The verse: At that time those who feared the LORD spoke to one another. The LORD took notice and listened. Malachi 3:16
The wisdom (as shared by Henry Blackaby in Experiencing God Day by Day): God has designed His kingdom so that Christians with kindred spirits join together.
In his usual timely way, Blackaby provided the inside insight to what the Lord just did in my life. Months ago, at a Relational Wisdom summit in Billings, MT, I had a wonderful conversation with someone who loved what she heard about my Family History Bootcamp work and that my foundational guiding scripture was Deuteronomy 6:20-25.
That scripture says when your children ask the meaning of the Lord’s decrees, you are to tell them the story of how the Lord rescued Israel (us) from slavery and commanded our obedience so that we may prosper in righteousness from Him.
In my Bootcamp work, I have discovered my faith roots going back to my great-great grandfather are a major inspiration to me – and so many others have found similar milestones in their own lives and enriching ancestor stories that have become beacons of light for them which they desire to safeguard for generations to come.
This “new friend” shared with another friend of hers and within the last month she engineered an introduction so that we could connect.
Here is where Blackaby’s “predictive” words were so very true. “It is exciting when you find another Christian who shares the same concerns and burdens that you do! Often, God will graciously bring another believer alongside you who will undergird you in the work and concerns God has placed on your heart.”
In the initial intro, I just heard the word “doula” describing this person I was to meet, and I was sort of wondering what kind of connection this new friend of mine thought I would have in common with someone who helped in the birthing of babies. But thankfully, we arranged a zoom meeting and this person I was to meet also sent her website link. Was I in for a delightful surprise.
Laurel Nicholson is a Christian End-of-Life (Death) Doula Practitioner and Theologian. Once I read through her website, I could not wait to connect with her. She founded the Death & Resurrection Doula Training Program, the first and only Christian program in the secularly dominated Death Positive movement. Her story of healing illuminates God’s power to save. She feels strongly that a Christian ministry of healing must speak about death.
Indeed her story on the website was amazingly compelling and explained so much. And when we met by zoom, we had a great time of sharing together. We found so much in common in our lives, experiences, views of how the Lord has worked in and through us, and sensed the strength of our commitment to the Lord — it was a wonderful bonding time that brought the word “sisters” immediately to my mind.
Blackaby continued to explain so well what was happening between us. “The Bible says that when two or more Christians meet and reverently discuss matters concerning the Lord, God is pleased to listen to them and to respond to their concerns. When two or three believers agree in prayer, God chooses to respond to their unity by making His powerful presence known in their midst.”
Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:19-20
Just as Jesus did on the road to Emmaus when he walked alongside as the two men discussed their confusion over the events of Christ’s crucifixion ( Luke 24:13-32), I felt His presence in our meeting. Jesus joined the men and helped them understand the events of their day. I knew we had His listening ear during our whole zoom introductory conversation.
I learned a better definition of the word “doula” – it is a Greek word meaning “a woman who serves.” A death (or end-of-life doula) is a non-medical practitioner trained to assist in the dying process. Through holistic practice, a doula helps families and communities care for someone who is dying. The concept of a doula is becoming a vital role in the end-of-life process adding quality of life to the end of life. And Laurel’s personal story of God’s healing path in her life equips her mightily to do this work.
Her seminary degree provided even stronger resources for Laurel to start doing the training of other Christian Death and Resurrection Doulas. Her website explains more about the certification program she has designed and operates. What a wonderful ministry.
And yes, the wheels started turning in my mind (you know me so well, you should not be surprised). When some are coming to grips with their end-of-life situation, they may find they have special words, stories, memories and sharing they want to memorialize. My background and training are focusing me on how there can be a quick and easy capturing of valuable legacy treasures like these.
Blackaby just wrapped it up beautifully when he suggested that if we are carrying concerns about family or church or friends, we should ask God to bring like-minded believers around us to share the burden with us in conversation and in prayer. I love his suggestion that we should not attempt to bear our load of cares on our own.
We may pray about them, he says, but we will miss the blessing of uniting together with a group of believers who join together to intercede for one another and to enjoy God’s presence.
“Everything God has woven into the fabric of His kingdom promotes interdependence, not individualism. As you face your concerns, deliberately seek out other believers with whom you can stand and share your load.” Blackaby is so right about this.
I thank the Lord for “hearing” and “listening” not only to the words Laurel and I shared but our hearts. If you would like to know more about her work, visit her site Christian End-Of-Life Doula | Laurel Nicholson
And I thank the Lord for you, my dear readers who respond, encourage and bless me no end with your faithfulness and prayers. Please pray for where the Lord is leading Laurel and me in our walking alongside each other!
