Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Three Word Wednesday: Community Heals Us



Last Wednesday I wrote Something Will Break and promised you a Part 2 to the story. If you missed last week's post you may want to read first. Otherwise...

My son dropped me off at the emergency room ("ER") on his way to work the morning after my clumsy fall. He had to be at work way too early so the ER had little activity when I arrived. My son takes good care of me so as he dropped me off he asked, "How are you getting home. Mom." Oh I felt rather certain someone would come get me. My father is an early riser and I live right down the street from him.

It didn't take the ER long to whisk me through X-ray and determine I had a small break on the top of my foot. They gave me an ugly black boot and sent me on my way.

{Enter the feeling stranded portion of my story.}

My dad did not respond to my text message asking for a ride as I had hoped. (He has been dealing with a bad hip and slept in that morning later than his norm.) As I sat in the waiting room trying to figure out how I'd get home I began to get a little antsy for a cup of coffee.

{Enter the part of my story where I probably shouldn't have done what I did but I now laugh about it.}

You understand the drastic measures we will go to for a cup of coffee don't you? Sure, I probably could have found one at the hospital but YUK! There's a Starbucks right down the street!! Yes, I walked to the Starbucks with that ugly black boot on my left foot and my gym shoe in hand. It's winter here in Chicago so I bundled up as much as I could. Thankfully, Starbucks opens at an early hour; I arrived there about 6:15 am.

{Back to the feeling stranded part of the story.}

Still no response from my dad.

As I sat there in the corner of Starbucks with my cup of coffee and bagel I moved on to feeling sorry for myself. If my husband was home none of this would be happening. How will I survive these next ten months?

{Enter emotional breakdown.}

Oh did I cry. The tears would not stop. Please God, bring him back home NOW!

Between the tears I began reaching out to neighbors. No response. Agh! More tears. Finally, I heard from one but she happened to be out of town. She said she would send her husband right over. No, I quickly declared, I'm an emotional wreck. I do not need a man right now. Good thing that friend did not listen to me and sent him anyways! :)

I returned home and my phone began buzzing. My dad called! Those fabulous neighbors also began responding too.

{Here's the important part of the story.}

Community heal us! Community healed my weary heart that day. My neighbors, friends and family did not abandon me. They simply were not available at that wee hours of the morning. As I continue to find blessings in this deployment, God blesses me daily through community.

I read a post today that asked Who is your "Elizabeth"? God gave Mary the gift of Elizabeth. I am grateful for the many "Elizabeth's" He has placed in my life for this season.

He has given me you and oh how I love you! I believe He brought us to our church specifically for this season. I am grateful for my neighbors who are helping me survive the winter season. My driveway and sidewalks have been shoveled twice. I'm blessed by a high school friend who checks in with me every Monday. And there are the other military spouses who understand the ups and downs of a deployment more than anyone else can.

Don't you love how He gives us just what we need? So yes, Community does heal us. Thank you, God, for this special gift.

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” ~ Matthew 18:20

How has community healed you? Who is your "Elizabeth"?

42 comments :

  1. Beth - As soon as I read about the lengths you will go to for coffee, I was nodding my head. I would have been right there with you!!! As you already know, you are in my thoughts & prayers. It is amazing to me how our God goes to great lengths to build us a community. Greater lengths than we will go for coffee!!! I also continue to be amazed at how He uses the internet to cross distances & bring His people together. You are so right - Community Brings Healing. May you have a blessed Christmas! I am anticipating all that our God has for each of us in 2014! {{A hug for you!!!}}

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    1. I knew I wasn't the only one who would do just about anything for a cup of coffee! I too am continually amazed by how He uses the internet to bring us together. I'm so glad He does because it has been such a blessings. Love you. Wishing you a Merry, Merry Christmas, Joanne.
      Love you. {Hugs}

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  2. I couldn't help but laugh as I imagined you out in the cold with that boot trying to get to Starbucks. I'm not a coffee drinker but I do understand the need to get your caffeine fix. I love a cold coca-cola. God takes care of all things doesn't He. And knows who to put in our paths. Hope you enjoy a wonderful Christmas my friend.

