When to say when…
October 21, 2007
I have questioned what is the right thing to do regarding the comments from Anonymous, and honestly I don’t have the strength nor the energy to answer the questions that he/she has. I so appreciate those of you who defended me and Emma, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. I cant answer his/her questions, only God can. All I can do is what I did in my initial post, and that is back up my position with scripture in a very polite way.
I also question why, why in the world would someone come to a persons blog who has cancer and try to make them doubt the one thing that gives them hope. Why in the world would someone try to make me doubt my God at a time like this in my life. I couldn’t for the life of me wrap my brain around that thought. (I am not at all saying that those of you who have identified with Anonymous and his/her questions about faith and why bad things happen offended me, please don’t take it that way… I would just never say it the way he/she has said it, especially to someone who is going through something so ….. hard…)
And then I realized that Satan is the master of all lies. He is the deceiver of men. But my God, He is the only hope I have. He has never NEVER failed me. He has NEVER left me and I will trust in Him. I will turn my eyes to Him. I will praise Him. With every breath that is in me I will praise Him.
Now I am going to go to bed.
Good night and sweet dreams :)
-H
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Note From Heather: All comments are welcome, but I reserve the right to delete at any time. All comments are solely the opinions of the individuals submitting them and the publication of them on this blog does not imply my endorsement or agreement. By posting your comments to the blog you are granting me the right to use them. Your submission of a comment constitutes your acceptance of this comment policy.
In other words: Play Nice
55 Responses to “When to say when…”
I would love to hear from you!
Heather, your life and journey are an epistle read by many. In the end, however, only God can answer anon.’s questions. And I believe there are many questions that will never be answered this side of heaven. That’s why He is God and we are not… ;)
Perhaps this person was drawn here by the Light of your life. Perhaps in he/she is struggling with their own dis-ease of a life without hope…
Regardless, in the end, the answer lies beyond all of us. It lies in surrender and acceptance…of a love and grace and forgiveness the mind will never grasp…but the heart will feel and will find freedom.
Rest well. You continue in my daily prayers.
You did the right thing. Rest well.
((hugs))
Lund
My favorite Bible verse when I struggle with anything: James 4:7-8. Draw near to me God and flee from me satan. Thank you for being you!
Amen, Heather, only God can answer the questions and only God will never leave you. Try not to let it get to you, and I know that at times that is hard. Praying you have a restful night and sweet dreams.
Hugs ‘N prayers,
Norma
Good night Heather..Rest well,always always hope, Kerry
I’m so sorry that you are dealing with this. It’s good that you are focusing on the Lord. I pray you get a restful night’s sleep. :)
JoAnn
Oh Heather…you *have* answered him/her–as you said. Can’t you see that Anonymous is without the One True God? He/She is unwittingly trying to fill that cross-shaped vacuum in his/her heart with a god of his/her own making–as has humanity for all of history since the Fall.
We were in Colossians 2 this morning in church…recognizing that *all* wisdom resides in the God-Man-Savior, Jesus Christ. People keep looking for wisdom elsewhere–and usually completely apart from The Only Source.
Maybe Anonymous *has* cancer or some other such dreadful situation, and his/her “god” hasn’t provided the source of love and fellowship that ours has. Pray for your enemy.
Or maybe He/She is to you as Cain was to Able. Pray for you enemy.
Love to you. The Lord bless you and keep you…
Heather,
Think about it this way. What you have presented today about the power of God has agitated the doubts in Anonymous’ very being. You don’t need extra strength for the questions he/she brings forth. God is our extra strength. And the strength to that person too, even though he/she may not recognize what it is yet.
This type of thing happens to me a lot when I teach. I have a lot of high school students who offer these challenging questions. I have learned it is not so much an affront to my faith, or even a challenge against the Holy Spirit. It is the inexpressible groaning of a wounded soul.
And so we all pray. We pray for the peace of the Holy Spirit to come upon this person. And we pray that the LORD’s power stands firm against the darkness of doubt. We wait and we pray.
You rest. You have done so well. You handled this with the grace and kindness that first impressed me last year. Be at peace!
