Fear Not

This last week I discovered that a friend in the neighborhood had to face the daunting decision of a double mastectomy based on recent findings of cancer.  She underwent the surgery a few days ago and is now recovering.  I'm proud of her for her courage, and her willingness to undergo a very difficult procedure, both physically and emotionally, while placing trust in the future as she moves through this particular challenge.  She's a great individual, and as I sat down to do an envelope this week, I thought again about the promise in Luke chapter 12 vs. 6-7.  Which reads:
"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?  

 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."

 

All of us are asked to face challenges, some of those challenges appear to be such that our very lives could be lost as we face them.  Yet the truth stated above is that God watches over even the most small, inexpensive and seemingly petty things (a sparrow) with intense care and alertness.  And yet, He takes the time to remind us that we are of much more value than the small things, and that  we can trust that He will direct our lives despite our challenges and trials.  It is comforting to hear the counsel from Him to "Fear Not."  It's also a nice reminder to us of His character and a gentle nudge for each of us to be more alert of all the small, but precious things that are around us every day.

 

So, as I have done previously, I painted a sparrow, and sent it off to her with a reminder that she is not forgotten, and that I have been impacted by her courageous example.