Saturday, August 17, 2013

Dark Cloud Of Hopelessness



When the doctor delivered the news to us on Tuesday, it was probably the most hopeless I have ever felt in my life.  I am generally an optimistic person and have hope for the future.  I didn't feel that way on Tuesday.

A dark cloud of hopelessness seemed to have descended over my life.  I cried a lot in fear of the future.  Last night as I was in bed, I felt that cloud descending again, so out loud I just sang ~

It's a happy day and I praise God for the weather.
It's a happy day and I am living it for my Lord.
It's a happy day and things are going to get better.
Living each day by the promises in God's Word!

Then I started reciting all of God's many promises to me.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.  Be anxious for nothing...And I began to feel His peace descending upon me instead.

Your many comments and encouraging words the past few days have definitely lifted my spirit.  My best friend, Sandy, spent the day with me on Thursday encouraging me.  My dad comes over every day, massages my feet and encourages me, my wonderful husband encourages me, and the Lord sustains me.

I know many of you have gone through difficult trials.  Life is full of trials.  Our life isn't about fun, experiences, etc. but about our witness, being lights in a very dark world.  God has chosen this path for me so I must choose to use it for His glory.

None of us get to choose when we will die, but we all get to choose how we will live.  Live each day for God's glory, love those around you, and thank Him for whom all blessings flow.
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Posted by Always Learning at 6:00 AM
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Kathy's avatar

Kathy · 606 weeks ago

So wonderful and loving of you to share this ... a compassionate role model for dealing with that dark cloud! May God's love and care be felt each day as He gives you courage and strength! With christian love, Kathy
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Jill · 606 weeks ago

Agreeing with you in prayer for each day as it comes, for His peaceful Presence to be with you abundantly. Psalm 139:9,10
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Mrs. Abella · 606 weeks ago

Hugs! I can't imagine what you're going through, but you are such an encouragement with your faith and guiding others to Him throughout your struggles.
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Susan · 606 weeks ago

I am so thankful for you! I hope you know what an encouragement and blessing you are to so many and I hope we can be the same for you. I find help in your posts even when you are feeling not so hopeful. We all love you and are praying for you!
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Jennifer · 606 weeks ago

Dear Lori, I will pray for you! I'm so thankful that you have people to love and encourage you.
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Trudy Callan · 606 weeks ago

Thank you for continuing to be a light and to be used by God even through this dark and scary trial. You are such a a wonderful example. You are loved by many, including me. I will pray so very hard for your healing.
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Cynthia · 606 weeks ago

Lori, I've read your blog for a few years, and appreciate your honesty & godly advice. Do what you can here, when you can. I just wanted you to know that You are a blessing to many women. I know we'll be praying for you, that you will have the strength to make it through today.

Thanks for all you do!
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Karen's avatar

Karen · 606 weeks ago

Praying for you. Even Jesus had his times of discouragement and weariness. Don't think there is anything 'wrong' when you have sad days. Having 'bad days' doesn't mean you are any less a Christian. God gave us emotions to use them and really feel them---ALL of them. If you never fell, how would you know what it felt like to have God carry you! If you didn't have them and acknowledge those kinds of day, I would worry about you even more. You have to feel it to heal it. God will think no less of you if you get discouraged.
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Heather · 606 weeks ago

Lori, I read your blog daily and I am so thankful for your Godly advice. I am a better wife and mother because of your encouragement! Know that I will be praying for you daily! Today, praying you feel His peace.
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FABBY · 606 weeks ago

I'm praying lately to "leave it all to God " and make Him decide upon what I cannot. I admire you for doing this and you have inspired me more in this road by the hand of God. I will pray for you and keep strong next to Him, and the support of your wonderful family my friend. Thank you for always sharing.
Big hugs,
FABBY
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Kim's avatar

Kim · 606 weeks ago

Lori, I read Created To Be His Helpmeet, because of your reccomendation, I love it, Love it, Love it, and reference it all the time, but I will have you know without your words on this blog I would not be the wife I am today. Yau are an inspiration to me, I know I can count on biblical training from Lori Alexander, you have been an angel in the life of this wife and mother of 8. Our home is peaceful. Thank you for showing me Gods ways, and how to be a submissive wife. We will be praying for you and your family
1 reply · active 606 weeks ago
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Janie's avatar