I think you are right, Heather. Anonymous should not be coming to you to ask her questions or challenge the beliefs of Christians around the world. If Anonymous has these questions, he/she should go to a local Christian church and speak to a pastor. Even then, Anonymous may not receive the answers he/she is looking for. Anonymous needs to look around and determine what in his/her life there is to be thankful for. If we all look hard enough, there is plenty to be thankful for. Even in your situation, there are things to be thankful for and you are focusing on them as you should.
You are an inspiration, Heather. Please know that I am praying for you every day. God Bless you and your family.
you know, i’ve been reading your blog since before your trip to the mayo clinic. i admire how you are keeping yourself together and so positive.
i am not, by any stretch, a religious person.
but i do so admire how you have The Faith. The Faith i do not have. But you have it and it works for you and I hope it brings you whatever you need it too.
i’m not making a lot of sense - i should know better than to try to post meaningful comments while watiing for my sleeping pill to kick in.
in your situation, i think i wouldhave ignored anonymous entirely. you need to focus on everything postitive in your life. anything negative can surely take a back seat for the time being. :)
Heather –
I think a great answer and maybe something of comfort to you would be that I don’t think Christ felt “honored” to carry the load of sin of the world on His shoulders. He even prayed that if there was another way that God would take that cup from Him. He did it because of His great love for us and it was what was asked of Him.. His load to bear. You and Emma carry the same load so many people are asked to carry. Not everyone carries it the same way but you are a witness to those who don’t know Christ of grace and beauty through persecution and despair. Jesus Christ is our One great HOPE. Don’t let anyone take that away from you!
God bless,
Sallie
Heather
Don’t waste another precious second trying to figure out something that isn’t ever going to be understandable. You did the right thing. Period! You can look yourself in the mirror and know that.
Praying for you sweet friend.
Hugs!
Kat
I know this faith well, and I know the questions people have about it all, too. I don’t know what the other comments have said, but a recommended book for those questioning why bad things happen to good people is A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis.
I’ve been there- when “man” said that our child would not get better, but we knew that the Lord had other plans. We held onto our faith, honestly there would have been no other way without God carrying us through that time. And today, our son is completely healed.
A favorite verse:
Psalm 10:25
When the storm is over, there’s nothing left of the wicked;
good people, firm on their rock foundation, aren’t even fazed.
Love,
Steph
Heather, while your blog has TRULY been a ministry and while you have spoken incredibly beautiful, thoughtful, and amazing words, and while you constantly point people to Christ, you are NOT obligated to DO anything with your blog! You don’t have to answer comments, nor are you responsible for anyone else’s faith, questions, or feelings! God can meet anonymous right where he/she is. He can handle it! You don’t need to. Rest knowing you are loved and prayed for by a zillion people who have never even met you! You have been a light, you have spoken truth, and God is using you!
When you begin to doubt why you’re doing this (writing on the blog)… look at your sidebar. It still amazes me each time I come. You have almost the entire world covered with red dots. You are “out there” for all the world to see… and not to bring glory to yourself, but the Father in whom you refuse to blame… in the One who knows how and when you’re story will end… and to the Creator of those who turn away from the very “hands” that created them. It is not for yourself that you post here (and for those of us praying for you… we already know that), but instead you have chosen to allow yourself to be vulnerable and used in whatever way the Lord guides. You are amazing… but not everyone will see that. Not everyone sees it in God. You are a tool Heather… and I thank you for allowing yourself to be used for a greater purpose than you may ever see, yet still be okay with that… and rest assured in His goodness and promises.
Thank you, and I really do hope that you are writing a book. I know that there are so many things (thoughts and feelings) that you can’t always share on the blog for reasons of being misunderstood or just not the right time. But the time will come, and there are so many who would benefit from your gift of writing… both those with cancer and without. It is your faith in God that makes your story special… it is the hope in the end that makes us united. There are many plans for you Heather, and I pray for you to see those clearly and to keep focused on what the Lord has in store.
Bless you,
Amy
Oops- I posted this below in the last post, but meant to post it here under today’s blog post. So, here it is again:
Heather,
You are so wonderful! You are being used by God even if you cannot see it sometimes. I have read your blog for a long time, and I have learned so much from you. I know the Lord brought you across my path, and you have blessed my life so much.
