“Don’t panic, I’m in the emergency room – I hurt my back and neck…”
… The text message read, from my Navy daughter in San Diego, CA on December 10, 2011. I live in Florida. A whole country apart.
Moms, can you imagine the images that bounced through my mind at the time?
I could see her paralyzed from the neck down, strapped to a back board, never to move again. Which, now that I think about it, was silly since she just sent me a text? :-/
As it happened, I was talking with a dear friend, Deb, after our women’s ministry breakfast. I had my phone set on silent but I felt this urgency to check it. The text had just come in a couple of minutes prior.
Deb looked at me; I think she could see the “panic” on my face. I showed her the text message and as we sat there she took both of my hands into hers and began to pray. I was also able to share this with my other friends at the event that morning.
And my friends came alongside me in support and in prayer.
Oh and how Gods perfect timing so amazes me. At a time I needed my friends, godly women, I was right smack dab in the middle of them. When my daughter needed comfort and healing the beautiful voices of my girlfriends were lifting me and my child up before the throne of God.
Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians we are going to have trouble, times of tears and fears and heartache, “hard times”.
But isn’t wonderful that we have a loving God, who WANTS to be there for us, to give us comfort and to hold us.
I love the way He will bring just the right person to my side at just the right time I need her the most.
How she is able to love on me, comfort me with words and prayers and hugs and time, because she has been there.
And then after He brings me through those times of hardship, heartache and pain, He promises to bring me alongside someone else in pain and heartache.
Someone for me to love on as He loves me.
Someone who needs comfort with words and prayers and hugs and time, because I have been where she is now.
What ever you are going through today…
My prayer for you is that you have a godly girlfriend. If not seek her out, you need her and she needs YOU!
If you need prayer today, comment here and I and others will pray for you.
“…We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.”
My daughters’ injury turned out to be a severe muscle spasm in her neck. Possibly from just over doing it or tension, she is a very active child and works out vigorously, she also has a very stressful job. Praising God!!!
Caryn Poling – a disposable woman
Anita says
I know God knows my heart. I’ve been really discouraged about some things. I do have godly girlfriends but lately it seems that their encouragement and support aren’t what I really wanna hear. It’s more like a “I’ve already heard that” or “I’m tired of hearing the same thing”. I know they mean well and I know it’s the enemy trying to pull me down but it doesn’t help. Does that make sense?
Caryn Poling says
Hi Anita, that makes total sense, and you recognize the enemy, he will always try to pull you down, he after all the father of lies. I know so many times I get tired of hearing the same thing.
I pray God brings the right person to come alongside, to pray with you and to love on you. Listen to what He is telling in your heart.
You are Loved.
Caryn
Anita says
Personal prayer request. Feeling very discouraged about some things. I do have godly girlfriends but I feel as if I hear the same stuff over and over again. Or at least that’s what it seems like. I know they mean well but I also know its the enemy trying to drag me down.
Ann says
My “hard times” is a long struggle with infertility. Praying boldly for twins and boldly asking that my friends pray for the same thing. Hard to have faith and hope but God loves me and my future is in his hands. Will you join me as I pray for faith, hope and the miracle of twins?
Caryn Poling says
Dear Ann, I am praying for you and yes God loves you so much. His will be done.
Faith, Hope, and Love to you.
Caryn
Charina says
Financial hard times…..this is what we are going through right now… I know God knows and I know that He will see us through as he always does.
Please do lift me, us in your prayers. Pray for strength, for guidance for us to get through this. I could really use some extra prayers cause I felt like I fail 🙁
Thank you.
Caryn Poling says
Charina, oh how I know financial hard times, anymore it’s hard to not find someone in this, and it does feel like failure. But if God brought you to this He will bring you through it, I believe that fully. He will provide! Remember…(6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 … Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7 NIV)
Praying for you darling. You are not a failure.
Caryn
Mandy says
I could use prayers for good, godly friends. The women I am closest to live far away, and the ones near me who I am close-ish with, well I just don’t feel entirely “safe” or understood with them. I know discouragement is not from God, but I struggle with it, and I long for a godly, nourishing community here.
Caryn Poling says
Mandy, just over 2 years ago I joined a church that God lead me to , than joined a women’s Bible study. Do you know that was one of the hardest things for me to do. Walking into that room the first time was so hard because I tend to be very shy. I have been totally embraced by the women in that group and since than I have made friends like I have never had in my life. Sometimes we need to make that first step.
Listen to where God is leading you and I will be praying for you. Seek them out.
I never knew how much I truly needed my friends and how much they need me!
Bless you girl.
Caryn
Beth says
Caryn, your message really hit home as I too have a son serving in the Navy and can relate to how difficult it must have been to get that text and not be able to be by your daughter’s side. I still struggle with worrying about him all the time, but what has helped tremendously is turning to my friends (primarily from my small group) and asking them to pray for him. When my worry feels like its beginning to consume to me, the verse from Matthew 11:28 brings me peace, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Prayers lifted for your daughter and all those that serve our country.
