tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post8577870029444242852..comments2024-03-16T19:18:37.883-07:00Comments on Blessed Are The Pure Of Heart: Your Dying Spouse 246 - Defiance, Despair, and Discipleship {FMF}Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-28983757630620769832016-12-22T21:17:17.909-08:002016-12-22T21:17:17.909-08:00"Discipleship is the open road, the road with..."Discipleship is the open road, the road with a destination." <-- Oh I love that! Great insight and wisdom, friend! Oh how we want a path that is open to growth! Praying for you... and so thankful for you, too!~Karrilee~ from Abiding Love, Abounding Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06698176066735604032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-25432859925176482942016-12-18T20:25:27.075-08:002016-12-18T20:25:27.075-08:00Cheryl, I love what you say here..."When I ha...Cheryl, I love what you say here..."When I have been trapped in despair, it is because I didn't know I could choose to live differently. And when I did, I started to live."<br /><br />Yes! Exactly that! The defiance/despair cycle is truly a retreat from life, a safe if unpleasant harbour in which our ships of the soul can become barnacle-encrusted for lack of use.<br /><br />And the clean, frightening open sea beckons. We may not reach the far shore on our own, but we can be assured that strong Arms will buoy us across the deeps.<br /><br />And thank you so much for the prayers; they are very appreciated, an this weekend, needed.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-59461253102000909122016-12-18T20:21:56.839-08:002016-12-18T20:21:56.839-08:00Gayl, thank you so much. The relationship that def...Gayl, thank you so much. The relationship that defiance and despair are doppelgangers came as something of a revelation to me...I had thought that to be defiant was to be 'tough'. Setting that aside and admitting that following the Teacher was the stronger way was not easy.<br /><br />I'm so grateful for your comment, Gayl. Your words and presence here are a treasure.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-38459028222766098792016-12-18T20:19:07.551-08:002016-12-18T20:19:07.551-08:00Joy, you've touched me deeply with this wonder...Joy, you've touched me deeply with this wonderful, loving and grace-filled comment. Thank you so much1<br /><br />I do love life, even in the face of a night, last night, that was indescribably unpleasant. I still wanted to see the dawn, and the graces and blessings that the day would bring...and much of this I owe to the FMF community.<br /><br />Thank you so much for the hugs, and the prayers. They are so very, very precious.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-53184303653736965172016-12-18T18:03:38.669-08:002016-12-18T18:03:38.669-08:00"Defiance and despair are the safety of the k..."Defiance and despair are the safety of the known. Discipleship is scary, because it can and will force your hand to play the cards you've been dealt for a cause."<br /><br />The safety of the known—even a painful known keeps so many people trapped. But the unknown, with all of it's risks, can provide a freedom to live. When I have been trapped in despair, it has been because I didn't know I could choose to live differently. And when I did, I started to live.<br /><br />Prayers for you and Barbara as you face the open road.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04759727586303488513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-90826693607398020032016-12-18T12:59:45.939-08:002016-12-18T12:59:45.939-08:00"Defiance is rooted in despair and can't ..."Defiance is rooted in despair and can't exist without it." I had never thought of it that way before, but you are absolutely right. And this "Discipleship is the open road, the road with a destination." and this " Discipleship is scary, because it can and will force your hand to play the cards you've been dealt for a cause." So then whereas despair and defiance are circular bc they feed off each other, but discipleship is the way out. Andrew, what profound things you've shared in this post. Thank you! May God bless, comfort and even heal if He so chooses. Thank you for taking the way of discipleship and inspiring us all! Blessings!Gayl Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02564461995154051353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-44696310304116738882016-12-18T08:13:44.777-08:002016-12-18T08:13:44.777-08:00Oh this: "discipleship is found in living; no...Oh this: "discipleship is found in living; not living for oneself, but living a contextual life, rooted in and guided by belief in the validity of the teachings and faith one holds dear and true" is what we see you doing with every breath you take! I love how your thoughts have taken you to deep places this week, but what I love most of all is how you reveal such a zest for living, giving and loving right in the midst of such searing pain and as you look death in the face time and again. Andrew, not only are you a precious gift to the FMF community, you are a great inspiration to us all. I'm grateful for you and your indomitable spirit. Keep on keeping on, brother! With deepest respect and admiration, sisterly love across the pond, gentle virtual hugs and continual prayers. May you be blessed, like you bless and refresh others, my friend. Joy Lentonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03486637586238798088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-56636536984526976502016-12-17T18:22:56.134-08:002016-12-17T18:22:56.134-08:00Tondra, your words are a gift to me. Thank you so ...Tondra, your words are a gift to me. Thank you so much!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-56634393843594516492016-12-17T18:22:13.044-08:002016-12-17T18:22:13.044-08:00Christy, you're so right...we're to know w...Christy, you're so right...we're to know where we'll be sent (and look at the Apostles' example!) but we have the beautiful opportunity to learn from Him...and if we fall, He will be there.<br /><br />Praying for you, my friend. I loved your post this week!