They stood in a circle on the sand. Precious, priceless words spoken as salty tears ran in sync with salty waves.
They’ve walked together through laughter and pain, struggle and triumph. One walks through grief after losing her husband to leukemia, she’s forging ahead with four young girls, a gentle smile and enormous trust and courage.
One walks through an ugly divorce that seems to be dragging on forever. She holds her head up bravely. One is fighting for custody of her children, who she hasn’t seen in over a year as a result of impossible injustice. She exudes calm.
One walks alongside her husband as he battles to gain work because he refuses to pay a bribe for tenders. She dreams of a better day. One walks each day and crazy nights with twin little boys, twin blessings of redemption and a fresh start after an abusive marriage. She laughs through tired eyes.
Each one in this circle she’s seen transform through a power not their own. They are walking miracles. Walking with the power of the risen Jesus every day.
They hold each other close. Pause from the walking to give thanks. Because even in the middle of messy life, gratefulness stands stronger. And when gratefulness is shared in a tight hug circle, it fills the space in the middle and pulls that circle even tighter, even stronger, together, forever. And if one of those faces leaves that circle, there is space for someone new, always space for someone new.
They hold each other close and there is power in the holding. They’re given the strength and courage to walk each day, never, ever alone.
‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.’ Isaiah 43:1-2
Oh Alison, this is so uplifting and encouraging! A real blessing to read. We should all make sure that we are part of such a ‘walking hug circle’ – to be supported and to support others through the ups and downs of life, with Jesus as our rock, our understanding Friend, our fellow-walker. Thank you for your beautiful testimony of his love.
Thanks Maureen for your encouragement!