In fact, I believe the Lord used your blog to prepare me for something… I found out today that a new friend of mine from homeschool co-op was just diagnosed with breast cancer and is having a lumpectomy tomorrow morning. Previously, I think I would have not emailed her because I don’t know her well and would have felt like I didn’t know what to say. But when I read the email about it, I thought about many of the things you have taught me… that you are a person with cancer and wish people would not be so weird about it, and many other things… and I emailed her and just said that I am glad she is my new friend and thankful that she welcomed me to co-op, because it is big and I dodn’t know anyone. And then I told her that I read the email and just wanted her to know that I am praying for her, that I will be bringing some meals for her, and that I am available to help however she might need. She emailed me back thanking me and telling me she has felt weird knowing how to bring it up to tell people because she didn’t want to spoil the mood. So I emailed back saying that with me, she doesn’t have to worry about the mood, she can just be herself, because I have my moods, too, and I am her friend no matter what the mood.
I feel like she and I have already become better friends, and my comfort in reaching out to email her is 100% attributable to you, Heather.
My friend’s name is Cathy, and she is having a lumpectomy tomorrow. If you and your readers could pray for her, I know that she would really appreciate it.
Thank you again for just being you. I am praying for you every day, and I really admire you. You are an incredible person with an incredible heart.
Love,
Jen
Heather-I think this is a very good response. I also think we probaby need to stop replying to anonymous. That way, there’s no more “fuel” for the coversation at hand and it will die down. I know this community of bloggers will pray for him/her and trust that someday he/she will see Jesus as we do.
Take care and good night.
Shari
Hi Heather,
The only way I could see someone commenting on your blog in the way it was put is if they put no thought to what they were sending you. If a person thinks before they say something even a non christian, a caring person would not comment at all!
If that were me reading your blog and I did not believe I would either think the person blogging and the people replying were all crazy! or I would probably scratch my head and find out about this God that you were serving and having faith in. One thing we know without a shadow of doubt is that we are not crazy and YES there is a God, one who loves us. You yourself are proof alone that God is reall! If this were not the case then certainly you would not show the love, faith and hope you have in the Lord.
Corintians 13:13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Your “walk” is proof that God is real because you are living the word of God.
I know you won’t see this tonight but I will pray that you have a peaceful sleep.
God bless
Dear Heather,
I am sorry this person is being so unkind to you. I did not see their comment, but the part about reaching for air must be describing their own thoughts, not yours or ours! And they must not know about the mansions prepared for us in heaven. As another reader said, no more responses to the person would be best. We pray for their salvation.
We know God is not the author of confusion. Rest in peace, dear Heather. We are praying for you, and we believe in our mighty God and miracles. Nothing is impossible with God.
Anonymous, I don’t think anyone has been unkind to you at all. And as a fellow questioner (not quite believer? or maybe wish-I-could-believer?) well I think you’re doing a bad job of representing us. I can’t understand why you would come to the blog of someone who is facing everything this young mom is facing, and say hurtful things to her. Really, I’m sorry but it’s just inappropriate. I really can’t fathom why you’re doing it. There are so many websites out there where you can debate these things. Why are you trying to tear this mom down instead of helping her up? Man up. Redeem yourself and act graciously.
You responsed just fine. Fight Satan with scripture. May the hearts of the unbelieving be turned toward God.
Still praying for you.
Kate
Heather,
Anyone that would make a comment like that to someone that is going through what you are going through is truly lost. It angers me, but I know that there are people out there that allow Satan to use them. Sometimes they don’t even know it. You might want to consider blocking anonymous comments. If anyone is willing to place a comment, I don’t see why they wouldn’t want to leave their name, unless they have something to say that they probably shouldn’t be saying. In that case, you don’t need to be hearing from them. You have to think about yourself right now. You did the right thing in your response and like someone else said, you aren’t obligated to respond or to help that person understand. God bless you for responding the way you did!
Heather, I commend you for responding to ‘Anonymous’ as you have. I’ve come to this point in life with some friends (not necessarily on the topic of faith or religion)–realizing that while discussion can be a wonderful thing, there are some situations where the other person holds such radically different viewpoints that discussion becomes pointless and unproductive.
Still praying here. :)
Don’t let the idiots get you down. Some people get kicks from writing outrageous things. Just hit delete and don’t let it in. Consider the source and move on.
