The Big Fight




I just barely started my shift when a call broke on the radio from one of the units, needing a nurse to go there and assess 2 inmates involved in a big fight.

I was requested to do a sick call, so it was the other nurse who responded. She ended up sending both of them to the county’s ER to be treated. One was punched really hard on his face and had massive swelling and a fractured nose. The other [the hitter] sustained a minor laceration on his right hand, yet still needed some suturing.

When they came back from the hospital, we needed to still take their vital signs and would review the ER doctor’s orders so we could give them the medications he ordered. I saw the one who punched the other inmate.

With the deputy’s permission, they sat only 3 chairs apart, both with handcuffs and chains on their ankles to limit their movement. 2 deputies stood nearby as the other nurse and I examined them. The one with the broken nose was not looking and looked afraid. The one I was seeing had a slightly sheepish smile as if saying, “I got him sooo good!” as he took a quick glance at the previous opponent.

The other inmate with a swollen face and fractured nose attempted to hurt him when they were in that cell. He had an intention to kill the “puncher”. But quick to react, this inmate kept the attacker’s head with his legs in a locked position, held the head with his left hand and with the right hand, just kept punching numerous, hard blows.

“What’s up with your nose?” I asked probingly. “Why do you have a severely deviated septum?” “Were you in an accident or previous fight?”

“Ma’am, I am a boxer, boxing for 10 years,” as he smiled at me slightly.

I also took a glance in one corner of my eye at the other inmate who was the predator. No wonder, he got him so well. That other inmate didn’t even know he was a boxer. All for intimidation and power struggle, he wanted to prey on him. But he chose the wrong “would-never-be” a victim. The attacker was the one who ended up getting hurt severely. He would surely be in pain for many days, possibly weeks.

Worst of all, though hurt, he would be staying longer inside the prison because his assault would be added to his previous sentence, since this inmate I was talking to was about to press charges against his assault and intention to commit murder.


Followers of Christ are being prowled upon by both humans and spiritual enemies. But the God Who doesn't change is our strength in winning these battles. Like that inmate who trained to be a boxer, it would be hard for us to win if we never have a complete knowledge of using God’s weapons. James 4:7 truly is the biggest help in this fight we are engaged in.

James 4:7 - “Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

Note that our first step is to have a complete, willful surrender to the Lord before we can even begin to fight back against the enemy. If we want God’s maximum protection, we must completely give Him our all in order to get His all…

After that, we “resist the devil”. We don’t just sit around and don’t do anything during the enemy’s attacks. To resist means we are to fight. We don’t let him beat us down.

With complete surrender and obedience, we surely have His guarantee that He is there, fighting for us. Whether we like it or not, we become soldiers of Christ, once we give our hearts to Him. This battle is real and drawing near to the Lord will have us always prepared and ready to fight back.

Luke 10:19 - “And I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.”

Matthew 10:1 - “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.”


Isaiah 54:17 - “But in that coming day, no weapon turned against you will succeed. And everyone who tells lies in court will be brought to justice. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me, I, the Lord, have spoken!”

Psalm 44:5 - “Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes.”

Daniel 11:32 - “…but the people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.”

Zechariah 4:6 - “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.”

Either the Lord will battle for us or He sends His angels to help us:

Psalm 34:7 - “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.”

Psalm 91:11 - “For He shall give His angels charge over you , to keep you in all your ways.”

Friends, let us pray for each other for us to be closer with the Lord and more knowledgeable of His Word, the sWORD, that we can use to battle against the enemies. We have that powerful punches from Him against diseases, illnesses or spiritual attacks. Know them and use them…

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." - Ephesians 6:10-18 [NIV]

But when you win, stay humble. Don’t feel good nor smile sheepishly…Like the judge who will hear that attacker’s case and who will give him the appropriate penalty, let the One and only Judge take care of this battle up to the end:

Proverbs 24:17 - “Do not rejoice when your enemies fall into trouble. Don’t be happy when they stumble.”





37 comments:

  1. Another great analogy. I imagine there are a lot of fights in the prison? My nephew is in jail, and he was attacked by a rather large inmate for no reason at all. It's so sad. I guess anytime you put strangers together like that, there are conflicts. Prayer and faith in God are the only answers for all this senseless tragedy.

