I just can’t stop thinking about Edie. As most of you may know by now, her family lost their home to a fire last week just before Christmas. They are all safe, even the dog. But their house and everything in it is gone. My sister posted a beautiful tribute to Edie’s home and family – and as I watched, the tears came immediately. I know so many of you feel the same way.
And we all want to do something to help, to offer a hand, to be shoulders and arms of support – the body of Christ at work. But there are other things I think of, things of the heart and the psyche. What is it to lose the place where your family felt most safe? How do you shake the violation that may be trying to insert himself, now that the immediate danger has passed? What do you do with the temptation to believe that perhaps there is no place safe in the world?
Edie didn’t ask to be a role model and I’m sure she wouldn’t have chosen this way to show her faith – but she is. And she is. She believes, even though. She has faith, even though. And I’m certain when she named her blog, she knew not the impact her Life in Grace would truly have.
And so I keep thinking about Edie. I’m praying for her family, not just for them to be able to replace their beautiful things in the coming months, but to be surrounded with a supernatural sense of protection, of safety, of love, and of grace. May the Lord wrap them up with arms of Peace and Redemption. May Fear run wimpy and small to the hills and Joy pick up her bright pink skirts and twirl around in their midst.
I can’t stop thinking of her either. Your prayer for her is beautiful. I am in agreement. Amen.
Southern Gal´s last [type] ..Snow in the South- Part 1
oh, I didn’t know , Emily.
I’ve visited her space through Patty….
oh . I am stunned.
deb @ talk at the table´s last [type] ..grateful – the after – the still
Your beautiful words pay wonderful tribute to your friends.
Kim´s last [type] ..Checking in
I am so sorry this person lost their home. I had not heard anything nor do I know this person, but I can’t imagine losing everything. I’ll have to check out Life of Grace.
Nikole Hahn´s last [type] ..The Worst Kind of Tyranny
Beautiful post … I’ve been thinking about and praying for them, too. Your words are beautiful … I love “May Fear run wimpy and small to the hills and Joy pick up her bright pink skirts and twirl around in their midst.” What a gorgeous string of words.
absolutely perfectly written from your heart.
i am sure she had no idea when she named her blog that she would be given such an opportunity to live out all that she believes.
i keep sighing long, deep sighs….and with every single one…a prayer is prayed …uttered to the Lord who hears and opens his arms wide to hold them and comfort them and bring peace and safety and love.
“May Fear run wimpy and small to the hills and Joy pick up her bright pink skirts and twirl around in their midst.” love this language. praying for edie.
kendal´s last [type] ..i have come that
Oh yes. You said this so well. I keep carrying her around in my heart only now, I will picture her in twirling pink skirts of Joy.
Flower Patch Farmgirl´s last [type] ..He Likes To Rock and Roll All Night and Part of Every Day
Love this post. You are so right about the safety and security. That is a perfect thing to pray for. I have been involved when people have lost everything around them, it is always a hard place to be, even when you remember that it is only things, it is still a lose. I will also keep them in my heart and prayers.
pattyann´s last [type] ..Christmas Weekend
I’m sure your words are a giant comfort to Edie, sweet Emily. I’m praying these same words for her family right now…
I feel as the others do….I can’t quit thinking about her either. I requested pray for her in a blog post and posted it on FB. It has to be so overwhelming for her and her family. We are all here praying for her and supporting her.
Melanie´s last [type] ..I woke up this morning and thought I was in Cincinnati!
Emily, I posted about her today too…it took me a few days to find the words. You have said it more beautifully than I ever could, but we all feel the same and yet kind of helpless. I know she is being lifted up by the prayers and kind words of her dear friends. Thanks for this post, loved it.
Love this post & the last sentence is amazing! I haven’t followed Edie’s blog, but have been praying for her family since I read the Nester’s post. And I will continue praying just as you have said, for God’s peace, security, protection, provision & love to envelop them!
Melanie H.´s last [type] ..Dreams can come true
Ah yes… ~tears~ through the Nester’s whole video.
My favorite song.