Heather,
I don’t know why a total stranger would want to come along and try to bring you down…maybe they are just that miserable as a person that they want to spred it. I think this is an attack from the master of lies. But yet again, you are VICTORIOUS!!!!! Your answer was fantastic and maybe it reached one lost soul out there…maybe it was a seed planted and we won’t see it bloom for some time.
Heather, you are such a testimony and I know myself, I come here everyday to get “updates” on how you (and your family) are doing. Aren’t you starting chemo again this week? The devil would love for this to be a seed of doubt in your life while you are going through such a tough week. I will be praying against such things.
Hey dear Heather I have a question…when are we going to find out when Kimberly wins?
I had to get caught up on your posts because I had a busy weekend and so I started backwards.
I have already commented about that anon..
My! you have so many friends Heather and I am so glad that I am one of them!…Love Terry
Heather I have always wanted to ask if you have people post things on your blog intended with anything but love? I am saddened by a person with a heart that would want to question your family’s existence.
Anon-please allow us to show you how & why we share one anothers burden.
Galatians 6:2
Bear one another’s and so fullfill the law of Christ.
This is each of our calling. I know that you are back to read each of these comments. God has knocked on the door of your heart.
Revelation 3:20 tells us: Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me.
HE wants to speak to each and everyone of us. HE is a gentlemen, meaning he won’t force his truth on us. He gives each of us the power to hear his voice.
Heather has listened. She knows the sound of his voice. She has faith in knowing this disease she has has came through the very fingers HE created each of us with. HE knows her outcome. HE knows her dear Emma’s outcome. If you read her blog you will see that child is the poster child for MIRACLE. She was never supposed to even be born. I know that if I had her in my house, she would be my miracle.
It always hurts my heart to know that someone is living without the power that God gives each one of us. Satan can fake alot of things. He is the enemy and the thing I think makes me smile the most is that God will take the devils down and dirty stunts like this one and turn it into yet another rally for Heather. I have never met this woman. Yet I have such a burden on my heart for her. I love her as a sister I will probably never meet. We take care of each other through HIS power. God gave her this passion to write and blog. She probably never had a clue it would one day be here testimony to the world. Look at her map of visitors. Yes she has thousand of people praying for her and supporting for her. Some of them even raised money for her to go to Mayo. Wow isn’t his power wonderful that he would give each of us the gifts to further enable her through this fight for her life. God will never leave us stranded. HE won’t leaving us all alone. He may not heal us…but it does not mean HE loves us any less. We have to be observant enough to look around our lives and see where he has left us blessings.
Anon…you don’t believe this with your whole heart…otherwise you would put your name on it. It sounds like there is a lot of pain in your heart. I am sorry for that. This world can be a harsh cold place. That is why it is SO important to trust in him. I look back at the horrible mess I have been through in my life. I am old enough now that I can see where he had his hand on my life. He guided me and protected me from so many things.
we love you ANON…please hear what we have to say. We can love you just as much as we love Heather!
Heather,
I check your site often. I am sorry that someone has chosen to question you. I cannot imagine leaving the messages that anon. is leaving. You are truly an inspiration!! Praying for you!!
I didn’t take anon’s comments as attacking or he/she as the enemy— I thought his/her comments were from someone with some genuine questions.
You handled it well, Heather, now your job is to get better!!! I hope today is a great day for you..
Heather:
Anon. had very poor taste in posting that comment. The devil comes in many forms…………….I pray for you every day, by name, and when you have a good day so do I!
As I was reading your post, asking why a person would question the very source of your hope… I found myself immediately focusing on satan. Now I am not saying that anonymous is satan, but satan is crafty and uses things that are kind and comfortable (like our blogs) to discourage. I love that there was so much truth spoken over that doubt. Satan is a liar. Blessings to you sweet Heather, praying for you this morning. Praying for healing.
Have you ever heard the saying, “Crows only pick at the best fruit” ?
Your light is shining right now. He can’t put it out.
good for you..great answer…
she needs just one day feel like you do….and she will change very fast…
people like her need to feel your pain….you are so strong keep it up
go and rest
we love you
irene
Heather,
For anon to ask the question means that he/she is questioning what he/she is believing. Your honost and true faith through the most difficult of times is speaking to this person and the comment means that they are struggling to hold onto their misbelief. You have an army of warriors behind you and you have rightfully asked for their help. Here is one of my experiences where I got proof in the physical form here on earth. (even though God doesn’t have to “show” us; He is compassionate and understands our human flaws sometimes need a physical proof.)
