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Dana Leigh Lyons's avatar

Sending immense, heart-sourced love and care to you and Ellie, Serena. Do you know the poem FAITH, by David Whyte? What you shared here brought it to mind: https://grateful.org/resource/faith/

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Serena Menken's avatar

That's beautiful, Dana! Thanks for sharing and for the love and care. I wasn't familiar with this poem but I love it. I'll post these lines:

the way the moon rises

over cold snow, night after night,

faithful even as it fades from fullness,

slowly becoming that last curving and impossible

sliver of light before the final darkness.

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Susan Kuenzi's avatar

I have always loved the verse you referred to from Psalm 139:12. Thank you for writing this post.

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Serena Menken's avatar

Aww thanks Susan! I love it too!

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Susan Kuenzi's avatar

Yesterday my right eye started bleeding internally. The reminder of this truth was good timing. Praying I get vision restored in that eye.

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Serena Menken's avatar

Oh no, Susan! That sounds really painful. I am praying for your vision and for healing for you, too!

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Susan Kuenzi's avatar

Thank you. We are hoping it is a broken blood vessel and will clear up.

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Ann Boyd's avatar

Oh my friend, I hear your combined heartbreak and deep hope, all so beautifully written here. Bless you on every new step of your journey! Thank you for sharing your life with us. ❤️

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Serena Menken's avatar

Thanks so much Ann! ❤️

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Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage's avatar

I feel that sinking of hearing of yet another diagnosis and the grief it brings. How beautifully God literally showed you hope in the darkness through the eclipse. And I love how you wove that verse in too. What hope it brings!

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Serena Menken's avatar

Thanks Elizabeth! I imagine you have been through those types of scenarios too. And yes, it didn't even occur to me until I wrote this piece last Saturday that God might have something to teach me through the eclipse I'd just seen. It is so hopeful to realize that the darkness is not so dark after all! :)

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Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage's avatar

I actually do, although not free to share publicly because this “child” is an adult and wants to keep health issues private, I have walked this road. And it is so hard, but also so true that the darkness is not dark to the Lord, and he keeps shining light into dark places.

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Serena Menken's avatar

Totally get it. Glad to know you have walked this road too and ahead of me - you are a model of strength and faith!

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Logan Steiner's avatar

A beautiful essay ❤️

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Serena Menken's avatar

thanks so much, Logan!

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