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    1. I still laugh when I look back at the day. I was previously a cola drinker in the morning. Don't recall when I made the switch to coffee. One way or another I do need my caffine. Merry Christmas to you, Wanda.
      Love you. {Hugs}

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  3. Community does heal Beth. We all need somebody, the right people who God always blesses us with if we look carefully. I bless God for a happy ending, I love happy endings. Thanks for sharing, and have a super blessed Merry Christmas in advance.

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    1. Thank you, Ugochi! You have a blessed Christmas as well. Thanks for joining us here.

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  4. Coffee! yes anyone would understand that. I am glad there are others out there like me. I am so glad you have people you can rely on, God is good to us and He also provides the good friends.

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    1. I'm so glad God placed special people in all of our lives. He is SO good.
      Merry Christmas, Sandra.

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  5. I so would have hobbled my way to Starbucks too! the perfect place to wait. And then I would have cried too. :) so enjoyed your story and how you related it to community. I might have to link up after the holidays!

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    1. I do hope you return in the New Year to link up, Jenilee. We love when new people join us.
      Merry Christmas.

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  6. So thankful for your community, Beth! I would have cried in Starbucks too! Plus, I miss Chicago coffee shops... We love you so much and are thankful for how God provides:) My ladies Bible study last night took a moment to pray for you specifically, as well as all the families missing their military members this Christmas. You are a brave woman and I thank God for the people who are physically there to help. So much love and hugs!

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    1. I love you, Lauren. Thank you so much for your prayers and for the prayers from your Bible study group. You are so kind. I know all military families celebrating the holiday's without their loved one appreciate the prayers from others. Much love to you. {Hugs}

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  7. You're a brave, encouraging woman, Beth! So thankful to know you.

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    1. I'm so thankful to know you too!
      Merry Christmas!!
      Beth

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  8. Hi Beth! Sadly, I would have done the same thing. I love Starbucks...I wonder if it's the coffee or the ambiance, or how I feel being there? Oh well, it doesn't matter. I'd hobble over there too.

    Your blog community really loves you too! I see the thoughts of those who are commenting, and it's so great that The Lord has given you a cyber-community to support you in these difficult times.
    I pray you will heal soon, and experience the support of the many communities in your life.
    Ceil

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    1. I've smiled reading these comments knowing many would have ventured off to Starbucks too! Good question. I'm thinking the ambiance because quite honestly I like Dunkin Donuts or Caribou coffee better. :)

      I'm so grateful for this blog community. I'm thankful for you, Ceil!

      Merry Christmas,
      Beth

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  9. Oh goodness girl! Quite a story! Yes, we need others. We were never meant to be alone.

    Thanks for linking up with Woman to Woman's Word Filled Wednesday! God bless!

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    1. So true...we were never meant to do life alone. Merry Christmas, Jenifer.

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  10. (Gonna try this again - my earlier comment got eaten!)

    Beth, I have seen your lovely face on several Blog Hops, so I finally came over for a visit - I'm so glad I did! I enjoyed reading about "The Black Boot Incident" - I laughed, and cried, and rejoiced with you! Though my circumstances are different, I can understand that feeling of being stranded. Last year my husband and I moved to a small mountain town (after 29 years in the same home, same city). Being away from friends, family, and familiar places has been so difficult. The loneliness has been hard.

    But, we have found the most wonderful community of believers at our small church. They have been so supportive and encouraging. I love how God uses other people to send us a reminder of how much HE cares for us. We are never alone!

    I am pleased to join your community here, and am your newest follower.

    Merry Christmas, and GOD BLESS!

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    1. I'm so glad you have joined us, Sharon. I love when we add someone new to our TWW community. Happy to hear you have found a wonderful church in your new mountain town. God is SO good isn't He? Such true words..."We are never alone!"
      Merry Christmas to you. I look forward to seeing you here again in the New Year!