My daugher underwent intense chemo and relapse resulting in more intense chemo when she was 13 - 14 yrs. old. The experimental treatment after her relapse was so severe she ended up with a life threatening infection (they had us call our son in because she wasn’t supposed to make it through the night several times). During this time of watching her suffer a vision of Christ on the cross came to me and I knew he was carrying her through this suffering. I also saw Mary standing at the foot of the cross with her friends and crying for her son. I knew my tears weren’t a sign of unfaithfulness but a human emotion that God was okay with. Hannah survived and I knew that she was meant to be a beacon of hope to others. (because nobody in the hospital would give us hope)
Two years later we were introduced to another girl who was in the same situation as Hannah. 14 yrs old, cancer, relapse, fungal infection, no hope. Her parents told us that seeing Hannah stand in the door was like looking at Hope. Kara died from her infection / cancer 2 months later, but I want to put what her experience at that moment was.
Shortly after everyone left Kara started to seem as though something was wrong, the DR came in and said they felt like Kara was declining quickly. Dave and I sat at her bedside all night long. At around 2:30AM we noticed a smell in the room that did not seem like anything you would smell in a hospital, I walked around the room trying to find it. I soon sat back down at Kara’s side and continued to hold her hand, she began talking and I really thought she was talking in her sleep, she said “I am not ready to go home, Oh please not tonight.†I was thinking she was referring to our home, but looking back I now believe she was speaking to Jesus and talking about her home with Him. She spoke another time during the night and said “oh no, he is not a soldier†I am now convinced she had an angel with her. On Sunday morning when the DRs came through for rounds they told us they felt that Kara’s liver and kidneys were damaged beyond repair. We sat at her bedside and continued to pray for God’s will, with the hope that He would heal her. Her nurse Mandy was in the room and Denise (her very favorite nurse, sorry girls, but Denise and Kara had such a special bond. She loved all of you, but Denise was so special to her!) had come in the room to visit. At about 12:30PM she very calmly said “I am dying†Dave and I jumped to our feet continuing to hold each of her hands she suddenly opened her eyes, raised her self and looked to the upper left corner of the room and in the clearest voice she said with such excitement “I see Jesus!†Dave and I were speechless, Denise told her to go to Him. I am at a loss for her exact words, but she said something about us and Dave and I assured her that we would be ok and that Dave, Klayton and I loved her very much and we told her how proud of her were are. She said “I love you all! And I am gonna go now!†I told her we would see her later and she closed her eyes. I only tell you these things to show the amazing faith and courage she had in her final moments, she had no fear at all! I realized after Kara was gone I smelled the same smell in her room that I had smelled during the night. My heart was breaking at the thought of life without Kara, but I KNEW she was going home to Jesus and she was having no more pain. Kara was healed, not in the way we would have choose, but we know she is healed now.
Kara’s mom and I have talked / emailed frequently since then. She also had the vision of Jesus on the cross carrying the pain and suffering for Kara as well as the vision of Mary at the foot of the cross. That was confirmation to me that Jesus was in those rooms. Hannah wasn’t going to die so Jesus didn’t make himself seen to her, but he was there, carrying her through the suffering.
Heather, God is using you too. That doesn’t mean that we get to bypass suffering. It means that you are open and willing to feel his infinate love and let it shine to the world. Those who are questioning need it most. Anon’s post isn’t a pesronal attack against you. Look at what happened; anon is reading testimony from so many more that believe in a loving God. Not a God that judges who should get sick and who shouldn’t, but a God that will carry you through ANYTHING!
Thanks for letting others share their faith. Rest easy and continue to let youself be carried.
DeeJo (Hannah’s mom)
You are confident and at peace at that disturbs some people. That’s my take, anyway. People who behave as anonymous has generally feel pretty lousy about themselves. You responded beautifully. I hope you won’t give him/her any more of your energy.
(((HUGS))) karen
Heather,
I so think that you should have your comments moderated, and have someone in your family approve/block them before you read them. This is a time to have your arms lifted up by all those who love you so. Nothing else.
Sending you love today Heather
Heather - I am a former atheist. I’m so sorry to hear about these comments on your site — as you say, even if someone did disagree with you, why bother to bring you down?
