Readers who have known me through my columns since 1994 are aware that all my stories result from real-life experiences. I have only written a few fiction stories during a creative writing class, but I have never had those published.
There is no doubt that I have experienced a lot of personal events that resulted from my health issues. I’ve read a about those issues and learned some things that have been hard to accept. But I’ve also read my Bible several times and the true stories of different Christians who have disabilities. I’ve watched a lot of movies that are based on real-life happenings.
Some of those stories have reminded me that others have health problems and suffer even more than I ever have. For me, now every day seems to be more of a challenge. I look back and see mistakes I made that cannot be corrected.
I found a page of notes from a service I heard a long time ago and just now realized this is the right time to share these with God’s blessing. (Then I can finally throw this scrap of paper away.)
Most of my readers know by now that I love to use the quotes of others, especially when they fit my life. I’ve heard a lot recently about the famous writer, Maya Angelou, so I read her book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” Sometimes I feel like a “caged bird” that has my personal songs to sing, except I can’t “carry a tune in a bucket.”
One of the quotes on this scrap paper went like this: “Am I going ahead, backward or nowhere?” It is for sure I won’t be going “anywhere” until I pray for God to lead me and help me make the right decisions.
God’s Holy Word says he never gives us more than we can handle. To be honest, there have been some times when I questioned this. On such occasions, I borrow fiction novels from friends. Then I “lock” myself away in the world of fictional characters. After I finish the last page in these books, I can revert to my “real” non-fiction life.
I’ve tried to live these last years of my life as Christ-like as possible but there have been episodes for which I had to seek forgiveness. That brings me to the last note I found on this scrap paper that I’ve had for so long: “ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow!”
Note from Linda: Once again, we need used greeting cards to recycle for five troops overseas. For details, email lindainthecards@gmail.com or call 704-278-9355