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  2. This is my favorite post of any you have made ever to date! Those who have been given a sensitivity to Spiritual Warfare will be quick to grasp every Word of God you posted.

    I would add:
    " I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;"
    ~~~Psalm 23:4

    AND, all of 2 Chronicles 20, pure spiritual warfare from the OT.
    "We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you, Lord"

    "The battle belongs to the Lord"

    2 Chronicles 20 is jam packed with such phrases and literally outlines Godly response, to the answer to all of the problems you encounter in life.
    Find someone to explain this chapter to you, this audience of readers, soon.

    To read aloud all of Psalm 91 in your home, over your family, to those in trouble, your community, and more,.....is to extend pure protection to them. Soldiers in war have been given the book Psalm 91 and have returned from war unharmed.

    Satan can not read your mind; he is a created being. But through centuries of human history, he has gleaned our weaknesses as humans and knows where to attack as we express our fears and worries aloud.

    Expressing the Word of God aloud makes him tremble for the same reason. With God on your side, you are invincible in HIM. You reveal your mind as you express your thoughts aloud, or in writing.
    Are they fear? Or powerful in the Lord?

    An excellent resource is from Francis Frangipane.

    "The Three Battlegrounds: The Mind, the Church and the Heavenly Places" (Paperback)
    by Francis Frangipane (Author) "For most, the term spiritual warfare introduces a new but not necessarily welcomed dimension in their Christian experience ..." (more)

    The more is at this link:
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Battlegrounds-Church-Heavenly-Places/dp/1874367264


    I once discussed with God in prayer and devotion about Spiritual Warfare. It is rarely taught or referred to by pastors.

    "Why do you not inspire great sermons on this so that people will not fall prey to satan? No one teaches your flock how to defend themselves with the weapons you provide us," I lamented to the Lord.

    He was instantaneous in response to my folly:

    "IT TAKES VERY LITTLE OF MY HOLY SPIRIT TO DEFEAT ALL OF THE EVIL SPIRIT", God shouted in reply. "I ONLY NEED A FEW!", He added.
    And it was not in a tone that was open for discussion.

    Spiritual Warfare is dangerous work.
    While we pray for one another as the post suggests, pray also to see if God wants you to be one of the FEW.

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  3. @sister Deborah Ann: I'm sorry to hear about your nephew and yes, it happens that some get attacked for no apparent reason. Sometimes, it's about just "being powerful". The intimidator makes a statement by doing so, so that he'd be revered by the rest. If not, he has his own agenda to use the "weaklings" for his own good. Praying for your nephew to be protected by the Lord. Blessings to you sister.

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  4. Rosel,

    Please stop at my blog today to pick up a special surprise just for you and here is hoping that it makes for a Happy Monday.

    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

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  5. @ Keystone: Wow!!! Where do I begin? But Amen to Psalm 23:4, another favorite of mine. And Psalm 91. I made a commitment with my husband to read this Psalm every night aloud for my loved ones' protection.

    When my hubby was in the Navy, he was involved in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. There was a couple Michael & Brenda Pink who originally compiled a mini-book of Psalm 91. But there was a true story in WW1 about the 91st Brigade of US Expeditionary Army who was preparing for combat in Europe. Most of them had never seen "combat". The commander, a devout Christian, called an assembly of his men where he gave each a little card on which was printed the 91st Psalm. They agreed to recite the Soldier's Psalm [91] daily. They were engaged in 3 of the bloodiest battles. While other American units had up to 90% casualties, the 91st Brigade did not suffer a single combat related casualty! [Glory to God!].

    Whenever I go to work, I am aware of the constant spiritual battles around me. I don't want to engage as I know it can be a dangerous thing and if not prepared, I would have been easily taken down. But I ask the Lord always for His protection and no! I'm not afraid but rather, remain strong in His mighty power. I asked the Lord to guide me while writing with His wisdom, not mine. Because there are so many of us who are not well-trained in this area [including me]. That, when the enemies attack, we can be paralyzed and not able to fight back. I just wanted to share my own life's experiences and the Lord's guidance and protection in this area.

    I will read 2 Chronicles 20 today...may the Lord open my haert and mind as I do so and see that in His light.

