During the past 2 1/2 months we've talked about the everyday-ness of LINGERing. We've discussed LINGER interruption, and we've contemplated ways that make the art of LINGERing just a little easier. Our discussion has been frank. What does LINGER look like in the life of the everyday woman? We've LINGERed together with a song by Kari Jobe. (If anyone has missed any of this and you'd like to see where we've been, please go back into the archives of this blog). It's been such joy to share my own journey with you, and I pray that it's been yours as well.
LINGER thus far has been light - full of spiritual Truth, absolutely - but fairly light. But I blame the word LINGER entirely for that. The word LINGER invokes feelings of coziness, warmth, peace, and unlimited time. In fact, some of my own thoughts toward the word LINGER leave me craving a cup of steaming coffee or fragrant tea. It inspires thoughts of a welcoming home, clean and organized. A comfortable throw over my shoulders. And maybe, if it's winter, a crackling fire in the fireplace.
And sometimes, my LINGER time does looks like that. But most of the time, it doesn't. And, you know what? It's okay. In fact, it's perfect when it's just a bit undone. And on the heels of our undone lives, this week begins a new segment of LINGER. A segment that may be a bit unsettling, but necessary if we are to face LINGER moments in REAL life. This part of the journey is not for the faint of heart, but for the faithful of heart.
So much of REAL life is just plain messy. It's painful, it's fearsome and it's grievous. It oftentimes takes us by complete surprise, and not always in a good way. How do we LINGER in the messiness of life? How do we LINGER when hope fails us, when our faith struggles. How do we LINGER in times of injustice, and times of physical pain? How do we LINGER when the economy throws us into financial distress? How do we LINGER when marriages fall apart, when our prodigals move further and further from us - and the Lord?
What happens to LINGERing when life is hard?
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12 comments:
Ahh, a subject I know well. I've had many bouts with lingering in a wildnerness, unfairness, cruelty. The last was in 2007. How did I keep on? I walked my apt, green Bible in hand and read Psalms out loud. Over and over and over. I chose particular scriptures and wrote them on my bathroom mirror as reminders. I wrote: God provided manna. Reminders of HOW He is faithful when I am SOOO not.
LOL You know the little code you have to type to make your comments on the blog? Mine is POUT. Made me laugh out loud.
Eileen... WOW! God's Word is powerful, isn't it? Alive. And though our circumstances are beyond difficult, the Word reminds us that God is working on our behalf in ways we can't even comprehend.
LOL... And how cute! Your code to comment was POUT! I hear you giggling all the way over here in Conroe. :-)
I've had times in my life when I've been so grief-stricken, sad, or worried that I couldn't even pray, let alone linger. But mercifully God always helps me to move swiftly from that bad place and He sends someone or something into my life to lift me up. All I know to do in difficult times is call on the name of Jesus. He's never let me down.
Sharon... You are so right! Just the mention of His NAME.
Thank you for your comment. So good to see you here :-)
Hard times like this make me think less of lingering and more of just falling at His feet.
There are times when words are inadequate and we fall crying into His arms, lay our head in His lap and allow Him to minister to us. There is such comfort in just resting in Him and allowing Him to speak to our spirit.
Music. I can shut down all other portals to my brain and my heart. I can shut out words, actions but I can't shut out music.
Oooh. . .now the good stuff. Can't wait.
Jan... Absolutely. I agree. Falling at His feet, crumbling into His lap. That's what it takes during the hard times, the undone times. Lingering takes on different forms, doesn't it?
Thank you for posting as always. You bring new insight each time.
Darcie... Music is a STRONG media, conducive to leading us into LINGER times. Let me understand... You are saying that when all else invades your mind, causing your ability to move into LINGER-ing with the Lord during times of duress, music is the vehicle to keep you planted there? I want to be clear, in case this ministers to someone else reading out there.
Thank you as always for posting. You have a unique perspective, one that we NEED. So please, keep on.
Tami... LOL! You make me laugh :-) And yes, we're moving into the nitty-gritty now. So many women face the HARD issues of life, and my desire is that this blog and any accompanying book will minister God's profound truths for desperate times.
Always so great to see you here, my Nebraska friend. You are in Nebraska, right (or is it Wyoming)? I'm trying to remember what you told me when we met at the conference in Estes. C'mon brain!
Take a breath, Sharen. You're right. I'm in Nebraska, enjoying the chance to "chat" with you like this.
The struggle of lingering is definitely interesting, as I've had my rounds with it.
Tami... Good! So my memory serves me well. (breathing again) :-)
Jennifer... Welcome to LINGER. I look forward to reading future posts from you. I don't know anyone who hasn't had their rounds with struggling to LINGER. I hope you are blessed here as we explore ways to LINGER in the realness of our lives.
I've had many bouts with lingering in a wildnerness, unfairness, cruelty.
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