I can’t speak for your anonymous commentor, but can only offer what I know based on my experience: to be an atheist is to be in pain. It’s usually not not on the surface where it bothers you all the time, but every atheist I know (and certainly I fell into this category) lives with a certain uneasiness deep down inside, an inability to find true peace. A common coping mechanism is to embrace cynicism and, eventually, bitterness.
Your commentor is undoubtedly in a place of hurt and anger. As a person who’s been there, I hope that you and your other readers can keep this person in your prayers, and pray that he or she may one day experience the peace of Christ. I was quite happy and content as an atheist, but now that I know God, when I look back on my life it seems like a living hell in comparison. I feel so bad for others who experience that.
Anyway, I just wanted to offer those thoughts in case it’s helpful. As always, you are in my prayers!
my husband had stage 4 sinus ca. it’s been 5 years and he is fully recovered. he has kidney failure (genetic) and has been on dialysis for 2 yrs and is doing very well. now they are unsure if he can have a kidney transplant because of related heart problems.
we had one son die at 3 days old due to a non genetic heart defect (after surgery). the next year we had twins , one who required heart surg, he had a stroke after the successful surg. he has minimal affects and is doing great at 17!
satan’s lies can sap your strength when you need it the most. after everything, God’s faithfulness and blessing and endless love covers all. i can honestly say , i wouldn’t want to repeat these events, but i CAN AND DO,count it all joy. i have changed and grown so much in 17 years ( my husband also). I SINCERELY WOULDN’T CHANGE ANYTHING. we continue to thank God for holding onto us and not letting our own discouragement affect our faith. He will carry you through and pursue you if He needs to, to comfort you. hold tight to His promises. don’t be fooled He is right next to you offering His endless blessings and love.
The bottom line is our faith in God is more about the next life than this life…my life here may be filled with pain and suffering, but my life promised to me in Him makes it all a blink of an eye, and so worth it…For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all, I Corinthians 4:17.
If we allow our troubles, trials and struggles to drive us into His arms, then He will surround us with His love, either through friends and family, or through complete strangers.
When you know Christ as your Savior and God is your Father, you are never, ever truly alone. What we see with our eyes can be deceiving. It’s what God shows us through our hearts and our faith that is truth. However, as it is written:
“No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him” I Corinthians 2:9
Anonymous, I’m glad you believe in a god…but until you meet the One True God…the one Heather speaks so eloquently of…you will never know true peace. Get a Bible, and read it with an open heart and an open mind…
your response to opposition is inspiration and a perfect example. surely our God is greater than our biggest and smallest problems!
praise be Your Name Jehova Rafa for your servant Heather…
All I can say is you are doing the right thing in speaking the truth when it seems right, when the words come and focusing answers directly on the Word of God. The rest of the time, let your life speak for itself. I do believe ithat our faith matters in how we live our lives here on earth or we wouldn’t be here. You are on this earth still, and so is Emma, because the miracles of God, often denied, kept you here. You don’t have to defend that. You only have to be reassured by it as you walk minute by minute, taking care to live as much as you can and to be as compassionate as you can to those who question. You may be the one that God uses through these hard, difficult circumstances of your life right now, to shine the Light where He has never been seen before. You remain in my prayers…
You handled this so eloquently…and yes, there is a time when you just have to say when. Even if you DID have the energy and time to invest in an online debate of your faith with someone who cannot even identify themselves, I do not believe that is what God would choose you to do. Our God is not a God of strife or confusion. He is a God of peace. And forgiveness. And love. Not despite illness like cancer. But in spite of things such as cancer.
Well done, Heather. Well done.
Heather-
I have been away from your blog recently and just returned to see all of this. I am so sorry for the discouraging comment. If you get a chance, read this post of mine…
http://aplaceforme2.blogspot.com/2007/10/how-i-will-choose-to-blog.html
Satan uses all things…EVEN BLOGGING…to discourage us! Don’t let it stop you from sharing your heart here!
I am overwhelmed by your generous spirit to give more time to help others. I have been reading your blog for a while and you are amazing. The Lord has used you to bless my little life back here in Texas. Praying for you and your famiy. Sandi
Sing it sister!
