Celebrating the Good, Grieving the Sad

Much of the joy of blogging, Facebook and Twitter is found in the relationships we build with new friends across hundreds of miles.  We invite them into our lives, and we invest in theirs as well.  Sometimes we are even lucky enough to meet in the flesh and offer hugs of greetings, with smiles of affirmation and friendship.  The good always keeps us coming back for more encouragement.

But joy is a one sided part of these relationships, as these are real people we are investing in, even if only through the written word.  And sometimes the other side of joy is sorrow.  My heart has been heavy of late with the news of so many struggling with illness, house fires, and the loss of loved ones.  Even though in many cases I haven't met these friends, the hurt for them is very real.

The one thing that sets us apart from all others as a body of Believers is our ability to make a difference across hundreds of miles by the uplifting of prayers for our friends.

Today it is on my heart to share a few names of friends who could really use your prayers and continued encouragement.  They don't know I am posting this today, but if you know them, feel free to stop by their blog or give them a shout out on Twitter of love and encouragement.  If you have the time, I will be setting time aside this evening at 9:30 pm Central time to pray over these friends and I invite you to join me.  I would love many voices to be assaulting heaven with the names of these friends.  May God be glorified through their struggles.

Penny:  She recently lost her husband in a hunting accident.  They have two small children.
Stephanie:  Yesterday her family experienced a house fire.  Damages are still pending.  They have four children.
Chele: Recently had surgery for Thyroid Cancer and is awaiting further treatment.  Her husband has been unemployed for some time and finances are slim.  They have four children.
Jess:  Is awaiting the birth of her second child, but is over a week late and very uncomfortable.
Joanne: Suffered a stroke yesterday morning that is requiring surgery today to relieve pressure on her brain.  She has two children.

My Precious Jesus, would you cover these beautiful women with your unfailing love today.  Please bring peace to their families as they endure these hardships.  May your name be glorified through their circumstances.  Would you provide healing to each and everyone one of them.  We lift them into your glorious hands.  Amen.

Do you have a burden upon your heart that we can uplift in prayer?  I'd be happy to add you to this list and pray for you this evening as well.  Feel free to leave a request in the comments.