I Know Whom I Have Believed...


Tuesday, July 30, 2013

When Faith Needs a Face

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The letter was addressed:


“Dear Heavenly Father”

Dated October 11, 1978, my Grandmother’s handwriting on the faded page closed with:

“Your daughter and son
We are Your children” 

In that pre-blog era of putting actual pen to paper, she wrote heart words to her Lord and Saviour asking for blessings concerning selling her and Granddaddy’s house.

She knew the value of a
tangible testimony
of her faith in answered prayer…

The same envelope housed another such letter dated one year later that began:

“Dear Heavenly Father
We thank you Father for all Your blessings upon us

and ended with:

“Thank You Father for answering prayer.
We are Your children.
Hallelujah”

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Did my Grandmother know when she wrote these letters that nearly 35 years later they would encourage and edify?

Did she know that her precious script would be seen across the globe and that a written prayer goes further than ink on paper by putting a face on faith for all to see?

And did she know that her Hallelujah would merge with mine and raise a right holy ruckus of praise?

Put a face on your faith

Write the letter

Break the bread

Hug the weary

Reassure the doubtful

Minister to the broken

and go serve

in whatever way God tells you

Because your faith needs a face, hands, and feet to glorify 

the One Whom you believe....



A faith that does not do things is a dead faith.
James 2:17 NLV



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15 thoughts:

Jerralea said...

I enjoyed this post so much - especially the idea of a "holy ruckus of praise." That phrase has got my imagination stirred!

May I quote you on that phrase? I think everyone needs to hear it1

Sharon said...

Precious letters from your grandmother! The written word holds such power - long after the words have been written. And yes, so agree with your sentiment to put our faith in action. There have been many times when I haven't wanted to do something, but the Lord has told me to do it anyway because HE needs to be there - and I am His hands and feet.

We must remind ourselves that we have a grand privilege AND responsibility as ambassadors of Christ!

GOD BLESS!

Sandy said...

What an encouraging and precious testament of faith of one of God's saints...who just happened to be your grandmother! How this makes me smile and I love the thought of a "holy ruckus of praise"!! We need to all get more excited in our worship of our most-deserving King!!
Love~

Carrie said...

Wow! This makes me want to leave the keyboard and get back to journaling on paper. How neat and I'd love to see the whole letter!

Chatty Crone said...

I am stopping by to say hello and invite you to post on my new facebook page.
Sandie -
Come over and follow me at -
https://www.facebook.com/skczo
I would love your Christian quotes.

Unknown said...

Dear Karen
I found your blog at Jerralea's place and I can see why she loves your place! I have been considering of lately to write my prayers down too for I have Fm/ CFS and we forget just about everything! This is such a confirmation that it brings so much joy! I think your grannie is looking down from heaven, calling Jesus and telling Him to look at that one down there, proudly telling Him that she is her granddaughter!
Lots of love XX
Mia

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I'm not sure she was aware that her faith would carry forward in the way that is has; I'm not sure I'm aware of how my printed words might move the hearts of future generations. But, of this I am certain. Written words of faith advance the kingdom. The ripple effect is in effect. Sometimes the words are just for us; sometimes for others, but whenever God's faithfulness is penned, I believe in its exponential increase.

How wonderfully exciting to see the word "Hallelujah" in both your grandmother's words and in your blog title. This is very special.

Bernadine said...

Thanks for sharing your grandmother's beautiful words Karen. I enjoyed reading it. I've written letters to God from I was a teenager and I still do today.

Denise said...

Very encouraging, love you.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

oh Karen...I love this. It's so true...we don't know the long lasting effects of what we chose to do with our lives. Awesome start to my day.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I bet she would be surprised that her words are on the computer now...edifying etc. I like her handwriting too, pretty. I like old letters also

Thistle Cove Farm said...

you have a wonderful heritage and blessing!

melanie said...

Karen, was this "our" Grandmother's letter to the Father? Beautiful post!

Denise said...

Beautiful.......... and Merry Christmas to you my friend.

Peggy said...

Absolutely the most precious keepsake Karen and I love how you blended these precious hand written faith filled letters with your "Hallelujah" anyhow.

Your words penned back in 2013 (without a comment from me, how terrible, where was I?) definitely needed to be re read today by me and by you and our recent exchange regarding our "ANYTHING" and His EVERYTHING and yours ... with these words from my post that blend with your beautiful words of faith written here and the encouragement found by you in the words of your beloved grandmother through her treasured and cherished letters:

"I wish this freeing, wild and unsafe kind of FAITH for you. A faith that says IF God is real than I plan on living like it." from Anything by Jennie Allen

Your precious recollection and "holy ruckus of praise" echoes with "putting a face on your faith"; encourages and edifies all of us, but is especially meant for you in this season ... as you minister to the broken (in another way) "hug the weary", "reassure the doubtful", etc. and so much more! to our dear Heavenly Father ... who KNOWS and tells you: "You are Mine" and "I am yours" ,.. you have given your everything, since leaving behind your blog (with so much rich legacy) for the "EVERYTHING" He is asking of you now as you serve daily in this time "in whatever way God tells you

Because your faith needs a face, hands, and feet to glorify

the One Whom you believe..."

Never written so well for such a time as this when you need your own words as encouragement from the heart of your grandma and the love of your family for God, clearly evident is has lasting impact and meaning in your life and His kingdom.

Who would have thought that I could go back to your second to the last post left here and find such riches of the Blessing your dear grandparents and family have passed on to you and yours! Indescribable! And perfect for June of 2015. (letters written from 1978) WOW!!! Lasting impression ...
love grafted by one so dear to be read later again and again to remind you (us) "we are Your Children" ... Yes, Father ... thank You! Your inheritance and this heritage in Karen and her family is wonderful. Blessed words to cling today and know the outpouring of His Spirit on you was embraced for some reason back here in July of 2013 and shown you this past Father's Day how much Abba cares. Hallelujah Anyhow!

Many blessings and much love always,
Peggy

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