I think Anonymous feels the need to try and poke holes in your faith because if he/she can cause doubt and chaos in your life, he/she can ignore (for a while) the emptiness in his/her own life. It must be lonely there.
Heather
I never get time to read others comments I just check in to see how you are doing so I know how to pray for you. I just read what you wrote about anyonmous and Heather all I can say is don’t even bother to comment to that person. What I will do is start praying for that person’s salvation because obviously they are not a believer and have no clue about the grace of God. Keep on serving the Lord as you so beautifully are.
…especially Heather… I often reminded of your post about the title you chose for your blog.
Anonymous is lingering near the light - and I am guessing they are seeing their questions about God, in you… you asked to be used and He is using you. In eternal ways, in lives of so many - more than you could ever ask or imagine. You might feel tired, dear Heather, and if I could take the difficult away, I would in a heartbeat - but God knows… and I suspect He has drawn this person to a place hope abounds.
I guess their questions are ones Christ hears everyday. Not pleasant for sure…
I am praying for you… we are all holding you up… we love you though we will never likely meet this side of Heaven… and I love how you love anonymous too, despite the uncomfortable questions and hurt - because HE loves anonymous - indeed even knows their name.
Blessings and rest today…
Heather~~ Your blog attracts a lot of people from many walks of life. I know it is frustrating to think that someone is trying to shake your faith, but in reality the person may be seeking answers to their own questions. Those of us that are saved know the Lord on a personal basis, it is hard for those that do not know Him to understand the depth of our relationshiop with Him. It is hard for the unsaved to understand how we can possibly know the God of the universe. It is also hard for them to fathom how there is only one way to Him. The Bible talks about how the eyes of the unsaved are shut to godly ways and they are not open until they are saved. I know it may sound harsh to the unsaved, but it makes perfect sense. How can anyone outside Christ really get to know Him? I would take anons post and any others like it to the throne of grace. The Lord might be drawing them unto Himself and using your blog as well as those that comment for His higher purpose.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you on a daily basis. :0)
Hi Heather,
I haven’t been here in awhile. I’ve seen just enough to know you are doing okay.
I think the reason you’ve been visited by “Anonymous” is not to bring you down, but for you to remember your hope. To renew your strength and resolve.
I know you are tired. Hang in there, Heather. You have a great reward.
Hugs,
Melinda
Heather - I attempted to comment at A Place For Ministry Wives but I was unable to post so I was hoping that she might read my comment here. I find her post at http://aplaceforme2.blogspot.com/2007/10/how-i-will-choose-to-blog.html to be so on point! As you know I do not blog but there a very few blogs I read and yours is my favorite.
I often wonder if bloggers would say the things face to face that they write on blogs, either their own or commenting on others. I practice and encourage others to never blog or post anything they would not say to someone sitting at their kitchen table. I do believe it is the work of “evil” when a person or group of people blog and/or post mean and painful things about others they have never known, met or even have internet communication with. It is beyond my understanding how, what I am sure are otherwise good, kind and caring people believe the words of another who they probably also only know from the internet to the point they criticize, make mean comments, even make threats, draw conclusions without hearing the other side and at times make no effort to even look for the truth. I wonder if they think about the pain they have caused a person whom they do not know. Proof that this is “evil” is how quickly it ignites and draws so many people in and the hurt and damage continues.
I already said I am not a blogger but if I were I would make certain I blogged in the same manner and character that I communicate and interact in the “real” world. It saddens me deeply when I hear horror stories of how people have been hurt and at times harmed by the words of others - words by people who decided to make judgements and attack others without apparently stopping to think what they are doing.
I am then lifted by your blog and the way you seek to help others through your own faith and difficult times! Then when I read the post at
A Place For Ministry Wives I am led to believe that the “good” does outweigh the “evil”. Thank you and all the other bloggers who remain kind and caring rather than judgemental! Thank you for showing me the good side of blogging.
“Don’t let the idiots get you down. Some people get kicks from writing outrageous things. Just hit delete and don’t let it in. Consider the source and move on.”
I’m not trying to start a fire here, but this kind of comment is exactly why I’m sure Anonymous took many of these comments with a grain of salt like many of you did his/her comments.
