Hope.
It’s a word that’s been popping up around me lately like so much hyacinth in spring. “Hope against hope”…”I’m about to give up hope”…”All we can do is hope”…”It’s my last hope”…”The Audacity of Hope”…and on and on.
As I’ve mentioned before, God tends to speak to me through repetition, mercifully tending to my need to hear things again and again before they finally sink in. I’ve been wondering why the word “hope” was being thrown at me, as things have seemed to be on a fairly even keel of late. As of this morning, I know. The troubling situation at my husband’s office, has suddenly reared its ugly head once again; this time in the form of a suit. This is something that we knew was a possibility and we’ve been assured that his company’s attorneys will handle everything. However, no matter how you slice it, a law suit is frightening and not just a little foundation-shaking. It’s a time when “hope” becomes a very important word.
Hope [hohp]
- the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.
- to look forward with desire and reasonable confidence
- to place trust; rely
- a person or thing in which expectations are centered
When the papers were served, I was in the middle of organizing some pictures on my computer. I happened to be working my way through the photos from my mystery anniversary trip. One day during that trip, we were standing on the beach at Carmel, just below the famed Pebble Beach Golf Course.
I was facing the water, trying to get a flock of seagulls to cooperate for a photo opp.
Unbeknownst to me, Hubs had climbed up to the top of the shoreline to watch a group of golfers that were playing through. I looked side to side and, not seeing him, turned to look behind me.
With an eye cast upward, I found him. Then, bringing my gaze straight down, I beheld a name that had been scratched into the rock of the shoreline.
It took my breath away.
I thought, when I snapped it, that this picture was perfect for a great blog post and I mentally tucked it away for just such a purpose. But, interestingly, I’ve never used it. In fact, I haven’t even looked at it since those days immediately following our trip. How precious that my God would choose to bring it back to light, today, of all days…a snapshot captured just for me of my husband standing on the “solid rock”, the only TRUE HOPE.
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
On Christ the Solid Rock, I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
That rock is cool. Love it.
Miss you! Hope to see you soon!!!
Robyn
Melinda,
In the days, weeks, perhaps months ahead for you and Kevin with this lawsuit, cling to that. Cling to God. My Man and I just came through the fiery furance a year ago February the 13th, aftera few years of waiting, anticpation, etc….and we stood on what God had spoken to my heart…we would come through that without smelling like smoke. There were times our flesh/fear would creep in and I would say, NO….I’m believing God. What He spoke, He will accomplish and that He did.
A God Stop for you during your getaway, to become GOD’s POWER to you today, many months later.
Lovingly,
Yolanda
What a beautiful picture of how the Lord speaks to us… encourages us. He knew you’d need that image TODAY, and so He saved it for you. That’s just the kinda God He is. AWESOME!
I am not only filled with goosebumps, but welling-up. I JUST LOVE GOD! He is the coolest! Those are the moments I live for! I’m so thrilled you had one today. I love you so and will add the suit to my journal. xoxo mich
Oh my goodness! How powerful and encouraging!
Praying for you and your husband through this situation!
Deedra
I have long loved that song and the word picture that comes with it. Your pics fit perfectly!
Kathleen
I knew where you going with this, even before you mentioned Jesus as the Rock. At least I hoped that you were going there…
fabulous gift to you this day as you commit, yet again, your heart and life into the hands of our Savior…our Rock, who Is the unshakeable foundation and Author of the unshakeable kingdom we walk.
And that picture of your husband? Ephesians 5:25 mirrored in the flesh, my friend.
Our Father, our Husband, watching over us, even as your husband is watching over you.
I love you, Melinda, and thank God for your presence in my life. Sounds like some rippling waters are coming your way; praise God for his presence upon them, in them, and walking atop them to come to your rescue.
peace~elaine
Thank you. This is just the post I needed today. We, too, have been thrown a curve ball with my husband’s job transfer. I got off the phone with him, clicked on your blog, and there it is, HOPE. We all need to remember it is really spelled J-E-S-U-S!
Blessings,
A Simple Country Girl
Hey Melinda,
I linked over to your blog from Amanda Jones’ and I realized I’d been here before but for maybe a fleeting moment a while back?!…anyway, no matter how I found it (again)..I’m glad I did…
It’s so very open and honest of you to put your situation out in the “pages” of your blog..but you know what? Not only does it bring prayers lifted up for you but glory lifted up to God..and therefore worth it! 🙂
I was at Travis Cottrell’s concert at FBCW…were you there?? Anyway, here’s the words that came to mind for you today:
“No power of hell or SCHEME OF MAN can ever pluck me from His hand…til he returns or calls me home…HERE IN THE POWER OF CHRIST I’LL STAND!”
Stand firm today, girl!!
Tiffani in GA
As my friend Hope likes to say “Coincidence? I think not!”
Thank you Jesus for “speaking” to us. Help us to hear you clearly.
Hopefully,
Linda
What a comfort for you to know, Melinda, that your husband stands on a Solid Rock — that your lives rest secure on that Rock. May God continue to reassure you of His presence and power in your lives as you go through this difficult time.
Blessings to you!
Praying, Praying for Kevin and you!
That is so neat how God did that for you!!
I’ll be praying about this situation. God is in control!
Hugs
stephanie
What a great visual of your hubby on the rock with Jesus carved into it!
God is awesome!!
He will deliver you!
Much love
Kim