Pearl Girls: Guest Blogger ... Holley Gerth

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Guest Blogger ... Holley Gerth

Discovering the Beauty in Our Brokenness

As I sit in Panera Café this morning, the sky outside is grey and rain splatters the pavement. The spring trees are a brilliant green. A few months ago a much more sinister storm snapped and stripped their branches bare. For weeks all we could see was destruction along the sides of highways and in the middle of yards. But then the weather slowly grew warmer and a miracle began to happen. One day I noticed that those trees, despite at all, were blooming in their brokenness. The first time I caught a glimpse of tiny buds next to shattered branches I drew in my breath with awe. Each tree seemed to reach its hands toward heaven as if to say, “All of it, Lord, I give all of it to you—the beauty and the pain.”

Like a flood, stories and faces began to rush through my mind. I thought of a friend who had battled cancer and won. I thought of a counseling client who had faced the darkness of depression and, with God, found her way back to the light. I thought of my own journey of infertility and how it had been the greatest source of both pain and healing in my life. I could see us, then, like those trees—lifting our hands and hearts to God and saying, “Yes, Lord, I embrace the storms and choose hope because I know you are a Relentless Redeemer.”

I also thought back to a difficult day when I sat at my desk asking God deep, hard questions. “Where are you? What are you doing? Why are you saying ‘no’ to all my prayers?” A coworker rushed up with a smile on her face. She said, “A card you wrote has been nominated for an award!” Surprised, I asked, “What kind of card is it?” My astonishment grew when she answered, “Baby congratulations!” As she stepped away from my desk I heard a whisper within my heart. “Daughter,” the Lord seemed to say, “I have answered every prayer you have prayed and others have prayed for you—just in a different way than you expected.” I knew then that God was bringing new life through me. I was a mother of words.

What God spoke to my heart applies to all of us as women. In the Garden of Eden God declared Eve “the mother of all living.” We each bring new life into the world in many ways. Through our children. With our words. In our struggles. By the food we prepare. Because of the talents we share. The list is endless.

What’s even more extraordinary is that we do so like those trees. After the fall in the Garden of Eden, Eve was told pain would be part of bringing new life into the world. So we stand, arms raised to heaven, broken and beautiful—still strong enough for the storms of life—and offer all we are to God.

That, my sisters, is worth remembering. That, my sisters, is worth celebrating. ______________________________________________________________

Holley Gerth is an award-winning writer and editorial director for DaySpring. Her new devotional book, Rain on Me: Devotions of Hope and Encouragement for Difficult Times (Summerside Press) is now available online and in bookstores. Holley is also a counseling intern for the women’s ministry and care center of a mega church with close to 10,000 members. She has been married to her college sweetheart, Mark, for almost nine years. Holley is not a morning person and once put chocolate on her alarm clock to bribe herself but ate it and went back to bed. You’re invited to find encouragement any time of day on her blog, Heart to Heart with Holley.

Rain on Me Giveaway

You can win a copy of Holley’s devotional book, Rain on Me: Devotions of Hope and Encouragement for Difficult Times, this beautiful two-sided Rain/Hope necklace, and a stylish mug from DaySpring’s Life Collection!

Leave a comment to win, and don't hesitate to link to this post on Facebook or Twitter.

28 Comments:

At August 18, 2009 11:39 AM , Suzy said...: Thank you, Holley for the reminder that our Father always sends reminders of His love. So often when I am in the Why? or Why nows? He doesn't answer the BIG, LOUD prayers, but instead answers the little, quiet ones - offering me encouragement in my daily walk, and patience to wait for the answer for the BIG prayer. Even after following Him for many years, I am still amazed at His faithfulness, and how he always knows what is best for me!
At August 18, 2009 11:58 AM , Deb said...: Holley,
What a gift to have found (in)courage and you!! and now Pearl Girls. It inspires me to read others stories of God's faithfulness.
At August 18, 2009 1:25 PM , Amy said...: holley,

i had never heard of you until the launch of (in)courage. what an inspiration you are! imagine my excitement when you left a comment on my little old blog regarding a comment I shared on an (in)courage post!

it would be a true blessing to win your book!

thanks so much for the giveaway!

be blessed,

amy (honestly)
At August 18, 2009 1:56 PM , Linda said...: Can never get enough devotionals. And a necklace and mug to boot?! Please enter me. Thank you.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com
At August 18, 2009 2:00 PM , Linda said...: I linked to FB about your blog and giveaway.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com
At August 18, 2009 2:15 PM , Anonymous said...: Thank you for the beautiful post.
Please enter me in the lovely giveaway. I would love it all.
Nancy in NC
jhargett4@roadrunner.com
At August 18, 2009 2:35 PM , Shannon said...: Thank you, Holley for the beautiful words of encouragment to the soul today in a wonderful reminder that "Blessed be the name of the Lord" whether it's storms or joy that He brings our way.
At August 18, 2009 4:05 PM , Savannah said...: what a beautiful reminder. thank you.
At August 18, 2009 8:07 PM , Gabrielle said...: Holley,
You write such beautiful words of inspiration and encouragement and I would love to win this great giveaway.
At August 18, 2009 8:20 PM , Anonymous said...: Hi Holley Thank you for your up-lifting words of encouragement and inspriation Holly Our Heavely FATHER always knows what is best for all of us JESUS DIVINE PLAN FOR US helps our lives and minds continue to grow with COURAGE AND STRENGTH.HOLLY GOD BLESS YOU AND THE ENTIRE DAYSRPING STAFF.IN FAITH CONNIE
At August 18, 2009 8:44 PM , Proverbs 27:19 said...: Hi! I just recently began to follow Holley's blog and I feel very comfortable and encouraged there. (in)courage is awesome too!

