Thank you for being Simon for me. I have learned so much from you. I appreciate you. Even in your sickness, I have learned to accept myself and my sickness. Thank you, for I have grown.

The choice of this station is so appropriate right now. I want to thank everyone who posted words of encouragement and promises of prayer on the Palm Sunday post. I have been deeply moved by the kindness, love, and generosity that you have shown. As Therese said, you have been Simon the Cyrenean for me.
We went today for a needle biopsy, and the verdict for my husband, Eldon, is lymphoma. We know nothing more than that – not the type or stage. He has been suffering in so much pain; unable to eat or sleep. His doctor has been truly awful through this whole thing. But as I wrote Therese, I have been praying the rosary sometimes twice a day for a few weeks now and it is helping me immensely. At night, it is the rosary that belonged to my grandmother who has been my human icon of Love. She died fifty years ago this June, but when I touch those beads I feel that she is united with me in prayer.
I am so thankful that God led me in ways to heal my broken marriage. For twenty years we lived in a loveless atmosphere. Last night as he tried to sleep, Eldon turned to me and said how much it meant to him to know that I love him. Whatever happens, we have each other.
I ask that you continue praying for Eldon and me. We have many challenges ahead of us. With your prayers and God’s help, I know we will be all right.

Barbara -
I am so very sorry to hear of the outcome of the needle biopsy. I am sure (well – from my own experience) that it’s unsettling not having all of the information yet as to the type or stage.
What a blessing to you both to have been able to heal a broken marriage. Last night’s validation of your love and commitment is so endearing. I understand what he means, as my health matters continue to deteriorate and are being piled up with more uncertain issues, having my husband’s support and love is what carries me through to face each day (at times moment to moment).
You are right. You have many challenges ahead of you. You and Eldon will be in my prayers for a peace-filled journey within your heart, mind and soul.
God bless you both,
Nancy L.

much thanks to everyone who has been there to help me in my times of need many days i couldnt have made it with all of you,hugs marilyn

Dear Therese,
Thank You for reminding me of how rich and full this Scripture is.
A closer look reveals that *Simon is pressed into service by the Roman soldier’s to help carry the cross. At first he is reluctant. In fact, he refused, but he is forced to comply by soldier’s carrying swords.
*( Simon represents every person who is faced with a cross and does not want to carry it. He also represents those who do not want to help others carry their crosses.)
As he begins this journey, he comes to know Jesus. He looks into His eyes. He sees the suffering. Simon eventually opens his heart to Jesus. At that point, something truly amazing happens, Jesus gathers up all of His strength and carries the cross with Simon.
But more amazing than that, is the fact that Jesus locks arms with Simon as they carry the cross together.
Herein lies the message for me:
If we long to know Christ better in the midst of suffering; willingly take up our cross and each others, each and every day, and we will not carry them alone. Jesus will lock arms with us and He will help us carry them to the end.
In the warm love of His Wonderful Son…

(((Barbara/Babs))) and (((Eldon)))

On the video, I agree with others that you are more a Simon for us than we are for you, Therese. But mostly I agree that the important thing is community, responsibility, and empathy — that we all in BB, in small ways, help carry this cross of depression for each other.

I FOUND YOUR COMMENT SO RELIEF AND CALM .

I still read the Beyond blue posts regularly but rarely write. I sometimes feel there is nothing more to be said…to be written. I feel so closed up within myself i feel i cannot share the sadness. but i do feel better after reading all your posts.

Kay:
In the same way you receive comfort and support from reading the posts of others, we get that from hearing what you have to ad as well. Don’t worry about what seems like redundancy; I know that when someone else repeats what I havesaid or echoes my feelings, it serves as validation that I am indeed NOT alone. The strength of BB,IMHO, (ASIDE FROM THERESE HERSELF, OF COURSE) lies in the feeling of community which means that EVERYONE’S input is valuable. If you feel closed up within yourself, there’s only ONE solution: willingly Open up. adding your own comments/ validations/feelings is one way to accomplish that. various dialouges here on BB have led to the establishment of some very real online relationships witho thers from the community for me, and I treasure them!Your input is equally as valuable as those of us who almost always have something to say; maybe more. People probably get tired of hearing my voice over and over again; you become like a breath of fresh air and bless the rest of us with your presence here

I believe that when we willingly help others then we Are living the message Jesus tried so hard to bring to the world, the message he died for, and then we are truly lightening the weight of his cross (joining with him in Love of our fellow man as G-d loves us).

Thank you Margaret.

Dear Kay,
IF BB were a Ministry, I would call it:
“THE WOUNDED HEALERS’
Because it is our hurt that gives the measure of our power to heal. The wound in us – and we all at some level wounded – evokes the healer in others. The wound in others evokes the healers in us.
MY wounds evoke your healer.
YOUR wounds evoke my healer.
My wounds enables me to find your wounds where you have the illusion of having become lost, sad and alone.
” I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,
I was made weak, that I might obey.
I asked for health, that I might do great things,
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy,
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for,
But everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.”
Kay, your place is set and reserved at the table of: ” The Wounded Healer’s.”

Barbara, please know that my prayers are also with you and your hubby while you go through this difficult time.
Valentine, your comment reminded me that Henry Nouwen authored a book titled “The Wounded Healer” (I haven’t read it yet).
I, too, benefit from Therese’s comments and all of the loving people who post here.
Happy Easter to all! Peg

Valentine:
This is not just a spiritual concept. My Myers-Briggs personality type, Introverted-Intuitive-Feeling-Perceiving (INFP), has been called the “wounded healer” as well.
Amen to that …

Larry.
Another lifetime ago I used to administer the Briggs test; before I worked in College Admissions.
In your case, after one cup of coffee with you, I would have skipped the test and told you … “You need to be in the Human Service field.”
PS:
I (finally) wrote the Epilog to our two question talk that came about Re: “Signs” back in February…

Thanks, Peg,
I’ll look for it the next time I’m at the bookstore.
Gratefully,
Valentine

Valentine:
My new job is in community organizing (Barack Obama-style), which certainly counts as human services, I think …

We all have to help caring for our burdens once in awhile. Praying is a way to start. But talking them out on different blogs of the Internet is way letting your shirt down with people that are having same problems. That why I the Beyond Blue because I find I’m not the only one. You can talk to your clergy, theorpist, or your best friend but it ain’t same. Thanx for being there for anyone that needs to blow off stream or whatever.