In the past several days, I’ve watched most of the Harry Potter movies. Partly because of all the hubbub surrounding the most recent release, and partly because that’s what I do when left to my own devices.
Without deadlines looming and discipline enforced, I essentially turn into my cat, who seems to find no problem with lying on the same pillow for 22 hours straight. Particularly when I’m worried, anxious or otherwise distressed, I tend to lounge and laze, reading romance novels, watching Will & Grace marathons and neglecting basic hygiene (i.e. showering before dinnertime).
While watching the fifth movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, I couldn’t help but be struck once again by these words:
“If I were You-Know-Who, I’d want you to feel cut off from everyone else.
Because if it’s just you alone you’re not as much of a threat.”
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Last week I was scared. Something was going on in my family, and while I didn’t know what it was yet, I was certain it was bad. Layered just underneath a persistent feeling of dread was the fact that I detest anticipation and much as I say I’d like to be on the receiving end of a surprise party, I really am not fond of surprises in general.
My circumstances required that I simply wait and see. In addition to my lack of interest in all things unexpected, I also have failed to acquire a good handle on patience. And if all that weren’t enough, I am a fixer. I like to fix things. And even before news was announced and bombshells were dropped, I recognized that this situation was one I could not, in the slightest, fix.
It didn’t take long for me to get wrapped up in a big ball of crazy.
So I did the only thing I knew to do: I called for help.
With a few clicks of the computer keys, I had asked several friends to pray. They didn’t ask for details, they didn’t question my anxiety, they didn’t hesitate to reply.
Of course I’ll pray.
Yes, whatever we can do.
I’m lifting up your family right now.
As the next hours both flew and crawled, there were moments when I barely kept the panic at bay. But every time I felt the fluttering inside me gathering strength, a thought would appear – and calm me.
I thought, “I’ve rallied my troops.”
Maybe it’s my need to take action, to fix, to help. Perhaps it’s lingering strains of “Onward, Christian Soldiers” floating through my memory. But knowing that my people were praying on my behalf was an immense comfort and relief.
And when the time came for resolution, I was thankful all over again. I’m not saying I felt any supernatural hugs or anything. But the way my situation played out, in the moment, in my heart, was different because of those prayers. I believe that. And I’m so grateful for that.
Do you have troops you can rally? In times of crisis, who do you call on for help?
Mary, so thankful for the privilege of praying for you during this time. Love you dearly!
Awww! Love you, too, friend!
This is a lovely post and I am so very glad that you felt the love and support of your peeps! I can relate so much to this… When my second child was born four months early, we simply couldn’t really keep in touch with everyone, all the time. But I would post quick updates on our CaringBridge site and, within hours, I would receive notes that people were praying for her, all over the nation. All different denominations, all different states, all lifting our precious baby girl up in prayer. And I could FEEL it. I know, without a doubt, that it helped carry me through those dark days.
That’s so awesome, JessieLeigh! What a blessing to have those prayers covering you from every corner!
Living in a brand-new city with a new pregnancy and some financial crises, I have definitely relied on my online girlfriends for comfort, prayer, and support. I’m so glad to have my sisterchicks and other troops to rally!
A true blessing, isn’t it? Thank God for the internet! :)
I’m just thankful that, via the amazingness of social media, I now can claim some troops of my own! What a privilege to belong to a community.
A privilege, indeed! And isn’t it amazing – and fun – that even in this online community, we can be the kind of friends who, oh I don’t know, pretend not to notice the other’s children behaving less-than-awesomely?! :)
I’m all about rallying the troops. I’m so sorry you’ve had such anxiety and hope all worked out okay. I definitely agree that we can’t go about this life alone, and the same is true of our spiritual walk.
((hug))
So true. And really, I’m thankful we’re designed to live in community!
My family just received awful news. I have awesome troops that I can rally, but man I’m almost tired of having to do it so much! You’ll definitely be on my prayer list.
Aww, Bec, I’m so sorry to hear that. You have already had a rough year! I know what you mean about feeling bad or being tired of asking people to pray. I’ve had times like that, too. In my experience, people are always happy to pray, though. Sending up a prayer for you and your family…
You ladies are a gift in my life. So much more than I can even describe. And the fact that we only see each other in real life like once a year is just incredible. But that Skype room is the FIRST place I would go in a crisis.
Look at you, getting all sentimental! :)
This sums me up perfectly. I am exactly the same in that when I feel distressed I just like to relax and imagine and that I can sense when things are wrong and I’m definitely a fixer! Would love to pray for you whenever you need it. Blessings to you and your ministry.
Thank you, Gillian!
LOVE YOU, Mary! You know, God put us together. He planned us to be friends & encouragers! So thankful for you. And you know I’m always praying. :)
Hey, where’s the button to LIKE this comment? :) Love you, too!
I have! They are truly amazing warriors. It gives me such peace to know that they are praying.
Oh, Mary…. this is beautiful. OF COURSE I love that you quoted HP (btw, I started blogging after the fifth book and that’s where I got the name “Pensieve” for it….), but your analogy is perfect. Knowing there are others at any given time of the day praying for you? A divine gift.
Wonderfully expressed :).