Listen to an audio recording of this blog post here:
I’ve spent the bulk of my life doing my level best to avoid pain. I’m simply not a fan of it. The thought of experiencing physical or emotional pain flips my fight or flight switch on in a clock tick. Somehow along the way, I developed super-Spidey senses that alert me to incoming pain and I get busy to head it off at the pass.
For the past few Fridays, I’ve been participating in the #FridayIntroductions on social media. Here’s where I insert a shameless plug for you to follow me on Instagram and Facebook. You can follow me on Twitter too, but it’s really not my favorite hangout so I forget about it sometimes. Should I admit that? Oh well, I just did.
As a way of letting you get to know me a little better and participating in today’s episode of #FridayIntroductions, I’m sharing with you a glimpse into how I’m navigating this painful season.
If you’ve ever been through a season when pain, loss, and grief seem to overtake your mind, body, and soul, you are probably like me and ultra-sensitive to certain questions. Anyone requesting anything of you can seem judgmental and/or condemning, and can also add to our already teetering juggling act. If you’ve been on the other side of the coin and you love someone who is hurting, your sincere desire to help could actually add to their pain. Sometimes, albeit with heartfelt intentions, we ask the wrong questions and sometimes we ask the right questions the wrong way.
Dear hurting wife, I see you.
I see you because I am you.
I see your despair behind those honest but cleverly crafted Facebook posts.
I see your questions because I, too, have questions.
I see your fears for I, too, battle the all-consuming flames.
I see your utter loneliness while standing in the midst of the crowd.
Please help me welcome Helen Kerr, my English friend who lives in Scotland. Helen and I connected through Jen Hatmaker’s For the Love book launch team. Yes another FTL sister. There are many and I couldn’t be more grateful. This little red book has made some connections like none of us could have ever imagined. Helen lives in Scotland. Those who know me know my heart for travel and adventure. I hope to make it to Helen’s home for coffee one day but until then, I warmly welcome her heart here at EPFH. Sit down and have coffee with us as you read. (Be sure to go read more of Helen’s writings at Home-Spun Hearts.)
I needed to write words this morning. I’ve got several amazing guest posts lined up for you this month which I love and I need because I’ve got so many other projects going that it frees up some of my time here. But I woke up this morning needing to share with you. Needing to process with you. Needing to get some words out. I don’t have time to write but I also don’t have time not to.
My heart aches for those whose wombs and arms have been left empty. Their bright flame did not shine for long. Lord, comfort them with deep comfort as only you can.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Hi! I’m Andrea and I’m so glad you’re here! My desire is to lock arms with you and share encouragement as we walk this path together. Let’s walk together to hope!
Empty Plate . Full Heart 