In deference to the "it's hard to write" excuse, I'm recycling a comment I used at today's Steve laube Agency blog, The Book That Changed My Life, penned by the inimitable Bob Hostetler.
"I wonder if any of you have had this experience, that something you read fundamentally changed you, and you didn’t realize the change until years later, looking back?
"A long time ago I read Richard Collier’s book on the Battle of Britain, and in it was a description of how badly the Luftwaffe’s Stuka squadrons were mauled by the British in the summer skies of 1940.
"Their commander, Wolfram von Richthofen (cousin to the Red Baron of WW1) displayed typical Prussian warmth and compassion, and put up a sign in his headquarters:
"“The last man will go again.”
"When I read it, I probably thought, “Well, HUH!” and moved on. But I realize now that it became the harsh lodestone to my heart, and formed the basis of the faith that today keeps me going through experiences I would not have wanted to imagine.
"When the tears are wrung out, you’re overwhelmed by a gutting fear, and the only prayer you have left is a sob, you’ve still got to cowboy up and face the dawn."
Thanks to Carol Ashby, Blessed Are The Pure Of Heart is back on Kindle, and will be available in paperback soon.
Friends are everything. I couldn't have done it.
Marley, the canine waif from Afghanistan, whom WE helped save, has a Facebook page! Please drop by to see how happy he is today.
Below are my recent releases on Kindle -please excuse their presence in the body of the blog. I haven't the energy to get them up as 'buttons' in the sidebar. You can click on the covers to go to the Amazon links.
A life of grit and determination is also a life of love and warmth when it turns and faces itself in some strange way. What am I saying? You couldn't be where you are now without being determined to live each moment and defy the odds that say it is an impossibility, you've also seen into your soul and brought to life its inner goodness and beauty. You have lived as a blessing and encouragement to your online community. I, like others, am grateful for this and for you. We all have our stuff that's hard and need the encouraging.
ReplyDeleteLove the quote. Thanks for sharing it. The Lord be with you.
My dear Norma...thank you so much for these lovely, encouraging, affirming and uplifting words...I am truly, truly grateful.
DeleteI second Norma! You've made a difference in my life, and I am praying/believing my prayers will make a difference in yours and Barbara's.
ReplyDeleteJane, please rest assured...your prayers make a huge difference to us. We're so grateful! And you remain in ours.
DeleteMost people don't have the tenacity of persevering spirit that you have, Andrew. But this quote truly does challenge us to never give up and keep trying again and again.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you continue to suffer so much. But I'm grateful that it means you are still with us! Praying for you, my friend!
Beth, thank you so much...and yes, we do sometimes need that challenge, not to stop.
DeleteThank you so much for the prayers!
Courage doesn't mean not being afraid. It means doing the right thing in spite of your fears. You're one of the most courageous people I've ever heard of.
ReplyDeleteJan, I'm so honoured. Thank you for this.
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