words that jar

I would give it to you if I could...

Her words on the front porch... after the study with sisters...

Words that jarred me...

Words spoken in response to my desire to do something to help her deal with a tremendous loss... a hard walk...

Would I really take it... if it could be given...?  Really...?

The thought of carrying what she endures... overwhelming... challenges the depth of my love...

Greater love has no one than this,

that he lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

The thought of carrying... what she carries... a loss that cannot be replaced... just the thought of it... opresses my heart... my spirit... Fear... that it could be given to me... that a broken world dishes out such loss regularly... takes my breath away...

Words that gave me a reality check... on where I am... when it comes to loving others... laying down... joy... peace... wholeness... for another...

Would I take it...?

If I could... I hope I would...

For One has taken it for me...

Surely he has borne our griefs

and carried our sorrows;

yet we esteemed him stricken,

smitten by God, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:4-5

ESV

(emphasis mine)

The Love that lays down His life.. for His friends...

I still have far to go...