“Here he stands! The Commander! The mighty Lord of Angel Armies is on our side! The God of Jacob fights for us!
Pause in his presence”
Psalms 46:11 TPT
I woke to a pleasant voice on my phone and then a message that alarmed me and led to surprise then chills followed by a pause.
It’s almost noon and I’m numbed and lazy by the absorption of the truth of someone’s passing.
Sadly surprised.
I hear the hum of yard work in the back and front yard of the neighbor. Curious, I step outside.



Last night I looked from the window and thought how happy it made me, the limelight hydrangeas my husband decided to plant in a new place.
Twenty years married tomorrow and we have our first legitimate garden. Our granddaughter helped plant the tomatoes. The growth of zucchini has been outrageous.
I check it every day, a rectangular space near the fence.
Full of growth
And still growing.
I haven’t told my husband of the friend’s passing. They were close in a way I don’t know, seems he saw strength in him and I believe it was mutual, most likely unspoken.
Strength, yes.
Strength.
We’re not able on our own. The tiny plants become tiny tomatoes. The transplanted hydrangea dug up from my husband’s mama’s home is flourishing. The butterflies on the porch that enthrall us don’t last long.
Leave reminders though, reminders of the joy of their presence and the flutter of their wings.
A beautiful song.
“The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”
Psalm 118:14 ESV
God is with you.
Sing along.
My condolences.. seems like many have passed this year and, yes, we received strength, and welcome tbe reminders. Congrats on your upcoming anniversary!
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I’m struck by the juxtaposition of life and death all around us that you so beautifully weave together here, Lisa–almost poetically. May we each leave strength and song behind to encourage those who come behind us.
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I love the thought of leaving my strength and song wherever I go.
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