Long Distance Lamentation | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Long Distance Lamentation | Previous Challenge Entry
By Melinda Bozak
01/22/13
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It was well after midnight. Sleep remains elusive. Lying there in her bed, Leah is discomfited – her thoughts keep tormenting her. Thankfully, the morphine succeeds in relieving the physical pain. What it cannot do however, is stop the memories that continue to play inside her head. Stuck on replay, she is unable to erase the ‘video’ of the events that have put her in this vulnerable state. Unable to move, unable to read, unable to listen to the music that has always soothed her soul, she cries silent screams of anguish as tears stream down her cheeks. Lying confined between the rails of the hospital bed - her injuries too severe to move, Leah pleads with God. Carrying this burden alone is out of the question.

The Lord speaks to her heart, “Call somebody”.

A glance at the clock reveals the lateness of the hour. Foolishly, she tries to explain why that is not a good idea, “It’s after midnight. I just cannot do that Lord... I have burdened people enough... They need their sleep”

Persisting, He reminds Leah, “What about Pamela? She is in a different time zone. It is not too late there. Call her.”

Still looking for an excuse not to call, she remembers the difficulty she had using the new phone. “I can't figure out this stupid cell phone”, she complains. She appreciates that someone gave it to her, but the large quantities of medications make it difficult for her. She’s embarrassed that using the simple phone causes her so much anxiety.

Gently, He reminds her, “The number is saved in your phone. Make the call.”

Proverbs 27:9 (NLT) The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.

Laying her pride at the foot of the cross, Leah humbles herself and makes the call. Like a warm hug from a dear friend, Pamela's words were a blessing. They talked through all that had happened, and about how Pamela had heard the news. Her friend’s care and concern comforted Leah's tortured spirit. It proved to be just the right medicine to ease her emotional pain. As Pamela shared that 'her girls' (her prayer group), were praying for her, Leah could feel the burden begin to lift. The heavy blanket of anguish is no longer weighing down on her. As she hangs up the phone, she can sense a light covering of peace. That phone call changed everything.

Leah closes her eyes. The 'movie' is no longer playing. She drifts off to sleep, praising God for His love and mercy.

Jeremiah 31:25-26 (NLT) 25 “For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing”. 26 At this, I woke up and looked around. My sleep had been very sweet.

Sometimes arguing with the Lord seems to be our first impulse. Why, when He is our Heavenly Father? He wants what is best for us. In His infinite wisdom, He guides and directs us... and He will never fail us.

I thank You Lord, for Your endless mercies. Thank You for Your love demonstrated to us through caring friends. As I seek You, please help me to be obedient to follow. As I follow where You lead, help me to see what You have to show me. As I trust You, I thank You for leading me to a place of rest.

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