Dear friends,
Very short post tonite. It's really late.
Seems the path gets rugged in ways you don't expect. Pray for our family relationships. We love one another, but troubles bring strain. I know you all understand that. You have troubles of your own. I hold on to this:
"Neither death, nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height nor depth nor anything else in all creation shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord..."
We have had a strange week. Lots of ups and downs. Crazy weather to boot. And somehow it's still February. I dig my heels in and refuse to succumb to the wet blanket of self pity that threatens me. I am praying for all of you to stand firm in your trust that the Great One will make all the wrongs right, all the crooked places straight, and all the rough places plain. I look to Him to bring complete restoration to my family. There is no stopping. There is no despair, even when I mess the whole thing up. There is only looking to the Hope of all the ages, and to remembering why we're here in the first place. Somehow God will make a castle out of the cottage of our souls. But it takes some tearing down and reconstructing. The trials of life make up the materials of this purposeful rebuilding. As for me, in my flesh I want the easy life. But in my spirit I say to the Great One "have at it". Make something good out of this frail frame. Even if it takes a lifetime.
You'll never know how glad I am to know you're out there, fighting the good fight. Keep it up.
You know I will ever be...
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
Saturday, February 27, 2010
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12 comments:
We're standing & praying with you...
I may not always post my comments/thoughts but I'm here for you if you think I can help in any way.
Sue Cummings
I am here and I am not alone. He shines his flashlight along this difficult path and we cheerleaders line the sides to encourage you to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Soon this hilly road will level off and the sun will shine, if only long enough for you to catch your breath.
There is a reason for all the turmoil, I don't pretend to know what it is but He will see you through it. I admire the strong and courageous woman that you are, an example to all. ( ) This is a big hug from me to you and today there are extra prayers for the Smith family.
OK readers the time has come. Loriann not only needs our prayers, she needs our words of encouragement. If each person reading this would take just a moment to write a sentence or two she will know just how many of us are out here. It's time to make a noise!
Loriann, you are the best!
I haven't read all your posts, just a few, but enough to see that despite all your scripture quoting, you don't live your life even close to the gospel's instructions. Your family was in a bad accident. That's terrible. You say you have forgiven the other driver, but all I see here is a lust for revenge and money. May God help you and God help Oscar. He made a stupid mistake but your thirst for vengeance is intentional. I won’t be reading any more of this self-pity diatribe so don’t bother responding. I hope God shows you more mercy than you’re showing Oscar when your judgment day comes.
The Great One loves you & your family and has moved mountains & will continue to do so I have no doubt!!!!!
We are indeed all here cheering on the sidelines-God and your brothers & sisters in the Lord know your heart-stand fast-you are not alone & never will be!!!!!!!!! Sue Cummings
Loriann,
Our family prays daily for you and I have put you all on prayer lines across the country. You have no idea how many hold you in their thoughts and prayers each day. You will never be alone and your pain is our pain, your joy our joy. Thank you for posting each day. It lets us travel just a bit more closely with you and allows us to know your prayer needs.
Much love and many prayers,
Pam
The "anonymous" poster a couple above mine doesn't make any sense. Unlike him/her, I have read every post on this blog and have never seen any "lust for revenge or money" or any "thirst for vengeance" in any one of them. I think that poster is responding to what he WANTS to see in the posts as opposed to what is really there. Maybe he's uncomfortable with the fact that Loriann has been able to forgive the driver and yet still sees the need for earthly justice. Regardless, I stand with Loriann as does just about everyone else who reads this blog.
Dear Smiths-He WILL uphold you with the right hand of His righteousness!!!May our God comfort,surround,embrace,enfold you in these "rougher-than-sandpaper"days.We continue to runwalkcrawllope...with you on this journey-All my love,hope,and prayers -Joan, the Gardener
Loriann,
Please don't take the previous writer's comments to heart who spoke about a lust for revenge and money. That person also needs our prayers.
Many families & lives were affected when this man got behind the wheel of his truck when he was drunk and drove. He made a bad decision and that decision has consequences. What he did violated the state laws on under what conditions we are allowed to drive. That law contains the consequences for breaking that law. One of the major reasons that the law requires that car owners must have insurance is so that when an accident happens, there is a source that will provide compensation - compensation for injures and medical expenses, the cost of the vehicle, loss of wages, etc. That's what insurance is for. We have insurance for accidents we cause, accidents others cause, accidents that bad weather and driving conditions cause, when a tree falls on our car, etc.
Steve & Hannah are not the only people that need healing from this accident. People from both sides were injured emotionally and those wounds also need to be healed. People from both the Smith and Lewis families, plus those who are close to these people.
Bad things happen. That is life. Those things that happen have consequences for both the person that committed the injury and the injured party.
But when bad things happen, we must not let bitterness take root in our hearts. Bitter thoughts may come, but we must not hold onto them. We must trust and believe God when He says that He make all things work for good (Rom. 8:28) - even when we can't see it. That's what faith is - believing what we can't see (Heb. 11:1) and don't understand.
Hang in there, Loriann, Smith family, and friends.
Lewis family and friends, you hang in there, too.
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. (1 Cor. 16:13)
When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (James 1:2-3)
Do not be grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Neh. 8:10)
But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits. (Ps. 5:11)
But as for me, I will sing about Your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about Your unfailing love. For You have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. (Ps. 59:16)
When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul. (Ps. 94:19)
Keep writing, Loriann. May of us look forward to reading this blog every day. You have handled yourself very well during this time of adversity. Stand strong! Keep being honest & truthful about the things you face and how you are dealing with them. Many will learn from your example.
We love you.
Lorraine & Ernie
We are still here too! Praying for you guys. I am so sorry about the one comment that was left. It stabbed my heart even though it was directed at you. May God bring peace that passes understanding. Love you guys
Sarah
Loriann,
you are my hero... You are not alone... there are many standing in the gap and praying. I don't know anything of the Lewis family, nor of your legal battles, but I know that Oscar Lewis is a lucky man and will one day be thanking you. Continue to keep your focus on The Great One. keeping you all in prayer.
Re: Post on February 27, 2010 10:23 AM.
My guess is your last name is Lewis?
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