Truth is Life

Today I got to visit Joel for almost 4 hours and without having to make a 3 plus hour drive each way! That’s really something to look forward to. But I couldn’t take the kids. Roman cried brokenheartedly when he discovered I was leaving him behind, and begged me to skip going and just stay with him. Marshall also, in a much more mature, 14-year-old fashion, let me know how sad he was for me to go without them. But I knew they would have a good time with their grandparents and other friends so I dropped them off and headed out to the halfway house, trying to lay aside the sadness I felt on their behalf.

The halfway house is located in a rather unsavory section of town and every time I’ve been there I have felt nervous for my own health and safety. In the two weeks since Joel arrived, there has been a shooting and an explosion in the street behind him. It’s not the kind of place where a person feels too comfortable.

Because of Joel’s restrictions at this point, he is required to visit in a separate room away from the other visitors and their families. This means we have our own private area for visit. But it also means Joel stands out as different among his peers and this is certainly not a good thing in that rough crowd. Immediately, Joel was anxious about this arrangement. He shared with me some of the reasons that he has concerns for his own safety among the other residents. This set the tone for a rather solemn visit.

I left with a lump in my throat. My mind wanted to run crazy–thinking on all kinds of unknowns, feasting on fears, fretting over Joel’s safety and mine.  What if….this…what if…that…How much more “bad” can our family handle? All of this…and then randomly God spoke this verse into my head, “Take every thought captive…”

It starts in the mind. I can dwell on truth, thanking God for the good things He is doing in the midst of our difficult situation, or I can wallow in fear and self-pity.  One leads to spiritual virility, the other to death. It’s a matter of taking every thought captive, and subjecting it to the litmus test of Truth. For Truth is Life.


4 Responses to "Truth is Life"

  • I am sorry, I continue to have no words of any worth. Praise God for His Spirit that continues to remind you of His promises. My note is just to let you know that I am still praying.

    1 Ruth Aldrich said this (July 16, 2012 at 11:42 am) Reply


  • As I read your posts the Lord keeps bringing to mind verses I am teaching the 3s & 4s in SS. 😀 This week’s verse: The LORD is a great God, the great King above all gods. Ps.95:3 Been praying all day for the Lord’s hand on the meeting, that Joel would empty himself of himself and be filled with the Spirit, and that the grace and mercy of God would touch the various staff members and soften their hearts to hear Joel. Continuing to hold you all up in prayer.

    2 Linda Desideri Cate said this (July 16, 2012 at 5:01 pm) Reply


  • Tabitha, my heart cries with you through this tough time. Scott and I continue to pray for your family. Be encouraged, this too shall pass. This journey is so close to its end. You have stayed strong for the past 3 years, only 6 months to go. You will make it in Jesus name!!! Our love is with your family every minute of every day. =)

    3 becha said this (July 16, 2012 at 11:26 pm) Reply


  • Wow, tough stuff. So hard when things have not turned out how you had hoped. Praying that God continue to grow your faith to enable you to continue trusting Him.. to take you down this rough and rocky road, to He will protect you, that you would KNOW HIM and the amazing depth of HIS love for you. May you continue to cling to our Great High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for us.. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” Heb. 4:15

    4 Teresa said this (July 22, 2012 at 10:59 am) Reply


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