Anonymous wasn’t trying to make Heather question her faith, but rather try to understand her faith - asking questions about how she can be so understanding and accepting in the way she is. I won’t hide the fact that I’m not a Christian, but I was for nearly 20 years, so I know all the “right” answers. But - now that I’m “an idiot” (as so eloquently stated above) I can also understand why someone might ask Heather how she can trust so completely in God the way she does. That doesn’t mean Anonymous was being judgmental in anyway, just curious. But unfortunately, he/she certainly got some nasty feedback from people on here.
That’s really unfortunate, don’t you think?
I stopped by here today to see how Heather is doing. I am often lifted by her strength and raw honesty towards both her cancer and her religious faith. I was mystified by some of the deliberate and strategically placed ignorance in such a graceful arena.
“I’m not trying to start a fire here”. What? Just light the match? No, no I don’t think it is unfortunate that people got a little defensive or “nasty”. Sometimes “idot” is simply the perfect word. (from WIKIPEDIA: “Idiot” was originally created to refer to “layman, person lacking professional skill”, “person so mentally deficient as to be incapable of ordinary reasoning”.[6][7] Declining to take part in public life, such as democratic government of the polis (city state), such as the Athenian democracy, was considered dishonorable. “Idiots” were seen as having bad judgment in public and political matters. Over time, the term “idiot” shifted away from its original connotation of selfishness and came to refer to individuals with overall bad judgment–individuals who are “stupid”. In modern English usage, the terms “idiot” and “idiocy” describe an extreme folly or stupidity, its symptoms (foolish or stupid utterance or deed”).
Funny, I’m not a Christian either and I didn’t clump myself in with the “idiots”- I do believe there are idiots out there attempting to find and embrace their daily power through negativity and passive assault, a sign of personal insecurities. This would include the person who left the comment that is the topic of discussion. It doesn’t take Einstein to understand the tone and implication of the ANONYMOUS comment. It is a far reach to think/believe “rather try to understand her faith - asking questions about how she can be so understanding and accepting in the way she is… That doesn’t mean Anonymous was being judgmental in anyway, just curious” Please don’t insult the rest of us. There is nothing subtle about the comment- it is purely antagonistic. One who is compassionate, thoughtful and has even an ounce of intellectual capacity would not come to Heather’s blog and decide this is the place to encourage religious evaluation. Faith and hope comes in many packages and we all adopt some system of faith to get us through life.
Heather, while my methods and sources for hope and faith are different, every time I come here you inspire me to reach deep into the tool kit and utilize wisdom by LIVING it and not simply “preaching” it… to be hopeful, honest, compassionate and kind. Like I said earlier I am not a Christian but was raised going to Sunday School at a Reformed Christian church and later while in high school I attended a Baptist church that a woman I was baby-sitting for invited me to (because there were cute boys attending the Youth Group). Unlike most people who walk away from organized religion I have no bitter feelings or animosity towards my experiences and do not put myself on an intellectual “high horse” and talk down on any religion. My religious and intellectual understanding of the world and/or the “meaning of life” is an ongoing process- one that I will never completely or fully define- and that is simply ok with me. When I decided to take a moment to come to your blog this morning with my cup of coffee I was first impressed with your new design. Instantly (before I saw the topics) I knew what I was gong to post here since you had placed a tree in your design. After writing the above words I wondered if I should still post this link- but I have decided that it’s actually quite perfect… I think you’ll appreciate these stories.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebel1in8/166131418/in/photostream/
(click on “it just makes sense…”)
and then there’s this story…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebel1in8/26311084/
xo, Heather. Have a beautiful day EVERYONE! and keep on keepin’ on.
Heather - just a quick comment on Jacqueline’s post. She has it so right! I am so confused as to why Anonymouse or anyone, Christian or not, would ask you to question your faith at a time when you are so obviously in need of it. Anonymous can question your faith but then when others question his/her motive or intent they are then called to task. Like Jacqueline I do not have the faith and belief that you have but I work for it all the time. I am so glad that you have your faith, friends and family to see through the challenges you face and I am glad that CHOSSE to share with us when you do and I am also glad that you are tkaing care of yourself and healing. I know that you pray for all of the “anonymous” in the real world and cyberspace. I simply say they should get a life and if they need help in thier search for faith they should seek out guidance and understanding rather than question others faith. Continue to focus on oyur health and your journey and wirte when you can.