Thinking of Others

Each evening at bedtime, John and I pray with our boys. As we pray, we thank God for His goodness and we pray for family and friends who are on our minds. Before we finish, we pray for President Obama as I Timothy 2:2 tells us to pray for those in authority.

I want to teach my children to think of others. It is far too easy to become me-focused. When we are focused on "Me", we so easily hurt, belittle, or dismiss others without a second thought about it. So the boys practice thinking of others by sharing their toys and letting their cousin choose the movie or use the bathroom first. We go through a lot of Popsicles in the summertime because Josiah will share with all the neighborhood children.

This week I've been thinking a lot about others. A friend of mine, friends of friends, and a friend of heart have all been on my mind and in my prayers. Each one is courageous in the face of immense challenges.

My friend, Jessica, has suffered loss and deep sadness and presses on. She recently shared her thoughts and feelings in a beautiful post. http://tinyurl.com/nomnx3

Another friend requested prayer for a dear friend of hers. Susanna's 3 month old daughter, Piper, was diagnosed with leukemia. The news is reeling and the battle unwanted, but a battle that little Piper's family will wage for her. They have asked prayer for these things:

* Piper would be completely healed
* Her body would not contain the mutation so her chances would increase
* NO infection
* understanding and sensitive doctors and nurses
* Linley would not feel left out and Susanna would not worry that she is neglecting Linley
* Strength in Susanna and Chad's marriage. Any situation like this can strain a marriage.
* More then anything, they would feel Jesus' peace no matter what is going on around them.
Sus has started a blog to keep people informed:http://www.needhamcrew.blogspot.com/

I have never even met the other person. Her name is Myah. She was single, pregnant, and faced daunting news that her baby had anencephaly. The doctors said her baby's condition was incompatible with life. Her story is amazing. Baby Faith Hope lived not just a few hours, not just a few days, but for three months she defied all the medical wisdom and she thrived. I followed their joys and challenges and I wept when I learned that Faith has passed on. Though Faith is no longer with us, Myah is helping to encourage, support, and inform other parents who receive a disheartening diagnosis. This is her story: http://babyfaithhope.blogspot.com/ I pray for her continued comfort, peace, and courage.

Each of these friends has seen prayer answered. And each has need of further answered prayers.

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27