“Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.” –Deuteronomy 33:12
The heat is intolerable. Her face is flushed. Her little cheeks look like lollipops, white with red centers. The little stick supporting that lollipop is nearly collapsing from over use.
Layer after layer has been peeled away.
That baby girl is a cancer survivor. Our baby girl. Strong willed, yet needing strength. She never had the physical strength most kids had. Chemotherapy contributed to that. Her ankles weak, she tripped often.
The sun’s rays blare down. Unbearable, visible heat rises from the pavement. Heat derives from all directions. Perspiration makes her golden locks curl tighter. Sweet baby. Exhausted. A shadow overtakes that baby girl. She is shaded. She looks heavenward. She is relieved. Her father is there. He has come to save her. Without hesitation, she reaches her little arms up high.
Her father loves her enormously, and he’ll gladly take on her extra weight so she can rest. Without hesitation, he grabs her under the arms lifting her high up over his head, trying to keep from knocking off his ball cap, and sets her right between his shoulders. He carries her.
Baby girl rests secure in her father’s strength. A new countenance emerges. Life is viewed from a much different perspective. A better perspective. An amazing view. She is high and lifted up.
Needing strength, baby girl’s father carried her until she grew too big to carry. Year after year. We are the beloved of the LORD, and we can rest between His shoulders. Are you hurting? Does life feel intolerable in this moment? Your Father is there.
There is nothing too big He cannot carry.
Peel away those layers of resistance, and let Him know a rest is needed.
Invite Him to come and see the pain–
The One who longs for your company
The One who yearns to walk life’s journey with you
Without hesitation, reach arms high. Let Him rescue. He promises to carry you. Without hesitation, He’ll set you right between His shoulders. Our Father is big and strong. You are secure. You are shielded.
You are the one He loves.
An amazing ride awaits you with an amazing view. Rest high and lifted up.
Barbie says
This is so beautiful. Thank you!
Shelli Littleton says
Thank you, Barbie.
Jas says
Lovely post thank you for sharing x
Shelli Littleton says
You are so welcome, Jas. Thank you.
Nancy Cobb says
Oh, Shelli, I fought tears through your whole article. “Baby girl” right there is so touching. You have a GREAT FUTURE ahead of you in writing. You touch the heart so beautifully. That’s what it’s all about. You need a weekly story in a magazine. Charisma would be nice! Keep on writing, my friend. I am so very proud of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And so is God.
Hugs!
Shelli Littleton says
Nancy, thank you so much! You have blessed my heart so much. Much love to you, dear friend!
Rosie says
Thanks so much, Shelli. Such a beautiful thing you wrote!
Nothing is too big for Him. He carries everything! And He cares for everyone!
Thanks for reminding me!
Be blessed,
Rosie
Shelli Littleton says
Absolutely, Rosie! Thank you for your sweet comment.
Susan says
He carries me higher than I could ever manage on my own! Thank you for such a beautiful reminder that He longs to love me. Have a blessed day <3
Shelli Littleton says
Yes, Susan … He always exceeds our expectations! Thank you!
Tara Davidson says
Such a wonderfully encouraging story! I loved the description of peeling away the layers of resistance. It can be so easy to let pride keep us from reaching up to our Father to let Him carry us. But what an amazing experience of freedom when we do! Thank you so much for sharing!
Shelli Littleton says
Yes, Yes! Your sweet words made the hair stand up on my arms! Thank you, Tara!
Lucrecia says
Beautifully written Shelli! Love that we never grow too big for our Heavenly Father to carry us! I needed these words this morning…casting my burdens and concerns before Him! Love you sweet friend!
Shelli Littleton says
Thank you, Lucrecia! I love you, too. Without a doubt, He is carrying you.
Marty says
I was drawn to this story…I had a cancer baby, too.
I love the insight of your post…of God carrying us between His shoulders, like we used to carry our little ones. My kids are all too big to carry now, but oh how I love that memory.
I will never forget how God carried us thru our difficult times…and how He carries us, even now, every single day.