Caryn Poling says
Beth, thank you for your comments and your prayers. Difficult yes, but it would be so much more difficult if God and my friends were not in my corner. Prayers also lifted for you and your son.
Caryn
Christy says
I’m a ministers wife in a rural church. I work with godly women but much younger than me. I minister to godly women much older than me. I just want a girlfriend who wants to be friends with me for me. Someone to initiate some care for my heart. There are plenty of wonderful people in my life – if I initiate. I know they are there IF I call on them. and I have. Sometimes I just need to know someone cares to know me (and that someone be someone other than my mama)
Caryn Poling says
Christy, I am praying for you. We all need to be ministered to at times as much as we need to minister.
God bless you.
Caryn
Jules says
Sometimes, when you are down, and get encouraged you come up thinking you are stronger, only to get slammed down harder.. Will the same friend come back and help lift you up, maybe.. but I feel bad calling my friend, every other day and I’m on a rollar coater one day up two days down… I need to stay up at least for a little while… I need to encourage myself and get stronger… I believe in GOD too… and for some reason… He happens to think I can handle all this… But really I do want you all to pray for me or help me pray through all this… I’m sure there is a lesson to be learned, and I’m sure I will be able to help someone… but I got to get this lesson learned now…. I’m ready to surrender… Thanks.
Beth Williams says
Jules,
Praying for stamina to stay upbeat through all your trials.
What realy helps me sometimes is writing a Thankful journal. Just listing some of the things you’re thankful for..nice weather, home, Jesus, Holy Spirit–you get the idea. Once your thoughts are on this and you see just how much you have to be thankful for..then the “blues, discouragement” may go away!
Caryn Poling says
Hey Jules, boy do I know that roller coaster, I was there not all that long ago. But you know, just press in to Jesus and let Him handle all you are going through. And as far as your friends? If God has brought that person into your life than it is to minister to you, to help you. Let them do it!! 🙂
I love Beth’s thought of a journal, I look back at mine now and cannot believe how far God has brought me.
I am praying for you, in time I do believe you swill start seeing more ups and less downs.
You are loved darlin!!
Caryn
Beth Williams says
Prayers for 1) hubby’s ex-father-in-law who has pancreatitis and on a liquid diet-hard
for him as he loves meat & potatoes
2) Sweet church friend who just lost her hubby of 36 years, add to that
her mother-in-law is in a nursing home due to dementia & health issues,
and (yes it gets better and better). She fell just days after the funeral and
fractured her shoulder down to elbow–just had surgery and now 8 weeks
recovery!
Prayers for me to have a better attitude at work and know that I’m blessed to have this job–want different job (in medical coding).
Thank you all for your wonderful prayer support!
Caryn Poling says
I am praying Beth.
You are blessed
Caryn
Kaitlin @ Perceptions & Passions says
One of the things I struggle most with as a Christian is thanking God for the hardtimes.
Not just enduring them, but THANKING Him for them.
Whew.
But, it is so true, there ARE so many,many blessings tucked into those tears and moments (years) of trials and tribulations.
He is ALWAYS good.
Caryn Poling says
Kaitlin, you spoke my heart. I am very good at “why me?” when I should be saying “Thank You!” and yes so many blessings.
God bless you.
Caryn
Cellina says
So many needs so little time. I need wisdom to know what is for me to do and what is not. In the midst of it all, I want to Be Still and Know that He is God. I would like a friend to come alongside me. Ironically, people around me seem to have greater needs. My husband is so busy with work, I feel the need for someone to talk to about family, to support at home orjust to listen and encourage me along. It gets pretty lonely.
Caryn Poling says
Cellina, I found most of my friends by getting involved with my churches women’s ministry. I know time is an issue for everyone, I am a full-time student and I work. But just something simple, helping out with a function will bring you in contact with other women. I myself have always been a bit of a loner, so stepping out is very hard but well worth it. Praying for you.
Caryn
Cate says
Caryn, thanks for your message. I need prayer for myself (and of course I feel guilty asking for it). My body is falling apart from stress and busyness. I’d like to slow down and unwind in healthy ways – often. Encouragement and understanding from friends and family would be awesome. Thank you for praying for me.
Caryn Poling says
Cate, I am praying for healing and strength, for God to bring some peace to you. And please never feel guilty asking for prayer, it is a joy to pray for a sister in Christ.
Peace and Joy
Caryn
Jen says
Cate,
I will pray for you. I posted something below and can relate to what stress can do to us physically. I pray, that you will be able to live in peace, as your Real-Self, not Super-Self. Our Super-Self can get in the way of God. I’ve learned to accept more realistic expectations, after facing stress related illness two years, ago. God fills in the gaps, when we can’t cover all the bases. When we live otherwise, there is no room for Him… I prayer for your peace. I understand just how you feel. More importantly He loves you, right where you are.
