tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post6368006084104859337..comments2024-03-28T20:57:55.651-07:00Comments on Blessed Are The Pure Of Heart: Your Dying Spouse 231 - Common Vulnerability {FMF}Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-11392101384864534312016-11-14T14:16:25.232-08:002016-11-14T14:16:25.232-08:00WOW! Andrew, to be there...all alone...with just ...WOW! Andrew, to be there...all alone...with just the dogs; or I should say :"dog" since Ladron was TRYING to get to Barb!! I cannot imagine just being there, alone, just waiting. Prayers and hugs and thoughts for both of you...BarbaraLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14800573662220355361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-54908991707965538492016-11-13T20:57:56.144-08:002016-11-13T20:57:56.144-08:00Oh, Sarah...I am so sorry. I can understand how al...Oh, Sarah...I am so sorry. I can understand how alone you must feel at times.<br /><br />Pain hurts, whatever its source, and its intensity can never be compared. Part of it is biology, but part is training - I've been very expensively taught ways to 'shut off' or at least push aside pain in the face of operational necessity. It follows on the axiom "no medicine in a gunfight"; until the shooting stops you can't attend to wounds. You have to be there, in the present, and keep working the situation. And that is, to a large degree, conditioning. The pain you feel may well exceed that which I feel; there's no way to compare. Never minimize your troubles based on comparison!<br /><br />I appreciate your prayers, and I will keep you in mine.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-41056882016845069882016-11-13T20:52:50.760-08:002016-11-13T20:52:50.760-08:00Shauna, thank you for this, and I love how you phr...Shauna, thank you for this, and I love how you phrased it - "It's a privilege to be asked for help from those we love." Perfect.<br /><br />Thank you so much for being here!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-73577491288131039022016-11-13T19:22:49.099-08:002016-11-13T19:22:49.099-08:00I stumbled upon your blog and it is deeply moving ...I stumbled upon your blog and it is deeply moving and inspirational. I am not in the kind of pain you are, not by a long shot. But I do have chronic, sometimes extreme pain. I don't know if it will ever completely subside, but if you can go on living, then maybe I can too. I just wish I had the support you had. <br /><br />My hubby is NOT a good caregiver. <br /><br />Typing that realization is hard, because I know it would make him extremely angry, if he saw it he would call me ungrateful and a liar. I try often to convince myself otherwise. That he takes great care of me. The reality is otherwise. I love him more than I can ever express, but I wish he didn't treat me like I was lying and/or he doesn't care. <br /><br />You are so blessed to have Barb. I guess that means you have a pure heart. ^.- Perhaps, I don't.<br /><br />Always praying for a miracle for you. -SarahSarah R Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04453620236739378692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-752515459241306812016-11-13T08:55:21.341-08:002016-11-13T08:55:21.341-08:00My friend, aversion to vulnerability is something ...My friend, aversion to vulnerability is something we ALL have in "common." You are normal. One doesn't have to be sick to avoid asking for help. Moms do it often. In fact, just yesterday I wrote about a dear friend of mine who FINALLY called me to ask for help. "The amazing thing about Holy Spirit is that He OFTEN whispers to us about people, exactly when THEY need it, not necessarily when it’s convenient for us." It's a privilege to be asked for help from those we love. <br /><br />Praying for you, my friend. Sterkte!<br />http://blaaklistwriters.com/use-your-lifeline-call-a-friend/Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15779023629515870278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-1515183624166219282016-11-12T20:38:03.245-08:002016-11-12T20:38:03.245-08:00Julie, it's such a hard road to walk. Only One...Julie, it's such a hard road to walk. Only One ever walked it perfectly.<br /><br />Thanks so much for the prayers - we all truly appreciate them.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-4435554450384645352016-11-12T20:36:39.836-08:002016-11-12T20:36:39.836-08:00Tara, thank you for that reference! I will definit...Tara, thank you for that reference! I will definitely have a listen. Thanks so much for being here!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-16987816914758908782016-11-12T20:35:52.303-08:002016-11-12T20:35:52.303-08:00Tondra, thank you so much. Truly.Tondra, thank you so much. Truly.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-28144666734476198872016-11-12T16:39:54.597-08:002016-11-12T16:39:54.597-08:00Hmmm, now I'm wanting to tie in how you can be...Hmmm, now I'm wanting to tie in how you can benefit from having a monitor lizard on the lookout for crocodiles!<br />Sorry for the confusion. Those of us whose babies were babies not long ago instantly wax toward monitor more as "hall monitor" or watchman usage of the word.Tammysincerityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16959015797818229243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-47324987564486891402016-11-12T15:02:08.608-08:002016-11-12T15:02:08.608-08:00Andrew, a number of years ago I made a change in m...Andrew, a number of years ago I made a change in my life... and began to be real, authentic, and vulnerable. It was so different from the way I had lived my life until then. But I find I still struggle with vulnerability often. Will I ever master it?? Probably not on this side of eternity. Thank you for your example above. I'll remember that in the days to come. Sorry you had a rough night. I continue to lift you in prayer to our Savior. Blessings to you, Barb, and your amazing dogs. Julie Lefeburehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02546028288472800652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-40805048636888019152016-11-12T12:37:34.864-08:002016-11-12T12:37:34.864-08:00Andrew, have you seen Brene Browns work on vulnera...Andrew, have you seen Brene Browns work on vulnerability? It's so so good! Check out some of her Ted talks. Love you brother! I'm in the 49 spot this week. Tara Ulrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02619365758739247929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-21582691752124732532016-11-12T10:25:22.866-08:002016-11-12T10:25:22.866-08:00Simply... "Beautiful".Simply... "Beautiful".Tondra Denisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-14804303075900648682016-11-11T21:58:48.536-08:002016-11-11T21:58:48.536-08:00E, nothing you say could EVER be trite!
