Friday, January 8, 2016

First: Five Minute Friday

Kate Motaung is our leader for Five Minute Friday. Here's this week's link!




"FIRST"
Go!
I missed the FMF party last night. And for the FIRST time in a year, I wasn't sure if I'd participate in the linkup. Not due to anything related to the writing. I enjoy it and the community!

It's because for the FIRST time in a long time, I was in a broken, broken place. And I wasn't even the reason I was there. It was somebody else. It was their story and there was more to it every day and I didn't think my heart could break any more than it had, until I'd get the next piece.

It was the FIRST thing that I dealt with this week after a long break from responsibility. I was all poised to write something super spiritual about my Oneword365 being "Humble" and the last being FIRST and putting yourself last so that God would raise you up to FIRST place in His kingdom.

But I couldn't. It's not that I'm defeated. Nor is the person. No, but this is the FIRST time in my life where I have seen so much evil in one small amount of time and there is a mark on this person. It's God's mark, but the enemy's target has the mark in his crosshairs.

So, I'm praying. I'm emotional. I'm exhausted, but God? He is the FIRST and the Last. The ALPHA and the Omega. The BEGINNING and the End. Our stories, the middle is the messiest, but the sorrow highlights the joy. The sunset and the cold dark night always give way to the light.

And I know that GOD will take everything and redeem it. He took me to Psalm 25:4-5 last night. I am the FIRST child in my family and a college graduation gift had that inscription.

Show me the right path, O Lord;
    point out the road for me to follow.
 Lead me by your truth and teach me,
    for you are the God who saves me.
    All day long I put my hope in you.  (Psalm 25:4-5 NLT)




And then, I kept reading.
There was my word, "humble" in the middle of it.

Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,
    which you have shown from long ages past.
Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
    Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
    for you are merciful, O Lord.

The Lord is good and does what is right;
    he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
He leads the humble in doing right,
    teaching them his way.
10 The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness
    all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. (Psalm 25:6-10 NLT)

So, if I remember to keep God FIRST above all that happens, I will be okay. And so will you.
~Tammy

12 comments:

  1. Humble is such a great one word. Mine is embrace. I'm sorry that you are exhausted, emotional, etc. I'd love yo sit with you over coffee and simply let you talk. The muddle and mess of the ordinary as Bryan Doyle calls life. I've missed you friend. I'm over in the #6 spot this week.

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    1. Tara,
      Thank you. I feel your embrace through every thoughtful word. What a BEAUTIFUL word for you this year! :)
      I miss you too.
      I'll try to read and comment before the weekend is over.
      Love,
      Tammy

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  2. Tammy, sweet girl, I'm sorry about this situation but I'm glad the person has you - praying for God's good acceptable and perfect will in all of it. (((xo)))

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    1. Susan,
      thank you so much. You are a light and an encouragement. Part of what helps us all is that we post when we're weak and we post when we're strong. The strong weeks, we lift up the ones having weak weeks. And vice versa.
      That was fun to write. :)
      Love you!!
      ~Tammy

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  3. Tammy, I'm so glad you pressed through the ache and wrote anyway. I pray that the process itself was therapeutic and brought some relief. Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly. We appreciate you!

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    1. Kate,
      thank you. God led me through the day today. I definitely felt the prayers. I was able to be gracious and grace-filled and had you told me yesterday, I would have denied the ability. He is a good, good Father!
      Love,
      Tammy

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  4. Tammy, my heart breaks for you. I'm so glad you wrote, but shattered that something has shattered you.

    You're my friend, Tammy, and if I may say so...I love you. My prayers are holding you close tonight.

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    1. Thanks, Andrew.
      You are a dear friend.
      I appreciate your prayers.
      It's just difficult to see people go through pain-especially innocent people. God is leading us all through pain. You are no exception.

      Blessings, friend.
      ~Tammy

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  5. Tammy, I'm sorry it's been so hard and painful. Praying for you and the person you are supporting. I'm sure you are a massive blessing to them but I know how tough it can be to listen to others' pain.
    I love your reminder that God is the beginning and the end and that all the messy stuff is only the middle and not how the story ends. Praying that you know his comfort today.

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    1. Carly,
      thank you. I can really feel a difference from all of you praying. Thank you from the depths of my heart! :)
      I am so thankful for the friendships that have been forged in the weekly FMF community. We are able to lift each other up when we need to.
      Love,
      Tammy

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  6. I'm so glad you decided to write. Being broken and walking with someone in the trenches is very much putting His kingdom first as you connect with God as your source. May God give you grace and strength as you continue to follow His lead.
    You are right, you will be okay.
    I'm glad to have "met" you through FMF. Thanks for Realing.

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    1. Cheryl,
      thank you for your kind response. I am so glad you came over to visit me too. :) That is one of the joys of writing regularly in this group!
      Love,
      Tammy

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