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-13833030964072938542016-12-17T09:36:14.704-08:002016-12-17T09:36:14.704-08:00Well, it has all been said! Once again Andrew... y...Well, it has all been said! Once again Andrew... your words here are a gift.Tondra Denisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-63200792740735437602016-12-17T07:09:10.911-08:002016-12-17T07:09:10.911-08:00This Andrew: "Defiance and despair are the sa...This Andrew: "Defiance and despair are the safety of the known. Discipleship is scary, because it can and will force your hand to play the cards you've been dealt for a cause."<br /><br />Discipleship is also scary because we never know where the Lord will send us, when we submit to his perfect will. He will send some through horrible physical pain, and others through spiritual pain and others yet through emotional pain to draw us close to him. And while it's difficult to face the pain, it's beautiful to learn from the Master. God bless you my friend! Christyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02908195823729570648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-20199311164159065332016-12-17T00:44:04.410-08:002016-12-17T00:44:04.410-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.MBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10199300765193019063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-64707154379567744222016-12-16T22:38:50.734-08:002016-12-16T22:38:50.734-08:00Diana, I am so glad you're here. You've ad...Diana, I am so glad you're here. You've added something vital to the conversation...that God is bigger than defiance and despair. That's just right, just perfect.<br /><br />God bless!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-58873778643051619932016-12-16T22:37:19.644-08:002016-12-16T22:37:19.644-08:00Tara, thank you so much! I'm glad to still be ...Tara, thank you so much! I'm glad to still be here, too.<br /><br />Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-22571371786772000702016-12-16T21:22:22.365-08:002016-12-16T21:22:22.365-08:00If not for a God Who is BIGGER than defiance and d...If not for a God Who is BIGGER than defiance and despair, it would be easy for me to give in to those things. But my faith in Him, and the love and grace He shows to me daily, makes anything I go through in this life sooooo much easier. Thank you for your post today. First time visitor, via Barbie Swihart's blog after reading her FMF post. Blessings to you and yours, Andrew! I'll be back to visit again. :)Dianahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17073882040193144070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-59986916034044226842016-12-16T20:25:54.359-08:002016-12-16T20:25:54.359-08:00You, brother Andrew, are a faithful disciple. So g...You, brother Andrew, are a faithful disciple. So glad you are here and still living friend. I'm over in the 60 spot this week. Tara Ulrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02619365758739247929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-59234305953340963042016-12-16T20:12:48.856-08:002016-12-16T20:12:48.856-08:00Mary, thank you for this. You've truly made my...Mary, thank you for this. You've truly made my day, and that I can be an inspiration for you is just overwhelming.<br /><br />Again, thank you!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-9580892196192154672016-12-16T20:11:40.122-08:002016-12-16T20:11:40.122-08:00Leigh, thank you so much! And yes, it's defini...Leigh, thank you so much! And yes, it's definitely another year closer to Him...and that is a happy thought.<br /><br />I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-69073824546922430132016-12-16T20:10:40.627-08:002016-12-16T20:10:40.627-08:00Thanks so much, Joanne. You're absolutely righ...Thanks so much, Joanne. You're absolutely right, that the absolute trust we have in Him is a reflection of the pure goodness of His intention, and His love.<br /><br />I hope you have a wonderful Christmas as well...and thank you so much for the prayers!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-17965116390731088592016-12-16T19:56:49.910-08:002016-12-16T19:56:49.910-08:00Thanks, Lesley! Breaking free from the despair/def...Thanks, Lesley! Breaking free from the despair/defiance cycle is hard, partially - I think - because it becomes a comfortable (and maybe culturally endorsed?) habit. Being a disciple means we step out of the 'social stream', and follow a different path. One that leads to a truly worthwhile destination.<br /><br />Thanks so much for being here!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-21565101421021361202016-12-16T19:54:22.422-08:002016-12-16T19:54:22.422-08:00Jan, thanks so much. I wish you the best of Christ...Jan, thanks so much. I wish you the best of Christmases, and very, very much appreciate the prayers.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-26857234921965612222016-12-16T19:53:37.481-08:002016-12-16T19:53:37.481-08:00Shauna, I have to do the same thing...remind mysel...Shauna, I have to do the same thing...remind myself (sometimes with Post-It notes) that God Is Always Good.<br /><br />I'm kind of glad to be here too. It's been a rough week, and I didn't know that I'd be here. And yeah, it is probably tie for carols!<br /><br />Merry Christmas to you and your, from all of us!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-58388940762737174372016-12-16T19:48:16.686-08:002016-12-16T19:48:16.686-08:00Paula, I sure understand you...I can easily fall i...Paula, I sure understand you...I can easily fall into a kind of mindless defiance, and it's just a short way from there to despair since they're eternally linked. Discipleship is so much harder...but so much better.<br /><br />Hugs back, and I hope your day has been marvelous.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-80401947492759529162016-12-16T19:45:12.658-08:002016-12-16T19:45:12.658-08:00Anita, thank you! I used to think it was the '...Anita, thank you! I used to think it was the 'sitting around being GOOD', and only recently did I realize that it's really a long, drawn-out birthing process...if it' OK for a dude to make that comparison.<br /><br />Thanks so much for being here!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-72719421090763692142016-12-16T19:43:01.335-08:002016-12-16T19:43:01.335-08:00Susan, thanks...I'm happy to still be here too...Susan, thanks...I'm happy to still be here too!<br /><br />XOXOXO WaggyWaggyWOOF!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.com