Thank you...E, nothing you say could EVER be trite!<br /><br />Thank you so much for topping by. I am truly grateful.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-58590841798737174752016-11-11T21:36:37.936-08:002016-11-11T21:36:37.936-08:00Andrew, whatever I think of to say in response to ...Andrew, whatever I think of to say in response to your experiences seems trite but I appreciate the wisdom for living you continue to share in the midst of your excruciating journey.E Adams Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18307829553002404716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-42122677330090219222016-11-11T21:17:58.503-08:002016-11-11T21:17:58.503-08:00Mary, you're so right. Pride is our most commo...Mary, you're so right. Pride is our most common trait, and it's so easy to live in regret....or though our own pride cause another person to live in regret over the things he or she was unable to do for us.<br /><br />Thank you so much for your prayers. These have been kind of awful days, this week.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-60940778243233191582016-11-11T21:14:17.180-08:002016-11-11T21:14:17.180-08:00Kimberly, you're so right! Pride doth go befor...Kimberly, you're so right! Pride doth go before the fall, and Heelers...wow. We have three. All protective, and all are totally wired when awake. (Two are reds, one's a blue.)<br /><br />Interesting that you have an Akita; we mainly have Pits, but a husky mix turned up at the door today. If we can't find her owners she'll stay, of course...to make a duo with Denali The Happy Husky. They were already howling together this evening.<br /><br />Most of the dogs are 'mine'; Barb says I am a dog whisperer, and they see safety in me. I hope that's true.<br /><br />Thank you so much for being here today.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-42317954376565203512016-11-11T21:02:11.349-08:002016-11-11T21:02:11.349-08:00Lesley, absolutely right. It IS the stronger thing...Lesley, absolutely right. It IS the stronger thing to do, and being prideful can actually be the path of least resistance.<br /><br />So glad you are here!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-63879470077969005282016-11-11T21:01:00.033-08:002016-11-11T21:01:00.033-08:00martha, you're absolutely right. If I deny my ...martha, you're absolutely right. If I deny my wife the chance to give comfort, I can lock her into years of regret after I'm dead.<br /><br />Thank you so much for this wisdom and perspective. This makes a difference.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-6376232037384371592016-11-11T20:59:43.074-08:002016-11-11T20:59:43.074-08:00Norma, I love that story. I do the same thing in m...Norma, I love that story. I do the same thing in meditation for pain control - not focusing on an object but seeing the pain as waves on a pond, and gradually stilling them to a mirror-surface.<br /><br />I so appreciate your kind and thoughtful words, and I promise - I will call for help. Like you, I have never found asking for help easy, in any circumstance. But I see more and more clearly that it's a two-sided thing - that being able to give help is a blessing, one that I have withheld through pride.<br /><br />Thank you so much for being here, and for the prayers, my friend.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-52444803537034713052016-11-11T20:58:37.663-08:002016-11-11T20:58:37.663-08:00Pride is probably the most common trait of all of ...Pride is probably the most common trait of all of us, but the humility to see and admit it is an uncommon virtue! Thank God you recognize it and go on. The worst thing we can do is keep living in regret over it. I am working on that now. I wrote, and ended up writing late for last week's word. Very short, after starting and stopping about 3 times. Continuing in prayer for you.Mary Hoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17528465484642169618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-33834162141280106492016-11-11T20:42:24.677-08:002016-11-11T20:42:24.677-08:00Summer, thank you for sharing this. I can see how ...Summer, thank you for sharing this. I can see how that kind of vulnerability could lead to hurt, but I also see it as a rare kind of courage. You offer the gift of yourself...which is, really, what Jesus did and does.<br /><br />It's a lot easier for me to write about the vulnerabilities that I try to hide in person. I don't feel 'anonymous', but having the chance to compose and organize my thoughts makes it easier.<br /><br />Thanks so much for being here!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-38786548836870838352016-11-11T19:56:08.706-08:002016-11-11T19:56:08.706-08:00It is indeed, Paula. Perhaps that's why the Lo...It is indeed, Paula. Perhaps that's why the Lord requires it, as a refining process?<br /><br />Thank you for stopping by. I truly appreciate you.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-11416546961322362492016-11-11T19:54:00.689-08:002016-11-11T19:54:00.689-08:00Susan, I am working on the pride. No wonder it'...Susan, I am working on the pride. No wonder it's the worst of sins! So hard to cut away from the corners of the soul, but so liberating when a piece falls away.<br /><br />Thanks so much for being here, and I have not forgotten the card!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-59646801147737423842016-11-11T19:52:32.476-08:002016-11-11T19:52:32.476-08:00Christina, thank you so much for this. You really ...Christina, thank you so much for this. You really made my day, and yes, Barbara is amazing.<br /><br />I am so grateful for your presence here.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-46109030475947577822016-11-11T19:49:42.759-08:002016-11-11T19:49:42.759-08:00Christy, you said this perfectly. She does want to...Christy, you said this perfectly. She does want to help, and I have to get over my own pride - every day - to let her, and not to unthinkingly say, when she offers assistance, "No, it's OK." Those three words have hurt her a lot. I need to excise the phrase from my vocabulary, or at least cut way back on its use.<br /><br />Thanks so much for being here!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.com