My thoughts bounce like ping-pong balls in my head or else my mind goes blank and doesn’t remember what I was going to do next.
My heart hurts. Not only because we lost a loved one. Also because someone judged and condemned him. Someone who has judged me in the past. So painful memories are triggered, memories of being judged and condemned by many, even those who I thought were my friends.
Have you ever been wrongfully judged and condemned by people? I’m so, so sorry. My heart hurts for you.
There is Someone infinitely greater who hurts for us far deeper than anyone ever can. So much that we cannot even fathom it. Jesus cries when we cry. He knows and cares so deeply and strongly. He never condemns us. He is all about LOVE and GRACE. Unhurting. Unending. Unfailing.
“How priceless is
Your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in
the shadow of Your wings.”
Psalm 36:7 NIV
“So now there is no condemnation
for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1 NLT
“The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.”
Psalm 9:9 NLT
“I am leaving you with a gift
— peace of mind and heart!
And the peace I give isn’t fragile
like the peace the world gives.
So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27 TLB
“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”
by Helen Steiner Rice
“Whenever I am lonely and lost in deep despair,
I bundle all my troubles up and go to God in prayer.
I tell him I am heartsick and lost and lonely too,
that my mind is deeply burdened and I don’t know what to do.
But I know He stilled the tempest and calmed the angry sea,
so I humbly ask if in His love He’ll do the same for me.
And then I just keep quiet, and think only thoughts of peace,
and if I abide in stillness, my restless murmurings cease.”
“Healing Is In Your Hands”
by Christy Nockels
could keep us from Your love
No sickness, no secret, no chain is strong enough
to keep us from Your love
to keep us from Your love
No matter where I am, healing is in Your hands
How deep, How strong,
And now by Your grace I stand, healing is in Your hands…”
Freed to Fly 
“And then I just keep quiet, and think only thoughts of peace,
and if I abide in stillness, my restless murmurings cease.” Such a beautiful line from that poem! Thank you for introducing this poem to me, Trudy! And, yes, God is love and grace, and His love and grace is in our world even when people do the exact opposite. May you see His love and grace in abundance today!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that line, too, Lynn. Sometimes my mind refuses to just keep quiet, but God does give grace. And how true that God’s love and grace is in our world even when people do the exact opposite, ourselves included. Thank you for this needed reminder. Sometimes when we feel overwhelmed by “the exact opposite” in this world, we tend to forget. At least, I do… May our eyes and hearts open widely to the evidence of His love and grace everywhere!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My heart breaks for you, Trudy, that someone would malign a person you loved, and stir old, unwanted memories. Thank you for the all-important reminder that Jesus never condemns us, and loves us without measure. May He give you all the comfort and peace you need, my friend.
Blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your love and caring, Martha. Blessings to you, too! You are blessing me with my books. 🙂 I still comforts me when I picture Grey racing down the aisle and knocking down the preacher who was all fire and brimstone and whispering to him that it’s all about love and grace. 🙂 Yes! It’s so amazing that Jesus never hurts or scares us with condemnation but instead nurtures us with His unconditional love and free grace. May we truly embrace that truth each moment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Trudy, the chapter you referred to here is one of my favorites in the whole series. The theme of love and grace weaves through all of the books. So glad you are enjoying them! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I love that you weave in love and grace, Martha. 🙂 ❤️🌈😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh dear Trudy, I am so sorry for this new heartbreak, that stirred up old heartbreaks! I had a similar memory this week, one in which I was surprised by the hurt that was still felt so deeply. But oh how precious is the peace that Jesus brings in our pain. Helen Steiner Rice was one of my Mom’s favorites, and it so sweet to read her words here again. There is just no explaining Christ’s peace is there? He sits with us in those places of judgement, and covers us with such mercy! I love these precious thoughts of yours: “He never condemns us. He is all about LOVE and GRACE. Unhurting. Unending. Unfailing.” Thank you for sharing your open heart and sweet encouragement with us here. Love and hugs to you my Dear Friend. xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you’re encouraged, Bettie. Love and hugs to you, too! I’m so sorry for your deep hurt. Yes, the peace of Jesus in our pain is precious! I love the picture you give of how Jesus sits with us in those places of judgment and covers us with His mercy. Thank you for this encouragement! When the pain hits us, whether physically or emotionally, may we remember He is sitting with us covering us with His mercy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Trudy, I am so sorry for your hurt and that your loved one being judged triggered those painful memories. I love those verses you shared and the reminder that there is no condemnation with God – that we can go to him for refuge and find peace in him even in difficult circumstances. Praying for peace and healing for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kindness and prayer, Lesley. Yes, what would we do without our Refuge in times of trouble? I’m so grateful He loves us so unconditionally! When painful memories trigger, may our first thought be to flee to Him!