Jen
Betsy says
Thanks Caryn. Just what I needed to hear today. My husband passed away after a short illness just 6 months ago this week, at only 53. I miss him every day and think about the time when we will be together in Heaven, praising God together. I have wonderful caring friends who’ve held me up in prayer over and over and over again, and am so thankful for them all. Each day gets better, but each day is still really hard.
Caryn Poling says
Betsy, I am truly blessed that you shared this with me. Thank you. Your attitude is so amazing, you have touched my heart.
I will be praying for you.
Caryn
susan says
Sisters, My friend from Australia reached out to me today. she needs our prayers for serenity in her life. She is stressed out with family and her living circumstances. She needs a place of her own and not to be used by family members. Also her internet connection can be poor at times. Her connection to the outside world. Thanks for your prayers on her behalf! Love you all, Susan
Caryn Poling says
Susan, thank you for sharing this.
I am praying
Caryn
michelle says
Oh how I needed to hear this today. I am about to enter what will be a bitter divorce. I’m doing all I can do to hold it together. I am trusting God that He will protect me and my children through the next several months and relying heavily on his strength. My husband is trying hard to sabatoge me, ruin reputations and just “beat me to the ground”. It’s really hard to see God, but I’m trying…I’m trying.
Caryn says
Michelle, I am so sorry for the pain you are going through. Keep trusting He will hold you together and I will be praying.
Caryn
Caryn Poling says
Michelle, I am so sorry for the pain you are going through. Keep trusting He will hold you together, keep looking for Him, He is ther and I will be praying.
Caryn
Jen says
Please pray, that in the second half of this year God will provide me with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual strength to prepare my body for pregnancy. I have two beautiful children and miscarried two years ago…our third. I faced debilitating anxiety afterward. I was exhausted and deficient…worn down to nothing. I don’t think my body could handle the pregnancy. I had been living on my own strength in early motherhood. I was living as Super-Self and not Real-Self. It’s taken me two years to learn to trust God and maybe start trying to get pregnant this year sometime. I had been too afraid of miscarrying or experiencing tremendous episodes of anxiety and fear, while pregnant. Too, hard with two little ones depending on me. I have grown, so much, especially this past year. Please pray that my body be healed, so it can handle what it is made for.
Jen
Cate says
Jen,
Thanks so much for your prayers and your post. I will be praying for you!
C.
Caryn Poling says
Oh Jen, how that super-self is just so exhausting. I am blessed that you shared this here and bless you. I am praying for you.
Caryn
Cellina says
Just prayed for you Jen. prayed that God will speak peace into your heart, for healing emotionally and physically. For strength for the day and understanding from family.
Kathy says
I’m requesting a personal prayer if someone would be so kind. I feel very discouraged and alone in this world. I know the Lord is with me; however, my friends and family do not understand the depth of my anguish. Please pray for me as I go through this valley in my life. God Bless!
kathy
Kristine says
While reading this, I feel like I was reading exactly what I would write for myself. Im praying for you, Kathy and know that loneliness is such a missunderstood and difficult feeling to have. You are not alone, though. In those unbearable moments turn to the Lord…he will comfort you. And definitely pray for godly girlfriends. I cant believe how God has worked in unbelievable ways to orchestrate frienships for me in the last year (if you put yourself out there, as hard as it may be). He is good and loves you very much. Trust him to fill the void in your life…Im trying to do the same.
Kathy says
Thank you Kristine for praying for me in my time of discouragement; you are exactly right–I need Godly friends. The hard part is that people that I have thought were Godly have turned out not to be through their rasict beliefs and selfishness. Thanks so much for your kind words and I will pray for you as well.
Caryn Poling says
Kathy, I will be praying. I know Jesus is with you now and always. He will carry through this valley is need be. You are loved darlin.
Caryn
Colleen says
Please, I could use prayers for patience and understanding , and for peace at home. Rough patch with husband!
Caryn Poling says
Yes Colleen, I will be praying.
Caryn
Kathy says
Caryn,
Thank you Caryn for prayers. They are greatly appreciated and I have thanked God for such the kind, godly woman that you are. God Bless!
Kathy
muchalone says
Wow! How wonderful to have such friends who will take time for you…to pray and to minister…a true miracle that God has brought them into your life!
I don’t have friends…I have many associates, but all SO busy with ‘really important things and people’…and I’m not included in the ranks fo the ‘really important’…
I don’t really have a desire to be seen as ‘really important’ just to be cared for as a sister in Christ…
If you have a friend who will come alongside and hear your heart, you are TRULY blessed with a priceless gift!
Caryn Poling says
You Are Loved.
Caryn
Thrifty T's Treasures » Friday’s Fabulous Finds says
[…] shares 8 ways to save on medical necessitiesAndrea how to clean and sanitize your spongesTo Come Alongside by Caryn Poling Fabulous RecipesLow Sugar Strawberry Freezer JamSpaghetti Squash Bowls with […]