Posted on by Dr. Tammi Love

Safe in His Arms

When I was a little girl, I was stung in the head by a bee. It occurred on the day my mother designated as ‘hair washing day.’ My ponytails were undone, my once neatly sectioned parts were untidy, and I was pleasantly free from prim and proper to comfortably carefree. I was playing outside, with my wild hair, near a shed where my father and brothers were working, unaware of bees swarming above me. While carelessly skipping and dancing around in my imaginary world, I heard a buzzing near my head. Soon after, I felt the intense sting of a bee in the middle of my head. The pain sent me screaming and crying with arms flailing into the house, where I sought the safety of my mother. She tended to the sting and allowed me whatever time I needed to cry everything out – the physical pain, the embarrassment, and the ridicule from my brothers. I cried myself to sleep on the living room couch, not awakening until dinner time.

It’s difficult today to live a life unaware of our surroundings. What’s looming in our midst is no longer someone else’s problem. The struggles and complexities of our government, our health care system, our education system, our climate, and our relationship with God all pierce the daily realities of our families and communities intimately. Still, God allows us to find His grace in times of need, to include rest that carries us through the darkest hours. God carries us when we’re weak from the stings of life. We’re safe in His arms.

“Because we don’t have a high priest who can’t sympathize with our weaknesses but instead one who was tempted in every way that we are, except without sin. Finally, let’s draw near to the throne of favor with confidence so that we can receive mercy and find grace when we need help.”– Hebrews 4:15-16

“Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

Posted on by Dr. Tammi Love · 4 Comments

Don’t Be Consumed with Your Stuff!

“If I had continued to consume myself with myself and my stuff I would not have had the opportunity to engage with someone else, hear someone’s story, or share in someone else’s emotions.”

I had an interesting conversation with my Uber driver last week. After getting in the car I was intent on sending emails and messages out on unfinished tasks. Until the driver engaged me in a conversation that soon got my full attention. I then engaged him and a few minutes later we were laughing and talking like old acquaintances. We talked about life, the joy of life, death, jobs, family and before I exited the car the devastation in Mexico. Even through his heavy accent I could understand his pain and sadness when I asked him questions about family or friends effected by the earthquake. He shared no family but a friend. He was killed along with 50 others in a building. Only 4 survived. I expressed my condolences and offered my prayers. My heart was touched. If I had continued to consume myself with myself and my stuff I would not have had the opportunity to engage with someone else, hear someone’s story, or share in someone else’s emotions. It blessed me tremendously. Upon my exit from the car he thanked me. But I thanked him! He made sure he didn’t leave the curb until I entered the airport and we both waved goodbye. If you have a spare second, please whisper a prayer for Guillermo, his family and his friends.
Much love!