While I worked last week, I sat with my journal open to this page. It takes a bit more effort to let anxiety rule with all her crazy haste when I have this staring me down.
I’ve been thinking about peace a lot lately, about what it is and what it isn’t. I love what my sweet friend Holley Gerth says about the peace she received after her battle through infertility.
It’s not the pansy, pie-in-the-sky, life-is-perfect peace. No, this is the kind of peace that comes after war. It’s the hard-won, show-you-my-scars, didn’t-think-I’d-live-to-tell-about-it, peace. It’s not gentle—it’s wild, fierce, and I’m not giving it up, not ever, because I paid too high a price to get it.
That’s the kind of peace that sinks down deep into your bones. Sometimes I think I’ve experienced this Jesus peace, but other times I wonder if I’ve stayed too safe in life to even recognize my need for it. I love Holley for so many reasons, but I especially love her for putting this one into words.
**Holley is the co-founder of (in)courage and the author of a lovely devotional, Rain on Me. If you would like to read Holley’s words on a regular basis, visit her blog.
Thank you for reprinting Holley’s words. So much truth in them. Hard won peace is worth every second of the battle to get it.
.-= Southern Gal´s last blog ..Boys and Bikes =-.
I’ve wondered the same thing, too.
You and Holley both beautifully state what often floats easily on my heart but not so easily in my thoughts and words. Thank you for this.
.-= Kristen-Moms Sharpening Moms´s last blog ..The Most Important Facts of Life =-.
OMGosh! you have just expressed what i feel on a regular basis. i even had “a safe life is a wasted life” tattooed on my foot to remind me that our Jesus did NOT live a safe life and i shouldn’t either. thank you for saying what i’m feeling…
after reading her post, i can totally see how you all are friends. speaking of friends, can’t wait to see you tomorrow!!!
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..May Song & Sterling Silver Sale! =-.
Amen!!! Thank you so much for sharing this Emily!!! I have been through those trials myself that end with the most incredible peace!!! And have the experience of that amazing peace while going through those hard times as well. And the thing that is most incredible to me is the joy that comes with it!!! The joy that only God can give us! Isn’t He awesome?!!!
.-= Mary Joy@Snapshots from my Heart & Home´s last blog ..Overcome with Joy!!! =-.
i was just thinking of the peace that comes from the Lord the other day and I was wondering how I would describe it…this quote from your friend is wonderful. thanks for sharing it! also, thanks for stopping by my blog the other day. it’s always encouraging to hear someone else has been there too.
.-= Julia´s last blog .. =-.
Dropped in from Emily’s “Chatting” post. Your words speak truth and encouragement. Thank you.
.-= Lara´s last blog ..Secret Windows =-.
oops. something happened in my crazy computer abilities and…I thought i was commenting on your friend’s blog post. thanks for the words, emily. you continue to bless me.
.-= Lara´s last blog ..Secret Windows =-.
Perfectly described. I think I might finally have that Peace myself. Thank you Lord, even for the trials, when the purpose of the trials is a better closeness with You. If *we* are willing to allow that to be the result…
The essence of redemption is that when we experience it, we get to see that eternity is in our hearts. That brings the true peace you and your lovely friend, Holly are talking about here.
I learned this from Beth Moore recently: The word shekinah means full glory-to display a manifestation of the glory of God. The shekinah in us after trials means that He settled and dwelled in us, and sat us down on a mercy seat and gave us a revelation.
And when that has happened in my life, it feels like a long sigh of peace in the recognition of it, in the bigness and safety of his glory.
I’m rambling. Loved this post.
~Heather
.-= Heather of the EO´s last blog ..Ruby Red =-.
Peace, makes me go ahhhhhhhhhh. I love peace and I strive for peace. In my home, my life and my family. I think it’s because for many years I struggled with worry and anxiety.
I’ve read Holley on (in)courage, I’m headed over to check out her blog now.
.-= Tracey´s last blog ..Slipcovered Ottoman–Takes 4 years To Make =-.
I love Holley and I love that quote from her, she nailed it on the head–thanks for posting it! And, I just read that verse from Colossians this morning… praying for a day filled with Peace for you, emily.
.-= dawn´s last blog ..remembering Sadie =-.
i love that peace that Jesus brings…it is wild and fierce, and it really does come after a war.
I never want to enter into war, but would never change what I understand about Him, or what I discover within me on the otherside.
You are giving me peace today. Love Holley’s words…and yours, too!
.-= Michelle @ Graceful´s last blog ..Abiding =-.
beautiful emily! love this definition of peace … i’ve been fortunate to be in crazy low-valleys … only to surface and find this exact kind of peace … isn’t that a blessing?
Peace to you. And thanks for those great reads you posted last time. I’m going to think hard on the yearly retreat idea. My soul could use it. Sometimes it just takes someone else doing it to give you permission.
.-= The Scooper´s last blog ..Crazy Nest =-.
Peace is good…especially when it comes from the Lord!!!!
Blessings to you!!!
.-= The Candle Keeper´s last blog ..Happy Life and Good days =-.
I am telling you that your handwriting is like the most perfect font
I love this post. And love that quote by Holley so much that I went out and bought the book yesterday for my sister for mother’s day! (hope she shares with me)
I hope you have a wonderful mother’s day!
.-= Angela´s last blog ..That was then. =-.
I’ve come back to this post time and again. Peace. One never wants to let go once they have it. But I have to ask for it again and again and again. And again! I’m so thankful He never tires of hearing me and that I never tire of needing Him.