reflections on strength

by Rachel Marie Martin

i sit in the chair
my head resting
my body tired
unable to sleep

my eyes are heavy
so so weary
and yet the pain
the pain keeps me awake.

i hear the laughter around
grace in the backyard
elijah bounding down the stairs
little samuel
so joyful

and i am determined

determined to look at them
see the world with their eyes
the beauty
and joy
and good

even in the midst of pain
because life, well life, is short
and i don’t want to lose these days
even though it’s harder
than days before

so I cling to those words of Paul
those words in Philippians
about being brought low and
abounding
and in all he could do it
because Christ gave him strength.

that is my prayer
praying for healing
but also for strength from our Savior
and in that strength patience
and laughter
and joy.

it’s a season
there’s a lesson
keep my eyes open to the good, Jesus.

even when it’s hard

thank you for today
and my family
and life

thank you, Jesus, thank you.

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15 comments

Maria July 30, 2011 - 12:36 pm

One day the pain will subside…I hate that you are going through this. It would be very difficult for anyone to find the joy, but you are–you’re so strong…you might not feel strong now, but you are!

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Theresa July 30, 2011 - 1:16 pm

Beautiful, Rachel. I will be praying for you.

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Anna of IHOD July 30, 2011 - 1:50 pm

what a beautiful reflection. I admire your ability to write through your pain. How great is our God who we can lean on and draw strength from.

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Rachel July 30, 2011 - 2:31 pm

Amen and amen. May God bless you as you seek His strength. What a reassurance to have a God who is our refuge, strength, and an ever-present help. Keep holding on to Him.

God bless!
Rachel

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ali @ an ordinary mom July 30, 2011 - 3:12 pm

Amen. You are so strong! Your children are so blessed to have you for a mother!!

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Kiley July 30, 2011 - 4:21 pm

Still praying for your shoulder. :]

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BARBIE July 30, 2011 - 4:37 pm

Praying for you my friend.

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Masto Mama July 30, 2011 - 6:10 pm

he last few days this verse from Job 2 has been echoing in my mind: “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

It convicts me and it humbles me to accept God’s plans for my life regardless of how those plans play out before me.

I am praying for you–for all that you are praying for–and hope that while you are in this season you will see what God has for you in it!

xoxo

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Theresa July 30, 2011 - 7:09 pm

I hope you are feeling better and that you get some peace from the pain.

I linked to your post “Rachel meets Carissa” in my post today. Hope that’s ok.

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carissa July 30, 2011 - 7:20 pm

beautiful pictures paired with precious words. praying for strength to just envelop you. enjoy today. love ya!

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Dawn July 31, 2011 - 1:15 am

So lovely, Rachel.
You express your thoughts well…
Praying for your strength.

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Nessa July 31, 2011 - 3:39 am

lovely… this is so wonderful. “see the world with their eyes, the beauty and the joy”

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Kelley July 31, 2011 - 3:47 am

finally linked up to yesterday…always love your posts – each one {even in times of pain and soul searching and deep reflection} is so beautiful. Of course, i always love the incredible pictures of your kids, but that one you took in the hospital gown…oh friend…how i can relate! 😉 God took me off my feet for some “forced” resting {in Him} last year with a broken ankle and a blood clot (while pregnant). I know how hard it is. how unnatural it is. Praying for you. For relief and healing, but also for rest {in Him} and peace. my book recommendation is Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot. There’s an excerpt from it on one of my posts (from that season in my life). http://kelleyskidsetc.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-portion-and-my-cup.html The post is monstrously long, so skip down half way and you’ll see the excerpt if you’re interested. Hang in there, my friend, and keep finding that joy everyday. With love and prayers ~ Kelley

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Lynn July 31, 2011 - 5:47 am

Know that I’m still here praying hard that you’ll feel better soon!!!!!!!!!
Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Prayer Bears
My email address

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Krista August 1, 2011 - 5:43 pm

Praying for the Lord to remove your pain…keep up the determination Rachel!

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