The Faces of Fire

Some through the water, some through the flood
Some through the fire, but all through the blood
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song
In the night season, and all the day long
(chorus of "God Leads His Dear Children Along")
 Passing through a few "fires" this past week....
 ...still feeling the heat of it.
 My husband brought me home from a week of caring for my mother and father
who are experiencing a fire of their own.
I will rest me for a few days as my siblings continue to provide the support and care
to see these dear people through a major life transition.
Last night, my husband and I sat around a friendly outdoor fire.
These are just a few pictures of its many faces. 
They reminded me that the "fires" that come to test and purify our faith
have many faces, too.  Seldom friendly.
This particular one is full of sorrow and great pain
for our family.  
 ***
 As I sat at a safe distance, warmed by the "friendly fire",
I thought of these words:
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:  "Fear not for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the riveres, they shall not overwhelm you;
When you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.  
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
Isaiah 43:1-4

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14 comments:

  1. Praying for you all Rebecca.

    Glad you can take time to recharge, and your parents are blessed that they have you and your siblings willing and able to help.

    And isn't it wonderful to sit by a fire, I always find the flames hypnotizing.

    Blessings to you and yours,

    Bean

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    1. Yes, it IS wonderful to sit by the fire. It was very therapeutic last night.

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  2. Thinking of you; sending you and your parents extra hugs right now.
    Love you, Rebecca.
    Jackie

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  3. I came to read blogs this morning because my own personal fire last night made me want to just quit...yours is the first for me to read. I was crying out, "Lord what if I can't do this?" I will shut down my computer...I heard his voice through your post. Thank you so much. I am praying for you as you go through the fire...Praise God that when they went through the fire they didn't even smell like smoke.
    Thanks!

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    1. It's easy to say our verses and voice our confidence when things are going well. It's a WHOLE 'nother thing when we're in the "fire", isn't it?!?

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  5. I am praying for you and your family, Rebecca. Please be comforted by the love we out here in blog land are feeling for you.
    My first commented jumped off the page before I could finish!
    Love,
    Sandy

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    1. Thanks, Sandy. I AM comforted and amazed by the outpouring of encouragement and prayers.

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  6. Not an easy time for you and your family....so many of us can relate to what you are going through and I know that prayer brings one through it and nothing else except the love and support of family and friends. A warm glowing fire is a great way to relax emotional and reflect on what is happening. Thinking of you each day. Dee

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  7. It was interesting that the one fire picture had a very visible cross in it--at least it appeared so to me! Blessings, Rebecca.

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    1. Thanks for sending me back to look. I definitely see one in the last picture......

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  8. Love your scripture verses and the hymn. They give comfort through times of trial and fire. Thankfully you have help and support in helping your parents through this time of transition. May God strengthen you for the days ahead and give you rest.

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  9. The many faces of fire - um, I'm letting that one simmer in my soul. It preaches a message all its own. Praying for you this morning as you live in the fire, sister.

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Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)