    What an answer you got from the Lord!!! I feel that we don't need anyone to enlighten His children about this area [including my post], but a life of comeplete surrender and obedience will help us discover that we are already victorious in Christ!

    We are just to encourage each other and point everything back to the Lord!

    Thank you for your valuable comments here. God-given wisdom of yours that help me a lot, too in my own walk! In all of this, to God be the glory! Have a great day and God bless you.

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  6. Rcube, I appreciate the anaology about being prepared. That inmate who used to box spent a lot of hours training in his past life so that now, he responds without a lot of thought when needed. May we too, ensure that we spend time in connection with our Lord, in His Word, applying His word; so that when the enemy would try to do us harm we can respond effectively.

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  7. Amen sister Tracy! Thanks for coming by! God bless you always...Can't wait to read a special post from a guest tomorrow, Tuesday? :)

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  8. Of the 150 Psalms, I too, have read aloud Psalm 91 more than any other.

    Raising two girls as a single dad, I needed a new day care spot. My daughter was in a private home, but I found that the woman had added 10 more babies, AND a boa constrictor (watched for a soldier while he went to war).

    With the overcrowding, I knew there was a problem. With the boa constrictor, I knew I had to change daycare.
    The woman argued with me upside and down.
    The State controls maximum kids in a home for daycare, and it was clearly now exceeded.

    On the snake, the woman spat out these words:
    "YOU can not tell me who or what I can have in my home! The boa constrictor is made by God. It is a natural creature."

    ME: "The snake eats babies!!!
    You have over a dozen kids napping on the floor. They are in harm.
    You say I can not tell you what or who YOU can have in your home. You are wrong! I am telling you now that you may NOT have my daughter in your home ever again."

    With my daughter missing, many mom's queried where she was.(Age 2). When told by the woman, they withdrew their kids too. It became a mess. Boas and kids do not mix.

    I needed new daycare and my older daughter said her classmate mom watched kids (she wanted to play with her friends). She is also 9 years older than her baby sister, and I was unsure of having the baby there.

    I met the woman and was satisfied that I had a safer spot than snakeville.

    That day, I tried to memorize Psalm 91 at work. Read line 1 and memorize.
    Repeat with line 2, then 1 and 2.
    Repeat with line 3, then 1,2,3.

    My mind was a fog of worry about my daughter in an unfamiliar home, and nothing "stuck" as I tried to memorize. I stopped trying.

    When I picked my baby up at this new woman's home, she asked me what is wrong. Apparently, my face revealed dismay at not memorizing Psalm 91.

    I told her of my attempt to memorize a Bible Psalm all day and could not even get past line one.

    "What Psalm?" she asked.

    "Psalm 91" I replied.

    I still shiver at her next words to me, as she uttered aloud from memory:

    "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

    I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

    She proceeded to state the entire Psalm 91 from memory.

    I became absolutely calm as I KNEW, this was the place for my daughter to be.

    The balance of Psalm 91 is here for those who want to see how much to memorize:

    http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+91&version=NIV

    I knew the story of the 91st brigade and total protection, while others perished all around them. I found the Brigade Number 91 a serendipity to Psalm 91 when I read the story. Glad you added that here. The story is true.

    I look forward to your "take" on 2 Chronicles 20. I have learned much from that chapter.

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  9. Rosel........Amen, Amen, sister!!

    We have got to know who we are in Christ and the authority He has given to believers through His Name, His Blood and His Word!!

    II Chronicles 2:29 is very powerful and reveals the results of knowing our God, His Word and following His instruction in warfare...

    29.... The fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.

    Thank you so much for sharing and I love the insight He gives you.....It blesses and ministers to my heart!!

    He is Faithful!

    Sweet Blessings!
    Jackie

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  10. @ Keystone: Just read 2 Chronicles 20. Like Jehoshaphat, we also face disasters daily...through struggles. Like when the enemies bore down on Judah, and the Lord spoke, we must not be afraid for the battle is not ours but the LORD's!. As believers, we have His Spirit in us and if we ask for His help, God will fight for us. Of course, God always wins!

    We should recognize that we are limited and weak but we can allow God's strength to work through our fears and weaknesses. We should be pursuing not our own self-interests but that of the Lord's.