Thank you for sharing this today. 🙂
Shelli Littleton says
You are so welcome, Marty. I think all of us with sick children have a special link to each other. Thank you for letting me hear from you. Blessed by you …
Frances Egan says
Shelli we all need this reminder and are thankful that you are so gifted with being to share with all of us.
Shelli Littleton says
Frances! Thank you for commenting! I love you, sweet friend!
Joy Elam says
Hey, Shelli. I loved it!! You’re precious!! Joy
Shelli Littleton says
Thank you, Joy! Love you, friend.
Christine says
Such a beautiful testimony and a blessed truth. Thank you!
Shelli Littleton says
Thank you for reading and commenting, Christine!
Nancy Cobb says
Shelli, I wrote a comment, but now it’s gone. Let me know if you didn’t get it, ok? I’ll rewrite it. I clicked submit, so do I do something else to send it? Love you, Nancy
Shelli Littleton says
Nancy! I received your comment. It’s up at the top … three comments down! You are so precious! Much love to you!
Angie says
I could use these words today. I feel like Im struggling with depression or something like I need God to refill me and I don’t know how to make Him do it. You’re writing helped me remember he is here, alive, cuz its hard to pay attention to him at times and I used to be so good at it. 🙂 maybe that’s the good girl syndrom, not sure but I am a needy girl I know that. thanks for the words. God bless – looking forward to what He wants to do in me
Shelli Littleton says
Thank you for commenting, Angie. Remember He is there. I know He has great plans for you!
Trudy Den Hoed says
Thanks so much for this beautiful picture of a Father’s love, Shelli. I needed this reminder today.
I’m so sorry your little girl has cancer. Praying that Jesus will carry you all.
Shelli Littleton says
Thank you, Trudy. That baby girl is 13 years old now! She is doing wonderful. Minus one kidney … but doing wonderful! We can always use your prayers for her continued health. Blessed by you …
Janice Young says
So very proud of my precious daughter & her beautifully written articles! And that sweet survivor is now helping her mom by illustrating in certain projects! God is so good…all the time! Mom
Shelli Littleton says
Thank you, Mom! I love you! Thanks for being one of my greatest supporters!
Janice Young says
Also proud of that super, great Dad! Mom
Shelli Littleton says
Thanks, Mom!
mikki says
so beautiful …we are so lived.
mikki says
I meant we are so loved…
Shelli Littleton says
I knew what you meant, Mikki! Thank you so much!
Elizabeth says
Thank you. I needed to hear this today.
Shelli Littleton says
Thank you, Elizabeth! I always need this reminder!
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser says
Lovely. Simply lovely.
There are days when the pain of my illness becomes more than I feel I can bear, and I long for the chance to rest in God’s arms.
But He braces me, and reminds me that, in the words of Robert Frost:
I have promises to keep,
and miles to go before I sleep.
And I know that He’ll walk every mile with me, and when I finally fall, He’ll be there to pick me up, and take me home.
Shelli Littleton says
You know I got the biggest smile on my face when I saw your name, Andrew! I can’t believe you took the time to come over and read this. Thank you, my friend! I am thankful you have miles to go before you sleep!! You are a great encourager.
Sherry says
That was very encouraging and so true!
Shelli Littleton says
Thank you, Sherry. Thank you for taking the time to comment, too.
Sabra Penley says
Our perfect Father…what amazing love! Thanks, Shelli!
Shelli Littleton says
Absolutely, Sabra!
Shawn says
Shelli, beautiful. God has blessed you with the gift if encouragement. What a beautiful and much needed visual. Thank you.
Shelli Littleton says
Thank you, Shawn. I cherish that comment.
Shelly says
Shelli,
So beautiful! I love that analogy of being ‘high and lifted up’ and resting on the shoulders of our Heavenly Farher who loves us. I’ll never sing the words of that song without thinking of your words. (And how crazy is it that I was JUST thinking about you this afternoon?)
