We sit outside on the patio of our local library. Hills welcome spring in the distance and a few flowers wave to us from nearby. My friend Suzie Eller and I talk about words and women. We speak with passion in our voices about how much we love you. Suzie is my heart friend–a fellow writer and, lucky me, my new neighbor because she just moved to my town. We’ve connected over coffee {of course} and in her I’ve found encouragement, laughter and grace.
{subscribers, if the video isn’t showing for you click here}
Suzie & Holley Say Hello from Holley Gerth on Vimeo.
Suzie recently released a book called The Mended Heart: God’s Healing in Your Broken Places. And I released one called You’re Going to Be Okay: Encouraging Truth Your Heart Needs to Hear, Especially on the Hard Days. Hmm, see any similarities there? 🙂 In both of our first chapters, we talk about what Jesus said in John 16:33: “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I love what Suzie says next…
“Take heart.
Let’s pause for a moment to receive courage and comfort from a few facts. First, let’s recognize how strong you are.
Aren’t you? After all you got up this morning, even though you may not have felt like it. You are seeking answers for yourself and for those you care about. Each of these actions is a tribute to the truth that you desire nothing less than God’s best. You are aware of your fragile places, but that’s when the Jesus factor kicks in. You receive courage, for “when we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” (see 2 Cor. 12:9).
A foundation of healing is built on the promise that God will be your strength. He is in the midst of this healing process with you–right where you are.
With all your baggage.
With all your broken heart.
With all your messy emotions.
With your faith and love in Him, in spite of the pain that just won’t go away.
All that is required of you is to accept what He so willingly offers.”
Isn’t that reassuring? I found myself letting out a big sigh of relief when I read Suzie’s words. Today we both want you to know: you are not alone, you are loved, you have a purpose, you’re going to be okay, and your heart will be mended. We love you, sister, and since our arms won’t reach quite far enough we’re sending our words in their place today.
XOXO
Holley Gerth
p.s. Suzie is generously giving away a copy of her book, The Mended Heart: God’s Healing for Your Broken Places. Just leave a comment by midnight CST on Wednesday to be entered. And I’m giving a copy of You’re Going to Be Okay on Suzie’s blog so be sure to stop by there too!
p.s. again My dear friend Dee Kasberger from Red Letter Words and I have been working on a new print for you and it’s available now! And just for today, you can get 30% off everything on RedLetterWords.com with code mom30. Woo-hoo!