LikeLiked by 1 person
i’m sorry for this welcome intrusion into your grief, the unbidden memories returning.
i’m not one to lob Scripture at people as they grieve, but one verse that has repeatedly helped me regain a right perspective is 2 Corinthians 5:9 – ‘we make it our goal to please Him.’
short, sweet, powerful, recalibrating.
praying for you right now, lovely friend …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your prayers, Linda. Also for the verse. It reminds me of Psalm 19:14 which has often been my prayer, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart always be pleasing to You, O Lord!” May our goal always be to please Him and may our losses and struggles make us better, not bitter!
LikeLike
I’m so sorry that people feel they can judge one another 😦 As the saying goes…”Until you walk a thousand miles in another shoes…” Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about… Kindness, instead of judgement, SHOULD prevail! I’m sorry, too, for the painful memories that were triggered but am glad you took the time to write about this. I believe it is the first step in healing! HUGS to you, Trudy!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so with you, Jennifer. Thank you for caring and understanding. “Kindness, instead of judgement, SHOULD prevail!” HUGS to you, too! It was so hard to write this, and I almost deleted some, but I felt God’s nudge to write it even though it made me feel vulnerable and I was so afraid that I was judging the other person by writing it. But it was true and authentic, and I know I wasn’t saying I was better than him. Judgement lies in my heart, too. 😦 But I also know God wants me to be more authentic. As you say, everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about. Perhaps sharing more of my story will help someone to feel less alone. May we be so full of the love of Jesus that love and kindness will flow out to every person and animal He has created!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Trudy, I am truly sorry for your loss. And for the judging that has happened.It’s wrong at any time, but especially in a time of grieving. I’m thankful our Lord is with us always. That He cries when we do, that He rejoices when we do, that He knows all that we’re going through, and walks through it with us.
I’m praying for you and your family, sweet friend. And sending love and virtual hugs your way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your caring understanding and your prayers, Jeanne. Sending love and hugs your way, too! Yes, it truly is a comfort that God knows all we’re going through and walks us through it. I’m so grateful He has healed me as much as He has, so that I can more clearly see how faithful He is. I am awed that He never condemns us, even when people do. He is such a safe Refuge, isn’t He? May we fully embrace the deep, cherishing love of Jesus!
LikeLike
Oh Trudy … I’m so sorry for your loss and the additional hurt you experienced because of all the painful memories that were triggered. Thank you for sharing the comfort of God’s unconditional love and matchless grace … I appreciate that you pushed through all that and used this experience to write these helpful, healing words. Hugs, friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lois. Hugs to you, too! It’s God’s unconditional love and matchless grace that keep us going, isn’t it? I love how He helps us to push through pain to find hope and comfort in Him. In all our troubles, may our first instinct be to lean into Jesus and His love!
LikeLike
Oh how precious is the gift of “peace of mind and heart” we receive from God, especially when we are wounded and hurting. May that perfect peace, which passes all human understanding, strengthen and bring you calm and heart’s ease as you grieve and mourn this fresh soul wound so carelessly and thoughtlessly inflicted on you. Trudy, thank you for having the faith and courage to share your pain here so we can love on you and lift you up in prayer. It’s always hard to lay bare our vulnerable souls to others, but it’s a good place to start to begin to heal ourselves. Love and hugs to you, dear friend. xo ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your love and your prayer for that peace that passes all human understanding, Joy. May that peace infuse your heart, too! Yes, though it is difficult to lay bare our vulnerable souls, it is the way to deeper healing. I pray it may also help others to feel less alone and have courage to share their painful stories. Love and hugs to you, too! May we open our hearts and allow Jesus to heal us ever more deeply!
LikeLiked by 1 person
God is always full of love and grace. He never hurts, condemns, or makes you feel less than. My heart hurts that you or anyone has ever felt that way. Praying for all who have been condemned and especially you. Sending you much love!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your reassuring words and prayer, Mary. My heart hurts, too, for anyone who is condemned or made to feel less than. So often I have to remind myself of Romans 8:1 – “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” May we be so filled with the love and grace of Jesus that it will flow out of us towards others!
LikeLike
I’m so sorry for your loss and for the stirring up of old hurt. I’ve had to face the sting of betrayal again recently, too. I write much about how to handle betrayal – and I’ve really had to go through the process of healing all over again. It hurts … But the healing the comes as we walk with the One who loves us and as you said, hurts for us far deeper than anyone ever can. There is comfort in that – and hope ♥
Beautiful song by Christy Nockels!
Love,
Lori
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lori. I’m so sorry you had to face that sting of betrayal again recently. Yes, we really do have to go through the process of healing all over again. May we keep leaning into Jesus who loves us so deeply and knows more than anyone what betrayal feels like!
LikeLike