It was a strange phenomenon for me not reaching out to new people regularly as was my custom for many years. I loved to invite young people into our family for periods of time to love on them. My children had become used to having visiting “family” for extended stays, and developed long-term relationships with some of them. It seemed a part of me was missing not being able to reach out and make new friends, but when I tried, a set-back would result.
I?discovered that the Lord had something new for me to experience in this season; to bless me with care and compassion through His people. I cannot begin to count the blessings the local ministry brought into my life. These precious people, becoming true friends, enabled me to embrace the hope of coming back to more ministry outreach. They believed in me, continued to pray for me, and wanted to reach out with me so others could experience the glory of God’s love in their lives through the ministry of reconciliation. My community of friends helped my family get through the roughest season of our lives. They loved us unconditionally, helping us in many ways, knowing we were in no place to give back, only to love them in return. We are so grateful…
I haven’t yet given you a background understanding of the health issues I’ve dealt with for the better part of a decade. It’s been a difficult story to tell, because of how progressive it was, recovering from one major hurdle only to face another such challenge that was far worse. The order of events challenges my memory, because I?was dealing with so much to keep it straight. I?always thought I?should be journaling, but just couldn’t bring myself to add that commitment to my life when engaged in such a long-term battle.
However, I?do remember my health challenges; I?remember my internal battles, and I remember my victories, and I always remember the Lord and His work in me and the promises I would trust Him to keep. I decided my story to you wouldn’t be complete without telling it and so here it is, believe it or not, the abbreviated version.
(continued in part 10)
Part 9—Barbie Poling’s Final Comments about Marilyn’s Personal Story
We love you and your family, Marilyn, and we certainly believe in the ministry the Lord has given you to lead others to experience the glory of God’s love through reconciliation. You generously gave what you had into our lives—sacrificially. You brought us the truth we needed in order to bring us into freedom from our flesh, and into experiencing the glory of God’s love in our family. How can we not also give generously back into your life what we have to share when you have need?