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  11. P.S. The Google Connect button isn't working right now - I'll keep trying. At any rate, I will be adding your site to my blog roll!

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  12. How long do you have to wear that black boot?

    I am so glad that your friends and family are loving on you.

    Yes, we are never alone. Sweet fellowship. What a gift!

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    1. Oh Lyli, I'm a very bad patient. The black boot didn't last long! LOL. My husband says I get no sympathy. :)
      Love you. Merry Christmas.

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  13. Your posts make me cry! I feel such sympathy for you. I'm so glad everyone responded and reached out to you. Did you think about calling a cab? ;-) I probably wouldn't have -- especially where I live here in the country.

    I pray your foot heals quickly and you can get rid of your new stylish boot.

    Many blessings!
    Beth

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    1. Actually, I did consider calling a cab. However, I wasn't that far from home so when that thought crossed my mind I almost walked home. I was also busy feeling sorry for myself. :)))
      Merry Christmas dear friend.

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  14. I'm glad you have help Beth. Get better soon :) Love reading your posts so much!!!!

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  15. Hi Beth,
    Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am truly thankful that God is surrounding you with His love. I will continue to pray. Thank you for all your kindness and encouragement.
    I hope you have a peace-filled, Christmas. (Hugs)

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    1. Love you, Anita. Thank you for the much needed virtual hug today.
      Merry Christmas.

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  16. Oh, Beth...What a story and how God was there all along. Our patience is lacking at times, isn't it? and the fears creep up? I am so grateful for all of those precious people in your life and especially right now. May He watch over you in these day and months. Know that I love you across this wide space called the internet. Caring through Christ, ~ linda

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    1. Me too, Linda. He has blessed me SO much. I love how He gives us just what we need. Thank you for all your love and prayers.
      Merry Christmas.

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  17. I'm thinking of so many similar moments when all seemed terrible. Then, later, sometimes even that same day as in your story, all of it comes together for good. Thanks for the sweet community you've built here. I look forward to returning in the new year. Blessings, Diane

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    1. Thank you, Diane. I look forward to returning in the new year too!
      Merry Christmas.

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  18. Ah, Beth...you DID give a beautiful Christmas story! People helping people is exactly what Jesus asks us to do. So, at Christmas, how wonderful it is to know the love of your community! I'm so glad you got home ok, were able to let your emotions out, got the medical help you needed, had your sidewalks shoveled and more! Oh, yes...and so thankful you got your Starbucks! lol I hope that this next week is a bit less eventful for you and you are able to truly enjoy the blessing of Christmas!

    In His grip, Joan

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    1. Oh I'm praying for a quiet few weeks! Thank you so much, Joan, for all your love and prayers. I'm so grateful we have connected in this blogging world.
      Merry Christmas.

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  19. So glad your people have surrounded you during this time! Great story, Beth! Merry Christmas.

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  20. I've been known to do all sorts of crazy for my coffee. Oh friend, community indeed heals us. So thankful for the IRL friends that are surrounded you in your husband's absence. Hugs!

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    1. And I hope to meet you IRL soon!!!
      Love you. Merry Christmas.

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  21. So happy to hear your have such wonderful friends and family! I was about ready to come get you halfway through that story!! LOL :) I was like, "Someone answer her texts!!" Glad to hear you got your coffee too :) Rest that foot! xo

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    1. You brough a BIG smile to my face, Jessica. Love you. I need to get over to your place and catch up. I'm sorry it has been so long. Sending hugs your way. Merry Christmas.

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  22. This is for you, Beth...

    Nichole Nordeman & Amy Grant, "I'm With You": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMm_koB_sCc

    Couldn't help but think of it as I read your post. Lovely song about the healing God gives us through community, specifically in the case of Ruth and Naomi. Interestingly enough, the video (produced for _The Story DVD_) incorporates footage used to narrate the account of Elizabeth and Mary. Perhaps unintentional, but the parallel is striking. I'd never really considered this before.

    Enjoy...

    Healing prayers,
    HBHW

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Much love to you.