"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too." 2Cor. 1:3-6
I was sitting at the Waffle House bar drinking coffee and entering into conversations with customers and waitresses. The conversation turned toward the upcoming holidays. One of the waitresses said this holiday season would be sad as her mother, whom she was very close to, passed away earlier this year and this would the first Thanksgiving and Christmas without her. Their family always went to her house for holiday gatherings and meals and this year she does not know what she will do.
Holidays are a season of joy, love, and gatherings with families and friends. It id s time we are reminded to be grateful for all the blessings we have received. For some people though, like the waitress above, they can be difficult and a source of sadness remembering the loss of a loved one. The loss of a spouse or other family member, a recent divorce, loss of a job, a recent move away from family and friends and having no one to gather with can all create emotions of sadness, isolation and even depression during the holidays. My father passed away this past May. My mother two years ago. So this will be my first holiday season that does not include visiting and the love of my parents.
I post a blog daily to in someway allow us to be in conversation together and it is usually a one- way conversation in which I am the one talking, you are the one reading. So you have heard me say this before, However,I want you to know again I am here for you. I want you to remember you can call or email me anytime. If you live near my door is always open, the coffee pot is always on and my sofa is always warm and a place of peace and non-judgement. Any of my ODC family, friends, neighbors, Waffle House employees, whoever.... who simply need to chat are welcome to contact me anytime. It's no good suffering in silence. I have cold drinks in the fridge...tea & coffee in the cupboard and I will always be here....You are never not welcome!! Starbucks and Waffle House are open where we can gather to talk as well. You never have to go through a difficult Holiday season alone. You never have to suck-it-in and push through a gloomy overcast day of depression, loneliness, addiction, fear, frustration, or thoughts of suicide alone. It's always good to talk but its even better to listen, and to be listened to. Some days this hits closer to home than we think. I'll always lend an ear and a shoulder and my heart. My hands are always ready to raise in prayer. Call/text me Gary Liederbach at 256-302-3785.
And my family, you in Christ are created to be a source of love and listening as well. You are to be known in your workplace, school, or neighborhood as the nice person with the open door willing to listen. is there a friend or family member you know that is going through a situation now? Do you know someone who recently lost a loved one? Is there a co-worker who recently transferred to your company from out of town? Fo you know a neighbor who just moved from another state? Your willingness to reach out to them could be a glimmer of light into their darkness and joy into their loneliness and grief.
My family, go back up to the beginning of this reflection and read the passage from 2Corinthians again. Then I pray you will reflect on your life situations today. Maybe your prayers will stir in you a need to call someone today to listen to a situation your are going through. Maybe your prayers will stir in you a need to call someone you know may be struggling this holiday season I know if you pray to the Holy Spirit, he will lead you to a name you need to call who will simply listen to you, or you can listen to them, in Jesus’ name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!
Pease share your reflections and prayers with us in the comment box below.
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