Hope in the midst of ruin...

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell


(Photograph: Associated Press)

"You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and listen to their cry,"
~ Psalm 10:17 ~

I came across this unforgettable photograph from Yahoo News! The woman in the photograph was walking and shouting the name of a loved one who has been missing since March 11th. The road she walked on was surrounded by debris and hopelessness by the tsunami torn area.

Reading the words that described the photograph on the news page, gripped my heart and moved me to gut flowing tears. This woman's shouts had to believe that her loved one was still alive. The human spirit, especially amongst the beautiful asian people is unbelievably valiant. This asian woman dared to believe that she would hear her loved one answer back in the midst of the rubble to confirm her hopes and silence her fears. Sadly, the photograph said it all...there would be no survivors found.

Saddened by this heart wrenching photograph, it became painfully real that this was one 'still' frame of real life out of many. I looked at the photograph and began to scroll to the next frame when I refrained from clicking 'next'. I was reminded that this was not about being sympathetic and moving on; this was truly about being moved to do something...being moved to pray for God to reveal His glorious face and mighty hands. I am convicted to pray by faith in God that His peace ministers to the beautiful people of Japan as He hears their cries.

I can no longer allow a photograph to move me for a moment and then casually 'click' to the next frame.

There are many in the world around us who are walking along the ruins of life.
They are crying out with untamed hope .
Their ears desperate to hear the faint shouts coming forth from the mangled rubble of sins destruction.
Do I hear the voices?
The Rescuer, Jesus Christ, is willing and able...
however, will I shout for them in prayer?
Will I assist among the ruins?

Comments

  1. Thank you for sharing this picture and your thoughts. You have me motivated to take action. I will pray and listen to God's leading. Thank you Teresa!

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  2. Oh, yes sweet sister! I am crying out to the Lord with you. Just as you said "I can no longer casually click to the next frame". In our world of repetitive daily news, we can become de-sensitized in so many ways. This has awakened my heart and moved me to tears. I pray that His good news reach far and beyond the tragedy, yet I also pray for their aid and much needed healing.

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  3. Teresa,

    This reminder touched my heart in a powerful way. In the same way that Jesus comforted His disciples in John 14, He will comfort those in Japan.

    1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

    Vernon's cousin is stationed in Japan with her husband, who is an officer in the Navy along with 3 kidss. She expected they would be evacuated yesterday to Korea or stateside. She stated that they have several blackouts a day to conserve energy.

    Thanks for always sharing God's word through real life situations.

    Paul says that God is the God of all comfort and compassion. He comforts us during times of trouble so that we can comfort others.


    XO,

    Tonya

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  4. So touching, Teresa. I don't know if this is the same woman or not that Fox keep showing, as she called out for her nephew. Heart wrenching.

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  5. What has happen in Japan and in Hatit and other countries it surely does humble you. We all have something we can do we may can't go there to help out but we surely can pray.

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  6. mom every time i read this i cry you have a gift from god and you are doing a amazing job!!!!! love you! love tristin

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