Janie · 606 weeks ago

Thank you so much for this. Our son was stillborn Thursday morning. It was hard to read this, but I will continue to reread this post. Even in your greatest trial, God is using you to help others. Thank you.
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angela · 606 weeks ago

Lori, you are such an inspiration. So thankful for His promises and unchanging Word. He indeed is our Rock and fortress....our ever present help. Keep pressing forward. He is working through you. Blessings~~angela
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Victoria · 606 weeks ago

I know I don't know you personally but I love you Lori. You have been a conduit of The Lord in my life. Your words here have helped save my life and my marriage. Now I will be there for you in your need. I prayed for you this morning already and I will send a prayer request to my mother, a prayer warrior and many others. I know what it is to go through the darkness of physical uncertainty but I encourage you to continue to put evil in its place with God's word. Sounds like you have so much to be thankful for in your life and that helps too. I am here for you as I know many of your readers are. Send any prayer requests out way. Big hug to you darling mentor! Xo and God is not done with you yet.
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Tiffany · 606 weeks ago

Lori, my heart aches when I read about what you are going through. I'm so sorry. Your testimony is so powerful. I know the Lord will bless you. You are in my prayers!
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PJB · 606 weeks ago

I want you to know that there is great depth to be found in the hope that is firmly gripped by those who are suffering. Optimism isn't something that is limited to the near future when Our Lord has conquered death and promised resurrection and perfection. There is where the happiness of the redeemed can always be found.

But this is not a happy day. It is important not to lay undue stress on yourself to be "happy" in the worldly sense. You do no not need to be cheerful -- you are allowed to feel the full range of feelings that you have as a person made in the image of God. Illness calls for sorrow, just like death calls for grief and injustice calls for anger. These are not bad things for you to be feeling. God doesn't need you to adjust yourself into perpetual cheerfulness. He can walk this dark path with you, as He has walked it with many people.

Hopelessness won't help you, and isn't good for you, and it isn't true (since the resurrection is our hope), but sometimes the most positive thinking is honest thinking, with honest emotion. You can seek the arms of the God of all comfort when you need Him. His love endures forever.
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priscilla · 606 weeks ago

Praying for you!
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Felicia Parak · 606 weeks ago

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
　　　　　　　Psalm 34:18

　　　　　　
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Ken's avatar

Ken · 606 weeks ago

Many thanks to all who havre been so kind to not only respond to Lori, but the many kind remarks about her ministry. Lori is reading each on of them and cherishing them.

The life of the body of Christ is alive on this blog as you are completely connected to Lori in love, life and now her most recent challenge. Please pray that her stomach aches and headaches which have caused her great pain for many years now will subside as she faces this next challenge of radiation therapy.

You all are a great blessing to us. Many tahnks, ken
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Cynthia Swenson · 606 weeks ago

Lori, Ann has eight links on her blog today, ( A Holy Experience ). Did you happen to look at the last one (Though You slay me) yet? I was thinking of those words of Job when I was reading here earlier. I think the song will really bless you because the lyrics are pretty much "though You slay me, I will praise You", & then John Piper adds some strengthening words. I'm going back to listen again! ( Job continued to worship God through his trials....that is what I WANT to do, too!) Love & prayers, in Jesus, Cynthia
1 reply · active 606 weeks ago
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Deb · 606 weeks ago

God bless you, Lori. You remain in my my prayers.
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Abby 's avatar

Abby · 606 weeks ago

Lori, Thank you for sharing this time, how you leaned on the Lord, spoke out his promises and truth and his peace came upon you. You are far away from me, but your posts are so encouraging, they make me a better wife and mother, by reminding me to lean on God and His Word and not on my own understanding, no matter how much I "think" I know.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

I am continuing to pray for you. Sending lots of love to you, Abby
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tanyamarlow 8p · 605 weeks ago

I'm here via Emily's place. I'm so sorry to hear about the tumour. Sometimes I think it's worst a few days after the emergency, when the shock and denial have worn off. I'm praying for you as you walk through this cloud. Much love.
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Susan · 605 weeks ago

I am here from Emily's place as well. I am praying for you as you face this difficult time.
May the Lord himself draw near to you and hold you in his arms today.
Love,
Susan

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
2 Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.
Psalm 130:1-2

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