“In the presence of eternity, the mountains are as transient as the clouds.” – Robert Green Ingersoll
You’re not the only one who gets discouraged. I do.
You’re not the only one who works too hard and too long knowing the striving may not be coming from a noble place. I do.
You’re not the only one who stares at a list of things that have to get done or else something bad is going to happen, but procrastinates anyway. I do.
You’re not the only one who can’t wait to be alone to relax or to get things done, but when you are alone …can’t sit still or can’t get moving. I do.
You’re not the only one who can’t completely leave the past. I can’t.
You’re not the only one who needs a little more assurance. I do.
You’re not the only one who doesn’t take corrective words from others as well as you’d like to think you do. I don’t.
You’re not the only one who gets mad at God. I do.
You’re not the only one who gets worn down by life. I do.
You’re not the only one who says things you wish you hadn’t. I do.
You’re not the only one who knows you aren’t everything some people think you are. I know.
You’re not the only one who wishes you were a better friend. I wish I were.
You’re not the only one who has times of being afraid. I do.
You’re not the only one who is confused about the difference between God’s part and my own part. I am.
You’re not the only one who wishes you were a better husband and father or wife and mother. I wish I were.
You see, “We have this treasure from God, but we are like clay jars that hold the treasure. This shows that the great power is from God, not from us. We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. We carry the death of Jesus in our own bodies so that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies.” 2 Corinthians 4:7
You are not alone. Though our lives are different, our journeys are similar. Our persevering through troubles, confusion, oppression and wounding with Jesus actually spotlights the treasure of God’s life and His glory in us.
From one not-defeated, hopeful, not-abandoned, not-destroyed clay jar to another,
Gary
Thanks Gary
It is always good to remember we are not alone.
So many have the same issues
Men are just the worse about “keeping it together”
Thanks for sharing – I know I needed the reminder
Your welcome. We truly need each other.
How many times have those words been anointed in our lives to hear!! I am grateful for them …once again. “Thank you ” for sharing your heart…..I needed you!
The sense of aloneness – the curse of the world. Fellowship / intimacy – the gift of God. Thank you Nina
Love this, Gary. Right on target. So many times I feel exactly like this — like I am alone and no else feels the exact same way I do or experiences life and God the way I do.
Hearing your “confessions” reveals we are all more alike than we are different and removes some of the mystery that separates us when we wonder if anyone ever feels the same way we do.
It’s amazing how we are unique in our calling / effect and yet so similar in our journey. Thanks Steven
Strong words and they resound deep in my soul. It is great to hear what is so hard to express – thank you..
Your welcome, Jeff.
Raw honesty without guile. I am at one with your words and perspective. And we are at one with Paul, even 2,000 years separate from his journey.
What comfort to know that our Lord Jesus was tempted with each one of the failings we are tempted with, yet without failing Himself. Surely He knows our frame, that we are but dust…
You don’t even know me, and you know me well.
The story that we are living in is the same – a story of BECOMING and OVERCOMING. Thanks Jamie.
Thank you for this word in due season Gary, and thank you for your transparency. We were never meant to take this journey alone.
You are a blessing~
Thank you Cindy.
I don’t know how many times I have composed “a reply” and never sent it,for fear of the critic.
Writing the subject article,as you do,and laying it out there,especially in this format,Gary,takes courage.
Thanks Pete. I am always surprised by common life / journey / experience we all have in the midst of our unique heart and relationship with God. All of these comments show this to me again.
I wonder if it’s the commonality of the attack and not the commonality of our hearts, that are showing up in the responses here?
That list in your writing, to me, described little of Gary Barkalow and much of a condemning attack.Sure it may be feel true today (the list), but it’s not the end of the story.I’m afraid I know your pure uncommon heart too well.
Maybe we are trying to carry a burden we weren’t designed to carry.
Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Thank you Pete. God seems to focused on this remnant of my “pack-horse” life theology, this “If it’s to be, it’s up to me” thing.
Mighty fine, Gary. “Not Alone” is savable and sharable. I must add that your blog and other writing is really quite excellent. This coming from an author-to-be who looks at other’s craft to see what’s worth emulating. You’re near the top.
Thank you Gary. That’s quite a complement.
ahhhhhhh…that is me taking a big sigh of relief! For whatever reason we so often assume that our own shortcomings/frustrations are unique to our situation…it’s so great to be reminded that we truly are not alone in our experiences in this walk with God. So much of what you said speaks to the heart of what I often feel. Thank you for sharing…such a simple yet powerful post Gary.
Your welcome Ryan. Well said.
AAAAAmazing 🙂 I needed that…It is awesome how God gives the perfect word at the perfect time. Thanks for what you do Gary…And just so you know…I relate, painfully, to every word you wrote.
Thanks!!! 🙂
Your welcome Eric.