Thursday, March 20, 2008

glimpse

I was pulling into a parking spot recently when the scene taking place in the car next to me rivetted my attention. A lady in a two door compact in the space beside mine looked frazzled. Her hair was a bit wild, and her face appeared worn out and almost haggard. She had a cigarette in one hand and the steering wheel in the other, but before she pealed out of the space, she reached over and grabbed a child's sippy cup and gulped it's contents like it was a water bottle. It wasn't until later that I realized the contents of the cup might contain something other than juice, but regardless of the liquid, the picture was poignant.

As I got out of my car and headed to the store, I couldn't keep from laughing out loud, but the more I thought about it, the sadness of the scene penetrated my awareness. It was a reminder that even though most aren't as transparent as the lady in the car, people go through life tired, worn out, and in many ways desperate. It also reminded me that life doesn't have to be that way for anyone!

With Easter just days away, I can't help but think about the fact that Jesus died and rose again to deliver us from the life of hopeless desperation we would still be chained to if not for HIm. I'm reminded that I can't keep that knowledge inside of me, while people all around me are figuratively smoking cigarettes and downing the nicotene with the contents of a sippy cup. I want people to know what it is like to really live.

9 comments:

Adam & Amy Wilson said...

awesome post, Angie- very inspiring and exhorting.

Laurin said...

Angie, wonderful post~praise the Lord, there is Hope!

Laurie in Ca. said...

Angie,

Desperation is such a sad condition to be in and it truly robs the joy right out of living. I know, I was there long ago. Never want to be back there either. No way!! Love you girl and praying for the baby God is putting the finishing touches on for you. Praying for all to go perfect in His plan to bless you guys. Hoping you have the most wonderful Easter.

Love and Hugs, Laurie in Ca.

Jen in Al said...

We are so blessed to have Jesus! Hey, where did chapter 2 and 3 go! Loving reading your book in progress! May we all be filled with wonder, praise, humility and thankfulness for our Lord Jesus Christ who lived, died and rose from the dead for us so that we can live in and for Him! praying, jen in al

Kim (marygracesummons.blogspot.com) said...

Angie,
Thinking about you tonight (this morning). Praying for you as this is our first Easter without our girls but praising God for Jesus and the promise that Easter brings us. I serve a risen Savior he's in the world today, I know that He is living whatever men may say..I see His hand of mercy I hear His voice of cheer, and just the time I need Him He's always near ....He lives He lives Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me along the narrow way. He lives, He lives salvation to impart, you ask me how i know He lives...He lives within my heart.
Love you friend!
Kim

Anonymous said...

Angie,

I am not a writer. So I hope what I write here will make sense to you and all who read it.

When I read your post of March 5th. I was so pleasently suprised that the Lord has led you to write a book. You are so gifted and have such a way with words/expressing yourself and the ability of making people feel as if they are a part of your experience. As if they are actually going through it themselves.

In all the praying I did ( and still do) for you and your family, I prayed that the Lord might lead you to write "Poppy Joys" story. Her story has brought many people to Him and others closer to Him. I know that the Lord will continue to work through you via this book and many more will come to know Him. Also, it will bring awareness to Trisomy 18. So many people are unaware of this condition and the effects it has on so many lives. I didn't know of it 'til I came to your blog.

I find myself continuing to come to this site often. The Lord leads me here I'm sure. Each time I come here I am so encouraged by your words. They always seem to help me, straighten me out if you will, for whatever I am going through at that time. I thank you for what you are doing through this blog. You are touching so many lives.

Angie, I want to tell you that I think you are an exceptional young woman. You have such strength and maturity. I like so many others who come here would love to have that ourselves. If I had ever been blessed with a child, I would have asked for one like you. Your mother is to be praised for the wonderful job she has done in that she raised such a lovely daughter. And I just betcha she is an awesome woman. I thank God for you Angie and for a mother who guided you in the right direction ( and if like my Mother, probably still does).

Continued prayers going out for you and this new endeavor that you find yourself in. I know and feel so strongly that this book will be a GREAT success and I know I will read it and recommend it to others.

In closing I just want to add that I am thankful for you Angie because you have taught me to not only be thankful for all the good things in my life but for the bad as well. Because I know that without the rain, I wouldn't be thankful for the SON.


Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1Peter 1:3


HAPPY EASTER


in His love,
darlene

Just Me said...

I also was curious about what happened to the chapters of the book! I thought I saw there was a Chapter 4 when I was trying to sneek a peek at work on Wednesday (it was gone by the time I got home to read the whole thing!). Whatever your reasons, I respect that, it was just funny that it was there and then it wasn't, so I was wondering what happened!

Have a wonderful and blessed Easter with your family. Thank you for continuing to share Poppy Joy's story, and yours.

You remain in my prayers.
Take care.

Anonymous said...

What happened to chapters 2 through 4 of your book you were positing? They were "on line" for a few days and now they are gone.

Jessica said...

Angie,
That is a great story. I was just talking to my mom about you last night, about how I watched you and Nathan walk through the storm of last year, and even now, seemingly untouched by it...well, you know what I mean. I was told after Abby's death, that I was glowing, and how noone had ever seen the peace I had before, and from the inside looking out, I couldn't see it, but as I watched you go through a similar trial, I was stirred in a great way, because what you all did was magical, in essence. I saw, for the first time, from the outside looking in. Your steadfastness and faith strengthened mine. So much so, that I 'jumped off the deep end', as Penny Williams put it, as was being spread through the halls of Bellevue, lol. I am so glad to have gotten to know you all again years later, on a different level. This is a great adventure. This is random, as most of my writings are, so forgive me that I just picked this post to write a comment on! I bet that lady with the sippy cup had just popped an aspirin, and needed to wash it down (I say this from experience), and she might have just spend her last money on those cigs, and couldn't go get a drink-again, I speak from experience, but MANY years ago :)