tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990998456213507715.post2095566396071747744..comments2023-04-09T03:38:25.779-07:00Comments on Chronic Illness, Christian Faith, and Other Laments: Coping with the SubstandardDouglas Groothuis, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08766692378954258034noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990998456213507715.post-82716179480245504012009-01-17T14:33:00.000-08:002009-01-17T14:33:00.000-08:00Jesus said it was more blessed to give than to rec...Jesus said it was more blessed to give than to receive; yet, when we receive by letting others give to us, they receive the blessing of giving. If we never let others give, we miss giving them that blessing!Douglas Groothuis, Ph.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08766692378954258034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990998456213507715.post-21931178203319051912009-01-17T10:57:00.000-08:002009-01-17T10:57:00.000-08:00Those posts are so very helpful to me, and the fri...Those posts are so very helpful to me, and the friends with whom I'm sharing them. Many thanks, with daily prayers for you and your wife.Claudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04307495672130972111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990998456213507715.post-84990995481188579912009-01-17T10:51:00.000-08:002009-01-17T10:51:00.000-08:00As my strenght and energy diminish with the years,...As my strenght and energy diminish with the years, to let people (family, friends, strangers) help me is the most difficult. I've always been so fiercely, proudly self-sufficient. I was the helper, the doer, the organizer. Now, in high winds, I can hardly cross a street corner with my cane, unless a stranger holds my arm. And, to my amazement, I never need to ask. Always a younger person sees me and offers. When we reach the other side safely, I can now say, "I thank God for you. And also your mother." <BR/><BR/>Gratitude didn't come easily. There was such a sense of failure, of humiliation. I had to learn to accept my very visible needs in many areas. And also that people who help often do things differently than my own "perfect" way.Claudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04307495672130972111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990998456213507715.post-36615855662295445802009-01-17T07:20:00.000-08:002009-01-17T07:20:00.000-08:00God gives us little "social security," but does gi...God gives us little "social security," but does give us "eternal security" if we come to Him on his terms by His grace. But this security is not passive, but active: the "perseverance of the saints," as we Calvinists say. Resist the devil; submit to God (James).Douglas Groothuis, Ph.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08766692378954258034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990998456213507715.post-37308653785538501752009-01-16T20:32:00.000-08:002009-01-16T20:32:00.000-08:00So, i came upon your blog entry tonight after havi...So, i came upon your blog entry tonight after having read your thank you letter to Edith Schaeffer, it was a heart-felt thanks that i strongly resounded with. Previous to my reading it, i'd been wrestling with God over my frustration with another flair-up of fibromyalgia and the limitations having it brings...and the "unfairness" i can struggle with feeling. Your words were yet another voice in God gently reminding me what's true. Thanks.lisa wilcoskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04406253205085410830noreply@blogger.com