I am excited that I have found Pearl Girls now as well.

Thank you!

smooches,
Larie
At August 18, 2009 8:47 PM , Linda said...: Beautifully said Holley. I wish it were true that I could grow and change without ever having anything in my little world go askew, but that just isn't the way it seems to work. It is our of the suffering and brokenness that the change and growth comes. The miracle, to me, is that He sees as lovely this cracked, patched vessel.
At August 18, 2009 9:03 PM , ~karen said...: Holley I absolutely LOVE your thoughts! I 'found you' on Daysprings' website, subscribe to your blog and have gifted your book to many friends. I continue to be blessed by the numerous bloggers you introduce us to on your site. I would be ecstatic to win your giveaway! I'd read your book and find someone to share it with when I'm done ;o)
Blessings,
~karen
At August 18, 2009 10:25 PM , Anonymous said...: Holley,
Your thoughtful wisdom belies your age :-) Thank you for digging deep and passing on these word pictures that are so well formed. You have blessed me- and many others - by allowing God's direction and passion to be spoken as you type.-Kathleen GW
At August 18, 2009 10:38 PM , The Stay Family said...: Holley, you never cease to amaze me with your words...thank you!
At August 18, 2009 10:51 PM , Linda C said...: Hi Holley,
It is difficult for us to remember how much God loves us when we are in the midst of pain and turmoil. Your words offer us the reminder we need to know God loves us He will never leave us. Thanks for the beautiful illustration to remind us! God Bless you ....Linda C
At August 19, 2009 8:32 AM , Julie Cook said...: Holley! You ARE a truly amazing writer. I am enjoying learning more about you!
At August 19, 2009 8:46 AM , Anonymous said...: Dear Holley: I could hardly wait to press my mouse to read the rest of the story. Thank you so much for the encouragement and the reminder that He is truly faithful in the small and the big things of life. Your words of inspiration are such a comfort and blessing to me. I know from reading the comments from others they feel the same. God Bless You Real Good, Holley. Love, Marjorie
At August 19, 2009 9:19 AM , Anonymous said...: Holley, you continue to inspire me with your devotions. I will recall the image of the broken tree budding for a very long time.

Prayers in Christ,
Crystal
At August 19, 2009 9:39 AM , Holley said...: Wow, girls, I'm sitting here humbled with tears in my eyes (the happy kind) and a smile on my face. Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. And I so appreciate those of you who made a special trip to Pearl Girls--aren't they amazing? You've certainly gotten my day off to a wonderful start! Thank you!
At August 19, 2009 10:50 AM , Janet B said...: I have communicated w/ Holley since November/December 2008 right before I had surgery for stage 2 grade 2 endometrial cancer. I have always loved her writings and I count it a joyful blessing to get to know her as much as one can through e-mails and Twitter. She is using her gifts for God and I love her dearly as my Christian sister/friend.
Janet Broyles
Oklahoma
At August 19, 2009 11:09 AM , Paula said...: Holly, this morning as I drove to work my girlfriend Terri, knowing i was driving thru tears, in the midst of my storm, forwarded this site to me.... What a blessing in my day!
God is Awesome!!! Paula
At August 19, 2009 11:20 AM , Margaret McSweeney said...: Holley,

Thank you for touching the hearts and lives of so many women. You are such a true blessing, and I am so grateful that you are a special part of Pearl Girls. God bless!
At August 19, 2009 11:35 PM , Lopsided Halo said...: Wow...just the words I needed to hear!!!

Brittney
britt_ney07@hotmail.com
At August 20, 2009 12:08 AM , Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience said...: Not only does all come from God... but all reaches *towards* God... trees and women and praise.

Isn`t He worthy of all praise, Holley?

Thank you for inviting us to offer it all to Him...

You live it.
At August 20, 2009 3:49 PM , Lori said...: Thank you Holley for faithfully sharing your words of comfort, encouragement and inspiration to us. May happiness touch your life today as warmly as you have touched the lives of others.
Let Your Light Shine!
At August 20, 2009 6:03 PM , Patty said...: Holley, I am new to blogging and google reader. You were one of the first I added to read daily - you have been a real encouragement to me. Thanks for your words.
At August 26, 2009 5:08 PM , Margaret McSweeney said...: The winner has been announced!

http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com/2009/08/and-winner-is.html