    We are truly God's people so we can seek His favor. Jehoshaphat professed his complete dependence on the Lord as he prayed. We must be like him so we can have deliverance.
    That's the key: to focus on God's power not of our own!

    Sad though on the last part, that he partnered with King Ahaziah, a wicked king. We can't serve 2 masters. He was a servant of God but the other king didn't recognize His authority. Can't mix that way...We are all facing temptations and we shouldn't compromise our values...Otherwise, disaster results in that sense.

    Thank you for sharing your inspiring stories. The boa lady made me laugh but I could feel your fear for your daughter. You did the right thing. For kids and snake can't be together, too. You have so many interesting stories that are full of lessons always. Thank you Keystone for making me think today as I read His Word.

    Another lesson learned for me. Please kindly fill me in and if I had missed any important point. God bless.

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  11. @sister Jackie: Thank you for sharing 2Chronicles 20:29,30. But at times of rest or peace, we must not be just resting. We must be preparing for another bout of possible troubles. We must be building up our defenses so that we are not caught off-guarded. [see 2Chronicles 14:6,7]. Thank you for your wonderful insight! Blessings.

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  12. I looked at the notes in my Bible margin from sermons I have heard on 2 Chronicles 20.
    One goes back to 11/16/94 when a pastor spoke and titled it:
    "Don't Be Afraid; Don't Be Discouraged"

    Subtitle: "What to do when you have problems and what God is doing too".

    1) Identify the enemy. (V.1)
    our doubts?
    our own attitude?
    Is something in my life creating the problem?

    2) Take your problem to the Lord (V.3)in prayer.

    3) Admit your own inadequacy (V.12)
    There is no shortage of power in heaven; ask the Holy Spirit for supernatural power.

    4) Rely on God's graces (V.12)
    Our God is able! He is able!

    5) Relax in faith (V.15)

    6) Trust Him and stand firm (V.20)

    7) Thank God in advance (V.24)
    [This references Psalm 29:2 at this point:
    "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name;
    Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness"]

    8) Stand Firm. (V 17 and 20)
    We serve a God who is faithful. Believe His promise and His Word.

    On 3/5/99, another pastor and author I heard in Cleveland, added:
    "God wants to annihilate your enemies totally".
    He referenced the very word "annihilate" in V.23, and also sited the end of V.24 saying "no one had escaped".

    This pastor added V.26 noting they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, where they praised the Lord. "Beracah" means "Blessing" and is used to this day there.

    He said that all the men of Judah returned to Jerusalem JOYFULLY, for the Lord had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies (V.27)

    He ended with V.30, noting that the kingdom of Jehosaphat was at peace, for HIS God had given him rest on every side.

    My margins are filled with many more notes, but they are in reference to other sermons that sited this passage. I connect my Bible with notes in the margins everywhere.
    Date. Speaker. Message.

    Another pastor on this passage called it "Spiritual Principles To Follow".

    Next time you read this Rozel, read it all from the perspective of Jahaziel.
    HE was the one chosen in the crowd of praying and fasting folks upon whom, the Spirit of the Lord Came....a splendid story, within a story.

    Notice how specific the Spirit of the Lord detailed to Jahaziel. This is an awesome, overlooked chapter.

    Disclaimer: I did not find it on my own. My daughter spoke to me on this 2 Chronicles 20, and asked me to read it.....when she was 8 or 9!
    Someday, I will tell you why she did so.

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  13. Powerful post and great reminder that GOD reigns victorious in ALL areas of our life.

    Blessings and prayers, andrea

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  14. Thank you so much for this post! It is just what I needed today...I've been so down with all that's been going on in the world and our country in particular. We need to fight back with all our might and by "putting on the armor of God" we will be victorious! Thanks again!

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  15. My my my my. What a great analogy. So many good scriptures here Rcubes! Even in your comment section, from you and everyone, more added information. Thank you for sharing! Blessings and much hugs!!!!

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  16. Such a great post filled with many wonderful scriptures sis, love you.

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  17. I deal with predatory violence in the following blog: http://bluecottonmemory.wordpress.com/2009/10/07/shouldnt-children-be-encouraged-to-defend-themselves/

    It was wonderful how you pointed out that we are not defenseless - that our greatest champion is every faithful! He is my rock, my fortress, my deliver!