Have a beautiful evening, friend! xo,
Shelly
Shelli Littleton says
Shelly, thank you for coming over here! I love that song, too … and writing this article has made me think about it more and more. How precious that you were thinking of me! You are on my heart so often, as well. You have been a blessing and an encourager continually for me. xo
Jan Morton says
Shelli – you’re a gifted writer and I’m so thankful to read this beautiful word picture tonight. I love your book too. I’m proud of your writing ministry and commitment to lift Jesus higher. You are a blessing. Thank you for this. God bless you…
Jan
Shelli Littleton says
Sweet Jan … thank you! You are a blessing, as well, to so many. Much love to you …
B says
I enjoyed all the walking trails…nice work! from dc
Shelli Littleton says
Ha! You are the best dad ever! You saved that baby on many occasions! I love you!
Melanie says
I am going through many trials, at home and in my new job. Life is tough for my Aspergers son and me. Some days I feel alone and ready to give up! Thank you for this beautiful reminder of God’s constant presence in our lives…His desire to lift us higher. Looking to Him for an amazing ride. Thank you, Shelli!
Shelli Littleton says
Melanie, thank you. I just said a prayer for you. Take that ride, Melanie!
Beth WIlliams says
Melanie,
Prayers for healing for your son and for peace for you both at work and home!
Blessings 🙂
Carol Welch says
Oh, Shelli, what a blessing you are to so many! All are so blessed to see how God is using your writing to share your witness. I am enjoying keeping up with you and yours through your mom at school. May God continue to bless you as you share His wisdom with others.
Shelli Littleton says
Thank you, Ms. Welch! That means so much. You were a wonderful teacher to me. It means so much that you took time to stop by here and comment. Much love to you …
Rebecca Unrau says
Shelli, It is wonderful to have known you so long ago, but to know that you are still putting your hope in God. Because your roots go down deep in God, you are a splash of love, kindness, and faith to those you meet. Thanks for allowing God to be your strength, and for leaning on Him in such a way that others can follow. Your friend…
Shelli Littleton says
Becky … I am who I am today so much due to you … God placed you in my life in a critical time … witnessing the wife and mother you were … You and Anne showed me exactly the kind of wife and mother I wanted to be. I’ll be forever grateful to you. Thank you and I love you.
Phyllis says
I am so lucky to be able to call you my sister. You are a wonderful writer, wife, and mom.
Shelli Littleton says
Thank you, Phyllis! Thank you for reading this and commenting … that means so much. I love you, sister! And did you see that B commented? Ha! That really surprised me!!
Debi Schuhow says
Beautifully written, and what a wonderful picture of how Our Father carries us.
Shelli Littleton says
Thank you, Debi … all glory to God.
Karin says
Shelli – this is just beautiful, beautiful! I am so happy to see you here. Blessings to you and your family. Keep writing, my new friend.
Shelli Littleton says
Karin, thank you so much for stopping by! You have blessed my day! Much love …
Michelle Pohl says
Oh, my friend! This is beautiful. I can visibly see the story take place…
Shelli Littleton says
Michelle, thank you! What a sweet friend you are!
Chris Fomby says
Good article sis, love you, love the girls, we miss y’all, Nathan misses y’all very much
Shelli Littleton says
Thank you, Chris! Made me smile to see you come over here to see the article! Love you so much.
Rebecca says
Beautiful imagery in your words – you can hear how heart felt the lesson is for you that you are passing along. Bless you, mama!
Shelli Littleton says
Rebecca … you brought tears to me. Thank you, sweet girl!
Beth WIlliams says
Shelli,
You are a truly gifted writer and author. God has blessed you immensely. Loved the post and especially the analogy of the Father picking up the child and letting them rest High and lifted up,
This reminded me of a song by Selah “You Raise Me Up”:
When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.
There is no life – no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.
Blessings 🙂
Shelli Littleton says
“I am strong when I am on your shoulders” … oh yes! I love that song … always have … I never noticed the shoulders part. How beautiful! I’ll never forget the day that Scripture stood out to me … and thinking … what would it be like to rest between His shoulders? And then seeing Brian picking up the girls … watching them rest. The one always needed the rest a little more. I love you, Beth!
Janice Young says
Wow, Sha! What beautiful friends u have!! So proud of you & happy for the way God is using your articles to bless and encourage! Praying as He continues to work in your sweet life! “Your Momma of All”
Shelli Littleton says
Thank you, Momma of all!