Tugging on My Heart Strings

Just today, there have been things that have tugged hard on my heart strings.

• Last night I was in contact with a loved one who is moving states to be closer to their own loved ones who are struggling to survive. Life made a nasty sweep through their neighborhood, so to speak, and they are just spent (emotionally, physically, financially) in trying to pick up the pieces and move on. And my dear loved one is picking up house and home to "do the right thing" despite the inconvenience and cost. And it is VERY inconvenient and VERY costly.
• This morning I met a friend who is involved with a ministry helping to bring awareness to, and stop the advancement of, human trafficking in the Triad. Yes, that's right. IN THE TRIAD. As in right here in Small Town, NC. Blew my mind.
• This morning I also got to witness a loved one share their testimony in front of a large group of ladies. It was the first time ever they had done this and I was so proud. SO PROUD of them. And I know it just tickled the heart of God too. Brought tears to my eyes I was so pleased at their willingness to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus no matter the personal cost to them.
• Later, I met with a pastor and his wife who are taking their grand kids to meet their uncle, in prison. Part of their family vacation they will be having soon. The weight of sorrow that they must carry is BEYOND my understanding and my heart just aches for the silent pain they carry.
• This afternoon I connected with a loved one over email and just about cried over how emotionally constipated they have become. It must be so suffocating to live life never allowing your true emotions to show, or even to recognize them; to always have on the politically correct face. And to deal with them is like dealing with a delicate crystal figurine; you must be so careful to not fracture or break it. So careful with words, actions, intentions...so tiring...
• After all this I came home to see my dear hubby swinging our baby girl on the swing set. She was giggling and he was in love with a pudgy, drooling 11 month old. My heart just swelled at the sight and overwhelmed at HOW MUCH God has blessed me, and loves me.
• The 18-month old with the heart condition is at Brenner's Children's Hospital as I type, getting an echo cardiogram. If it does not show significant improvement they will put her on the waiting list for a heart transplant. She's 18 stinkin' months old! How can the world continue spinning when an 18 month old needs a heart transplant?

What blows my mind is that these events are not even a DROP in the bucket of how much sorrow and pain and joy is out there. On this Tuesday, I am surfing on a tidal-wave of faith and drowning in a lack of faith, sometimes in the same minute.

Here's the important part: God knows. God cares. God acts. God loves. And that, my friends, is all we need to know. In the end, that's the only thing that is important.