And Edie’s putting flesh on it.
Gratitude anyways.
Thank you.
For how well you love and live and give, Emily — you and your sister.
And beautiful Edie.
All really is grace… Gratitude for all this crazy, wild grace…
Ann
Ann Voskamp@Holy Experience´s last [type] ..Open the Door Anyway Updated- now Hi Res printables
A friend of ours just lost her home to a fire on Christmas Eve. My sister was in the house at the time, and together, they were able to get the children and the pets out of the home.
I will be forwarding this post to her, Emily.
God bless you, and thank you for the way you shine God’s truth like a spotlight onto a despairing situation!
Love,
Jennifer Dukes Lee
You are right in that there is temptation to believe there is no safe place in the world. My hubby and I felt that exact same way when we and our friends were robbed at gunpoint and a bunch of our stuff stolen. The Lord showed me that there is no safe place in this world. He is the only safe place we can cling to. He is our safety.
Amen!
Laryssa@Heaven In The Home´s last [type] ..Who was I Part 1
Amen Emily, that was beautiful. Just Amen.
A tragedy and a miracle at the same time for Edie and her family. It is a reminder of how much God cares for them and each of us. As I read her post this morning, I marveled at God’s provision for Caiti to be upstairs to rescue her younger sisters. And the safety of all the family that could have so easily had a different ending. Emily, it was gratifying to read your words and others who are rallying around this family with both prayer and care for their physical needs.
Linda´s last [type] ..Loot or Gift
A beautiful prayer, and one that only the ONE TRUE GOD could answer…and I wait with you to see Him do it…
Shilo´s last [type] ..My Beautiful Family
Emily is there anything that people are doing to help out? Anywhere we can contribute or assist in some way?
I heard about Edie & can relate to her loss. A very close family friend of ours lost her home to a fire on the 23rd, just 2 days shy of Christmas & she lost her 5 & 7 year old sons as well as her 18 year old live in nanny. She barely escaped with her own life & the unborn child she nearly lost in the hospital from premature contractions from the stress of it all. As you can imagine, she’s beside her self with grief since she’s lost everything, including her home. Its times like these when it’s so hard to come up with the proper words to help someone through their grief & I almost feel guilty for being appreciative of my blessings & feeling grateful to the Lord for his protection & providence. My prayers are with Edie & her loved ones…
Oh no! So glad they are safe though.
While losing everything one owns is terrible, they are so blessed to have not lost each other. My cousin’s elderly neighbor died in a house fire alone 2 weeks before Christmas. Very sad.
Will be praying for Edie!
Bernice
Living the Balanced Life´s last [type] ..The year 2010- what didn’t work
Well said and so true.
Edie is one special woman of faith.
beautiful~
I agree with you, Emily. I am praying the same for Edie and her family.
Amanda asweetliferocks´s last [type] ..Old Treasures Made New
Bless you & your sister& Meliss/InspiredRoom (and more I am sure) for offering up Edie&her family for prayer &hope&all good things to replace their devastation. Edie sounds like she will blast thru this with the power of faith&grace that can’t be copied or faked,but your mental picture of “Joy” twirling into their lives must surely *bring* joy at this horrible time in their lives. It sure gives me hope & Joy. I need a twirly pink skirt to hang in an obvious place to remind me daily of your words&that powerful picture!
-s-
. . . in twirly pink skirt with cowgirl boots.
Loved your prayer!
What a lovely tribute to an amazing woman!
Polly´s last [type] ..Pajamamama and her cubs
edie’s story has touched my heart, and this is such a wonderful tribute. these lines especially grabbed my attention: “May Fear run wimpy and small to the hills and Joy pick up her bright pink skirts and twirl around in their midst.” just perfect. let’s all invite joy to come and stay a while.
annie´s last [type] ..for edie
I know this is an old post, but I had to come back to tell you how much I have appreciated it. Those last two lines are some of the most beautiful words I’ve read. Twice now, I have quoted them for friends who are dealing with extremely difficult issues. Thanks, once again, for sharing your gift of words.