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  18. I am so grateful for God's weapons and authority to use them. They are sharp and effective and require us to stay close to Him. I don't take it lightly. Thank you for prayers for us right now!

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  19. @ Keystone: Thank you for sharing those ingredients from Jehoshaphat's prayer. I wish our leaders are like him in that aspect, acknowledging that God and only God could save the nation. Like what we are in today. Would be happy here to hear about the story re: your daughter in relation to you reading 2 Chronicles 20. Blessings.

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  20. @sister Andrea: It is an awesome truth to know that God is always here, ready to fight for us, when we ask. Blessings.

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  21. @sister Jean: Yes, it is scary the way this nation is going...to where? no one knows...except for one thing...away from God. May God help us! Thank you for coming by. God bless.

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  22. @JBR: Thank you but you're also a part of this interesting discussion. God bless.

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  23. @ sister Denise: Thank you for always encouraging me and for your prayers. Love to you sister.

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  24. @bluecottonmemory: I read that post. It is sad that our schools are not doing enough to make these bullies stop their ill behavior. But so it is with our prison system. I don't feel like the incarcerated inmates are learning anything. It's like when you're sick, we're only treating the symptoms but not the roots of them. I'm glad that with the spiritual enemies' bullying, that is taken cared of by our Lord. God bless.

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  25. @sister Mary: I know you're one of those who never get tired bending her knees and folding her hands even if they become calloused. Thank you for your prayer intercession. That is God's will for us: to be joyful, pray continually, and give thanks at all times. Love you sister Mary!

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  26. @sister Kat: You know that I just went over to your "home" right away but I am so glad that you are feeling much better! "You are healed in Jesus' Name." Glory to God. And thank you for always sharing your blog blessings with me. God bless sister and take good care of yourself!

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  27. Rosel, I so appreciate the work you do in the prisons...God has given you an inner strength and willingness to be an instrument in a dangerous place...there must be many times you cry for these men,and other times you wonder how they could have ended up so lost and confused. The scriptures you've referenced are so important for us to know, to memorize, and to live by. Thanks for always having a powerful word for us!

    God bless,
    Mary

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  28. @ sister Mary: Appreciate your visit. Knowing the Lord helps me to look at these lost souls the way He looked at me once. I pray that I am doing the things that please no one but the Lord in that environment. It is not easy but He always sustains me with His wisdom, strength, protection & guidance. Like what the song sang in my playlist, "it's all about You, Jesus..."
    Let's give all our thanks to the Lord Who gave us His Word to live by. We are here to encourage each other and I'm glad to hear that my post does so...God bless you.

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  29. Sometimes when I read your accounts of prison violence I forget to breathe. It terrifies me!

    But the lessons you draw from your daily vision inside those sad prison walls is always an inspriation

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  30. Some very powerful teaching , I say Amen . Paul has said that we are more than conquerors in Jesus. I will remember you in my prayers , please pray for me.
    ~Myrna

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  31. @ sister Cynthia: It's not that bad for us because we are called after the violence is over. I'm glad the Lord gives me lessons from all of these struggles inside the prison. God bless.

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  32. @ sister Myrna: Thank you for your prayers. I pray for all my blog friends...To God be the glory! Your visit blesses me. God bless.

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  33. I needed to read this. I have felt the attack.....strong. hard...my book was set to be out this week - some issues at the publishers.....delay...people ordering the book, book's not out....couldn't access my blog or emails....when I finally got on....there were very touching emails....I've been feeling scared, excited like going down a roller coaster...questioning if I'm doing the right thing by telling...my mind has not stopped...Thanks RCube for this. thanks cause I needed this. Tons of blessings to you. You have become a good friend. Sarah

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  34. Thank you for sharing your experiences ... I love that you see God in your work. God Bless!

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  35. @ sister Sarah: Don't be afraid. If God wants you to write this book, He will make everything happen! He is in control. You know that you will encourage so many and point them to God's love, so there will be a stumbling block...But the Lord is with you and He will never leave you nor forsake you. Abide in Him and He will abide in you. Yes, you are a friend and I'm grateful for this gift. God bless.

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  36. Thank you sister Aine and sister Beth for your encouragement!!! God bless you two!

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"Faith is taking the first step even if you don't see the whole staircase..."
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