idea who we touch for the Lord with our blog posts, who we might give hope or laughter when it is needed. God is ready to work through us in all kinds of ways.

YOU take care!!!

Jennifer Shirk said...

Aw, Terri, I absolutely feel we make a difference in everyone's lives we touch, too--as co-workers, friends, neighbors, bloggers, writers, etc..

I will definitely be praying for your friend and for you and your husband. God bless!

Diane said...

Praying for your husband and neighbor. He is stronger, all will be well. :O)

Tamika: said...

Terri, I'm so glad that God allows us to comfort one another with the SAME comfort we have received from Him.

I'm praying for your neighbor that she will continue to trust in the Lord even when she cannot trace Him.

As well, we are lifting up your husband, in Jesus name, the only name in heaven and earth where the sick and be made whole. Love you and thank God for what He is already doing in this situation.

Analisa said...

Terri, you are so right. We are making a difference.

Lord God I know your angels will be with Terri's husband. Guiding the hands of the doctors. I pray for a swift recovery and peace to surround Terri as she waits to hear of the good outcome.

Jeanette Levellie said...

Oh, Terri, I'm so glad I plugged back in today to read this. I will be praying for your husband's surgery to go well, and for your friend to have some relief from trials the devil is sending to her.

Much love and blessings,
Jen
Audience of ONE

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

We'll keep you and your hubby in our prayers. Also, we'll pray that your neighbor comes to know that God loves and cares about her.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

Praying for both you and Curt for healing and also praying that your neighbor finds peace, joy and blessings after all these trials.

Jan Cline said...

Tell hubby Im sure he will cut a couple strokes off his golf game when he's healed. We'll pray for him. You are a blessing to more than just your neighbor you know.

Gaia said...

Hi Terri, I think I need that book too like your neighbour. Been having a string of bad luck lately and some of it I could not even blog about it. Have to keep it to myself and pray real hard.

I am thinking of you and hubby and praying for his healthy recovery. Hugs and Blessings dear.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I sit with you in spirit tomorrow morning. Wish I could be there to bring you a Starbucks and some encouragement while you wait; please know that my thoughts are with you.

Blessings and peace, sweet friend.

~elaine

Karen Lange said...

Will pray for you and your friend. Our pastor often says, "Jesus is already in our tomorrows."
Blessings:)

Kathleen said...

The incredible, mysterious, indispensable Body of Christ. We are more than a part; we are the sum of all parts and tethered securely to the Head. It is good; it is very good!

Praying for both you and your hubby,

Kathleen

Clementine said...

Good gracious, Terri. You are going through the trenches. I will be lifting you up tomorrow as well. Please let us know how your husband is doing. Sending lots of hugs your way!

Katie Ganshert said...

I'll be praying, Terri!!

Beth in NC said...

God bless your neighbor. I also pray your husband's surgery goes well and that you both will have great peace!

Cindy R. Wilson said...

Terri, I'll be praying for you, your husband and your neighbor.

I definitely believe we make a difference in other people's lives as bloggers, writers, and friends. Let us know how your husband is doing when you can!

Carmen said...

Thinking of you and your hubby!! Hope the surgery goes well!

baliplus said...

hi there ^^!
warm greeting from Bali island

Susan R. Mills said...

I'll definitely be praying for you and your husband. I already am.

Jessica Nelson said...

What a horribly sad story for your neighbor. I hope God will bring her something/someone who will make her life so beautiful!

I'm praying for your hubby too!

Tana said...

I'm lifting both you and your nieghbor to the throne! Love you!

Ginny said...

I know that my blogging friends make a difference in my life, and for that I am so very grateful!
I, too, just spoke last night with an internet friend who lost her mother, her husband was in a severe accident, he got shingles on his face and eyes, and her son is in jail. OH MY! But you know, it is so wonderful to share with other women who have been dealt these same cards, and be able to cope and move on with thier help and prayer.
Praying for a healing restoration for your husband.

Deborah said...

Praying for your husband and your friend!

Greg C said...

I am praying right along with you. I heard that exact thing from someone I know very well the other day....that God had given them enough and they were at the end of their rope. They made it over that hump though and life goes on.

Melissa Amateis said...

Amen, Terri. Prayers for you and your husband tomorrow...

Anonymous said...

I'll be wishing your husband a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.

Jill Kemerer said...

I'm praying for your husband and your friend. Sometimes, life just isn't fair.

joe doaks-Author said...

Oh, Terri, I am so much there for you and your neighbor. God bless you both.

Galen
Imagineering Fiction Blog

Kara said...

You are so right, the blogging world puts us in touch with others that really help us and make a difference. I will be praying for your husband and his doctors!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I too am praying for your neighbour and for your husband and a resounding yes to us bloggers making a difference. The connections, the support, the encourgement, the open hearts - amazes me. Stay strong - Sarah

Grace and Beauty said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and I pray your husbands surgery went well. Bloggers are such a unique community and I have enjoyed blog land so much!

Jessica Nelson said...

Hi Terri,
I hope the surgery went well. I'm just stopping by to let you know I gave you an award. :-)

Julie Gillies said...

Oh Terri, your poor neighbor! May God make Himself REAL to her, and flood her with His peace in the midst of it all.

Hoping your hubby's surgery went well. You are so right, blogging can make a huge difference.

Praying!

Keli Gwyn said...

Terri, I hope the surgery went well and that your husband's recovery is off to a good start.

Nancy said...

Praying for your husband to make a full recovery and for the surgery to go well. It's so amazing how just the right words can help in a bad situation. May you find words to comfort you as you have shaved with others.

Heather Sunseri said...

Many prayers to you and your husband, and your friend. I pray the surgery went well.

Eileen Astels Watson said...

I'm so sorry for your neighbour and sorry I missed the opportunity to pray directly for your husbands surgery.

Praise God it went well! I'm praying for your neighbor to feel peace and God's love now.

Diane Ronzino said...

I'm sorry, Terri, that I'm only reading this now. I will be praying for your husbands recovery and your peace of mind.

In the middle of all your owns trials, you took the time to comfort and encourage another. What a special woman you are!