A belated gift from me to you

Column Post by Aj Luck

It’s the day after Christmas. How are you feeling?

Did you sing songs of Peace on Earth, yet struggle with Peace inside your heart?

Did you sit at king-sized feasts surrounded by family and friends, or simply struggle to put food on your own table?

Maybe you found yourself alone, against your will, with a bitter and broken heart. No matter how hard you tried, you simply did not feel like celebrating this year.

Maybe you have had a really rough year and Christmas just didn’t even make it to your home this year, let alone your heart.

Maybe your tree is filled with opened gifts underneath, yet you still find yourself wanting what you cannot have.

I know Christmas is technically over. But would you mind if I shared a gift with you—even if it is a day late?

When I am hurting, stressed out, tired, inadequate, or simply mentally drained, I find my journal and my pen and I write a letter to my Creator. He is my secret-keeper, my healer, the one who knows me better than I know myself.

I pray on paper.

There is power in prayer- yes, even if it is written out.

Would you mind if I prayed for you today?

“Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you so much for the time of celebration you’ve granted us this week. I know it’s really a birthday party for you, and that without you being born into this world, we would never have the gift of calling on you as Savior and friend. In the frenzy of preparation and celebration, my heart has been a little heavy. Some great things have happened this year, but there has also been a lot of tragedy. God, there are many people who are lonely, hurting, and battling fears in ways I could never imagine.

Yet I know you are there with them. They have lost
loved ones
children
jobs
homes
income
security
health
and more.

In the middle of the dark places, Father, I know you are there. I pray that you would send
healing
comfort
security
peace
provision
rest
and more to everyone who is hurting, lonely, lost, broken, and needing assurance from you. You are their creator. You know them each by name. I pray that you would wrap your arms around them and hold them tight. Allow them to release their hurt and cling to you. Please reveal yourself in greater measure, strengthening them with each step they take.

And finally Lord Jesus, if they don’t know you, could you gently reveal yourself to them? Meet them where they are, and pour out your presence upon them. Please Lord, it sure would mean a lot to me. In your precious name I pray.

Amen”

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 NLT

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Aj is a blogger, bookworm, wife and mommy, and an author of children’s books, spiritual thrillers, and inspirational works. Aj’s blog, Shattered Perspectives, is dedicated to encouraging and helping women who have suffered and/or are struggling with abuse. In her spare time Aj can be found nursing cold Diet Cokes and searching for awesome bargains in nearby thrift stores. She resides in Florida with her husband, son, two dogs and the biggest diva of a Siamese cat ever, and can be reached by email at aj@shatteredperspectives.com. For media requests pertaining to Write Where It Hurts, please contact Aj at info@WriteWhereItHurts.org.

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