How Are You? ~ by Samantha Reed

He sent His word and healed them,

And delivered them from their destructions.
Psalm 107:20

I'd like to introduce you to my sweet friend, Samanth Reed.  The Lord blessed me serendipitously with this unexpected friendship.  While I probably could be Sam's mother (by age), she graciously sees me like as older sister in the Lord.  Connected by heartstrings, though we are distanced by miles, Sam's humor, encourgement, humility and love reach through the computer screen and touch my heart. Her writing is uniquely beautiful as she shares her heart for the Lord with tangible transparency.

Sheila, Me and Samantha (July 2011)

Samantha hails from the North… but was raised in the South. Perhaps this unique medley of accents, food and temperature inspires her to write. She muses at Fields of Gold, is a contributor to Proverbs 31 Ministries’ Daily Devotions and is working on mixing her Yankee Belle experiences in her first novel.

Welcome Samantha Reed as she dips into God's Word...

How Are  You?

How are you? I’m posed this question many times a day, but haven’t delved into the truth lately. ‘Cause truth is, there are only a few I want to be that honest with. And those I generally share the depths with are wading through extenuating circumstances. Filled to capacity, they’ve needed a place to pour out.

Cupped hands catch their words, worries, wants. Until my hands are heavy. I’m weary from taking in and not pouring myself out in return. I understand; they don’t have it to give right now. Yet, hour upon hour of listening… I’m not sure I have it to give right now either.

Irony is, my very name means “Listener.” Double irony is my life verse from 2010: “whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). But I can not take more into a soul cram-full. And I can not pour out what is not there. I’m completely full, yet totally empty.

And so I selfishly check out in the name of self-preservation; retreat into myself, away from their words weighted with pain and trouble and questions. Distance my being from all words. Until the Word beckons me with cupped hands large enough to hold my needy soul, friend’s worn circumstances, the thin world.

I pour into the Word, a beautiful dip with crevices to hold my words. “How are you?” He asks.

I’m weary, Word. I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

I feel alone, Word. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

I can’t take much more, Word. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

I pour out, He pours in. An ebb and flow more natural than the ocean’s tides. My needy soul needs His words; Him: The Word.

Over 4000 responded to this quote on Facebook, “Sometimes the girl who’s always been there for everyone else, needs someone to be there for her.” This tells me I’m not the only one looking for larger cupped hands to pour myself into. Can’t help but wonder… does this pull on a corner of your heart too?

Friend, community is God-given. But friend’s and family’s ability to be leaned on will ebb and flow. Hence our soul’s deepest need: friendship with the Lord. {Inhale deeply that delight: we’re friends with God.} Friends with the unchanging nature of the Word, Jesus. "For I the LORD do not change” (Malachi 3:6).

Will you take His cupped hand, reaching out to hold you, your cares, your friends and family members? Take His hand and take a walk through Him, the Word. Pour your truthful answers into Him and pour yourself into the fields of Scripture. Refreshment awaits. He’s asking, “How are you?”

{Hey friend… how are you? Can we create an online community here today to encourage? Please leave a comment letting us know how you are. Then leave a comment with a prayer for the person who commented before you. Thanks, friend!} ~ Samantha