There’s been a lot going on lately; Lots of appointments, scans, tests, blood tests, results, deliberations and so on and so forth. It would be very easy to get lost and bogged down like Artax in the Swamp of Sadness.
Yes I just quoted the Neverending Story. Hows that for exposing my age!
But unlike that big strong beautiful character, I much prefer to imitate the scrawny little crier – who may make a lot of noise but if you notice, never gives up, and keeps moving forward despite the increase in suction - the sadder he gets. Yes Atreyu is my hero. Not for these obvious reasons, but at that precise point in the movie, it becomes abundantly clear that Atreyu is nothing in his own strength and nothing without 'hope' as his guide. Finally, as he gives up all pretense of self-made heroism, and spends his final breathing moments focused on faith and hope, his rescuer swoops in and scoops him up into a big fluffy loving embrace. The movie buff will tell you that the journey is far from over, with many more battles, tests, and character building opportunities - but now he has someone wonderful at his side to help him through the many trials. Read into that as you will, but I know who I’d rather be and who I’d rather have on my side. And it ain’t a luck dragon.
So, despite all these bog-like realities attempting to suffocate my hope – I have never been more aware of a supernatural abundance of help, exactly when I needed it. It has come in many different forms and once again I am reminded that miracles do exist.
Many people believe that angels also exist, and some even believe that sometimes angels are sent in the form of humans (derived from the word Messenger). If I didn’t already believe it I most certainly do now. For whatever reason God has seen fit to send me some real beautiful angels lately.
Some of these angels I already knew and have stood the test of time and trial. I’m quite certain these amazing people will be in my life, for the rest of my life and there’s something so precious about that. Some of these angels just swooped out of nowhere like my new friend Lynette who prays unceasingly for me and my family, and spoils me ROTTEN!!! And likewise another new friend Raewyn, who also knows how to look after me and who reminds me of a sharp arrow - fired straight and true to my tender (and bruised) heart. Then there is my biological family who are suddenly here….in Tauranga of all places…. and holding out their hearts and hands to help wherever possible. Our Tereu whanau in Aussie will be especially happy to know we have family support here considering the huge distance between us and their hearts to help as much as possible. And last but certainly not least, there's our new church family who have somehow found themselves at home in my heart – against all odds if you really must know. (If you want to know what that means I suggest you take a look at my other blog thread “Hurt by the Church”). These amazing people are relentless in terms of loving on us, supporting us, and praying for us. For the first time in 13 years I’M the one being looked after instead of being the one always looking after others. It is a strange, difficult and extremely humbling pill to swallow and often I feel like I’m choking (with unworthiness) on it. But they just keep lovingly forcing that pill down my throat haha Anyway, I think its safe and fair to say my family and I are WELL looked after, and these are just the people I’ve mentioned. There are so many more...
So help has definitely been dished out in abundance, and at this point in my life I would argue against coincidence. There have been times in my life where I’ve felt like I’ve had no one, had no help, and now - it’s everywhere, poured out and overflowing. But are the existence of angels in my world the real miracle, or is it the miracle of healing? Or the miracle of renewed hope? Or the miracle of rebuilt trust? Or the miracle of borrowed strength Or even the miracle of love conquering this Mount Everest challenge? Whatever it is, I am truly grateful and thank God for being true to His promise. And the beautiful part about that is it's not just my promise, and help in ones darkest hour isn't just available for me. God doesn't play favorites....He just wants to know that you love and accept Him, but even if this is too difficult right now for whatever reason - He has been known to help anyway. How cool is that. I wrote this little piece when I was feeling especially overwhelmed one day;
Let me tell you about this guy I know. He listens to every word that comes out of my mouth and seems to know every thought that jumps around my anxious mind. He understands my fears and has an answer for every single one of them. He knows exactly what I need even before I know it myself and every now and then he even hooks me up with what I want. He's cool like that. Every time I bear my heart to him and ask for help he always responds, not just by making me feel better, but by providing the help I need. He is the perfect guy to have in my life and I just couldn't do life without him. Best thing about him is that he makes himself available to anyone who needs him. Not just me.
This guy I speak of has a name. His name is Jesus.