Hard Things

In the book, The Help, one of the main characters is known for her prayer list.  "Aibileen" records the names of people who need prayers and then each evening she opens the list and offers up prayers for those individuals.  Those around her believe that her prayers are more powerful than most and being on her prayer list is a good thing.


Lately, I have felt that I need to have my own prayer list. There are so many people I know who are facing heart breaking things in their lives.  Without an actual list, it's difficult for me to remember everyone I would like to include in my prayers. I don't have any special connection with Heaven and there's no evidence that my prayers have any real impact. Sadly, in most cases there's not much more I can do than offer up sincere, heartfelt prayers to He who knows  best how to help.


My list includes friends and family who are enduring many hard things:

• addictions to harmful substances or habits that threaten lives and cause individuals to look for happiness in places it can never be found
• ugly custody battles where the health and happiness of young children hang in the balance
• too early farewells to a spouse, parent, or child
• hopelessness
• single moms who are the soul providers for their children - going to school, working, keeping a home and helping their children navigate life without the involvement of their fathers
• sweet couples who desperately want to be parents but have not been granted that wish
• disabled children
• life's choices that lead to misery, confusion and low self-worth 
• estranged families
• sudden and unexpected unemployment
• divorces that destroy once happy families
• depression and mental illness
• loneliness
• debilitating diseases with no end in sight

That's a weighty list.  My hope is that my small offering will have some impact for good. Given all of the sources of negativity all around us pointing out all the reasons we should give up and quit trying I want to be a source of encouragement and hope.