This newsletter exists to spread the love of the Holy Spirit to readers each Tuesday morning.
I hope you enjoy this week’s reflection on the following scripture:
“Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8.26 (ESV)
A funny thing happened to me this week. Not a joke funny, but coincidence funny. I believe it was a wink from a loving creator.
I was entering a season of doubt because of the fatigue I am experiencing with Progressive Christians. I have been resisting the call to join a resistance in response to the oppressor.
When my hesitation and avoidance came, I began questioning my faith beliefs and my work as a Christian writer.
Despite my waffling, the Spirit interceded on my behalf when I ran into a casual, friendly acquaintance and recognized a wink from God.
I had met Elaine a handful of times, but this past weekend a deeper connection was found. I always enjoyed her company; she is thoughtful, intelligent, and has a beautiful artist’s spirit.
As our paths continue to spontaneously cross, I invited her to join my table. On the surface, we don’t have much in common. Elaine is a traditional graduate student; I have children her age.
Nonetheless, we found an inside joke when we laughed about similiar family traditions and religious upbringing. We both wear nametags at our family reunions because our families are so large we don’t remember everyone’s name!
We then bonded further when we discovered we share a health diagnosis. I am fifteen years out from diagnosis, and she is only a tender year past diagnosis.
I wrote my trauma survival story when I was newly diagnosed because there wasn’t a lot of literature about our diagnosis in 2014. My first memoir is the book that I wanted to read at the time. (Nod to Toni Morrison)
Elaine actually owns the book. That was a wild connection. I wrote it years ago, and it sells just a handful of copies each month. Somehow it landed on a friend of a friend’s bookshelf, and somehow, she and I are finding ourselves in the same space at the same time.
When the book was published, I spent about three years speaking at health conferences as part of book promotion. My mission for that book was to help one person. It sold in seven countries, and I have a photo box full of personal stories from other who share this diagnosis.
Then, I moved on. I stopped thinking about the diagnosis, took a good long break from marketing and publishing, and carried on with a day job and family life.
Then whammo, during the anniversary month of my diagnosis, — a season that is always hard on me — I was doubting my faith, distracted by current events.
These doubts of mine had me questioning my purpose as a Christian writer. I considered abandoning Substack after a 37-week streak.
Serendipitously, I am reminded that my work as a writer does reach people in a meaningful way. Not in the way I imagined, but in a Divine way where the love I put in the universe ten years ago reached a young woman in my community today.
When, we as show up and do the work, we never know where those efforts will land. Sometimes we receive a kiss from the universe letting us know the magic worked!
Words of hope and healing reached a kindred spirit.
Our lives are bound with an invisible thread. In a circle of new friends, Elaine and I shared openly the realities of living with the diagnosis, we offered hope to one another, and we were reminded that we are not alone. Health is possible.
We were real enough to talk about spiritual health. I didn’t share with her I now write about how my faith in Jesus sustains me.
But I did share my faith belief. I am alive due to the grace of God. Her connection reminded me of that.
I am winking back at her here, thanking her. This encounter validated my work as a writer. While, I remain uncertain if I need to be doing more to be a real Christian, I am inspired to continue to write interpretations of scripture.
Seasons of doubt happen for even the most steadfast believer. Nonetheless, a Divine spirit continues to lead us, comfort us, and connect us with one another.
Today’s scripture reminds us that the Holy Spirit serves as a helper and advocate for believers, particularly in moments when they feel weak or overwhelmed.
Using our gifts to share love is always the answer.
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for providing occassions when we know Your hand is at work. For today, sustain my efforts to spread love into the universe by using my unique gifts and talents. Keep my heart open. Amen.
Journal prompts:
When have you had an encounter that left you feeling kissed from the universe?
Reflect on a time or occurrence that happened to you when your faith was restored. Where were you? Who were you with? How did your body change with the restoration.
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