Sunday, December 21, 2008

My Cup of Tea


I read the book "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin a few months ago. I have the worst memory. But, one thing that sticks with me from the book is that someone asked "With all of the pain and suffering in the world, how can God ignore it?" I too wrestle with this especially when I think of starving children all over the world. In the book, someone answers "God did do something. He sent you." Bam! Hits me in the heart and soul each time I remember it. It makes me want to be a better friend to everyone. One of our pastors months ago hit on this. God is everywhere. He is in you. He is in me. When you are being hugged by a dear friend, it is the arms of God hugging you. When you get a phone call asking how you are, God is speaking through this person.


I had 11 friends come to my mom's calling hours. Eleven! I had three come to her funeral. Three! Words cannot express how much love and support I felt. Someone commented how much I held it together at the calling hours. When you have the love and support of your friends, you can stand and talk to others about your Mom. You can hug them and make a little joke. You can hug your Dad and tell him it will be OK. You can pull it together. You really can.


I have written time and time again on cards "Sorry for your loss." "My heart is with you." "We will pray for you." I meant it every time I wrote it. And this week, I believed everything I read, heard and saw. God was with me through my friends and I am the luckiest woman alive. We have had a rough 2008. It was rougher than I could ever write about online and share with even my closest friends. But, I can tell you. I feel so blessed. I feel the love. I really do.


12 comments:

OHmommy said...

I have one last present to buy and I think that I just figured out what to get. I will also get myself a copy.

When I get back, come over for a cup of tea with the boys. I'll even bake a couple of sweets for us. I want to hug you.

Merry Christmas, Indy.

Anonymous said...

Indy, I'm so proud of you, Lara, Aldee, and Dad, and I'm very lucky to have "landed" in the W family. How of all you pulled it together with such "grace under pressure" is truly amazing! I'm sure Mom (and God) are very pleased looking down on the activities of the week. Wow, we are truly living all life has to offer -- the good, bad, happy, and sad. May God bless us all, especially the children! And, yes, I, too, feel extremely grateful and extremely blessed! Love ya! Shiplett

Stephanie said...

I'm so happy you feel the love. You never know how much you help someone out with a card, a hug or a simple I love you until you're in that position and are in the receiving chair.

Have a merry christmas!

Jessica said...

Know your friends are always around! Good times and tough times. It sounds like we need to start 2009 off with a celebration. Let's get some troops together to get together after the new year to celebrate just being us :)

Anonymous said...

Hi, Indy.
All of the wonderful support you felt this week is a testament to you, your sisters, and dad. I am so thankful to be "adopted" into the family. =)
Love,Aldee's friend Mary
p.s. Did Aldee tell you that we are going to ACPA this spring and that the "Tea" author is a speaker?

Stephanie said...

What a beautiful post. How woderful to have friends with you during these hard times.
My prayers are still with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a future book club selection...

Sending you love over the holidays and a brighter 2009.

Stacie

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

I hope you are able to have a very Merry Christmas. I'll be thinking of you as I know it will be tough. ((HUGS))

Anonymous said...

prayers continue friend...

Rhea said...

I'm so glad you have such wonderful support and love in your friends. It helps so much.

Pajamachick said...

Indy I came here from OHmommy. I lost my Mama on December 15th so I do understand how you feel.
But you are much more gracious about it than I am.
PajamaChick

AreWeThereYet? said...

This time sweetie you made me cry. Can't imagine what it will feel like to hug you next time I see you. Rest assured I will be thinking about your words inthis post.

xoxoxox

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