APPLAUD WOMEN MAGAZINE – Summer 2011 Issue

by Layne Case, Author/Owner, AMITY Publications

I was fortunate enough to know this woman before she became a minister.  I admired her for many reasons.  She had “something” that I wanted, not something like a car or beautiful hair or lots of money, but a calm that made me feel good in her company.  She was smart, articulate, and just a really nice person.  I had the honor of hearing her preach a few times at her little church in my neighboring town.  She still had “something” I wanted.  I felt inspired by her words, and at peace in her company.  I felt truly appreciated for who I was, not just for the music I brought to her service.  When I learned she had a stroke, I must admit, I was so sad and very confused.  After all, she was doing such “good”.  Why her?  When I wrote this poem for her, my soul was calmed in the midst of this difficult time.  And, through her challenge, she helped to strengthen my faith.  I will always be grateful.

Hebrews 11:1-3 Faith

What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead. By faith, by believing God, we know that the world and the stars, in fact, all things were made at God’s command; and then they were all made from things that can’t be seen.

To a friend, a minister, after suffering a stroke…

FAITH

Where does faith come from?

Is it a result of some tragedy in our life?

Is it recognized when our prayers are answered?

Is it a word that, by definition, says no proof is needed to believe?

Or do we only think in terms of how God teaches us by faith.

Confidence, Loyalty, Reliance, Fidelity

Yes, all words that help us understand the meaning of faith.

Yet, Faith is more than words.

It’s that feeling of peace when crisis hits.

It’s that feeling of love when you lose someone.

It’s that feeling of hope that, no matter what, we must endure.

We know, by faith, things will work out.

So much to do…so little time…so many obstacles.

But by faith, all things are possible.