Last week, I shared with you my desire to feature more hope-filled guest posts. I would love to share your journey of hope here on The Scenic Route.
This week, it is my pleasure to have Matt Patterson visiting. I met Matt several months ago through a mutual blogging friend.
I was blessed with a free copy of My Emily and read all about his amazing little girl, Emily. She has left a beautiful legacy.
Take a moment to read the words on Matt’s heart today. And in the comments, please leave Matt a warm welcome! I have a copy of My Emily to give away for free to one lucky commenter. The winner will by announced on May 1st. You can also purchase a copy of My Emily here. Thank you, Matt, for sharing with us today!
Someone Needs To Hear
Matt Patterson
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. (Ecclesiastes 4:10 NIV)
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I have to say my story is not original.
It’s happened many times to many others.
Countless numbers have similar stories to tell. For some, it’s hard to share grief, pain and despair.
It was for me.
Today, there are times it still is.
I look back at where My Emily originated and nearly 20 years later, I sit here amazed. I wrote a newspaper column that initially served as my emotional release and it has since become my ministry.
My little book has created a passionate desire within me to share a story, help others with a testimony and hopefully bring others to the conclusion that in our darkest of times God does love us and He is in control.
I am of the belief that there is a purpose behind our pain. Identify that purpose.
Pray and ask for God’s help.
Plead for it.
Ponder over it and again, drop to your knees and petition for help in pointing you in the direction as to how you can help others.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
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(From My Emily, Epilogue)
So many moments during Emily’s life, treatment and death brought countless gifts. Included in these are patience, faith, strength, persistence, endurance, fellowship and character.
Incidents in our lives – big or small – develop our character. The Bible says, “We know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character.”
Our lives, as short as they may be, are a test. And one of the biggest tests we can endure is how we respond to those moments when we don’t feel the presence of God in our lives. I believe deeply that one of God’s greatest gifts is to teach us there is a purpose behind every single one of our trials or problems.
Treat them as a gift, an opportunity to move forward and draw closer to God. Problems often times compel us to look to God and count on him, rather than ourselves.
In Psalms, it says Jesus offers himself as the light in our darkness. It’s my prayer you learn to have faith and trust that God can lift you in your times of peril and save those moments as gifts.
* * * *
It took me nearly two decades to come to a realization that our story – Emily’s story – can help others.
You have an opportunity to do the same.
It’s my hope and prayer that those of you out there who have endured grief and pain are ready to step forward and share.
Reach out.
There are many waiting – to hear just from you.
Matt Patterson is the author of My Emily and an award-winning writer, editor and communications professional. His two-plus decades of experience include public and media relations, as well as print and broadcast journalism. He volunteers his time to helping organizations and charities dedicated to assisting families with children who have special needs or those battling pediatric cancers. He resides in Arizona.
Websites: http://mattpatterson.me and http://my-emily.org
Twitter: @myemily_thebook
Facebook: Matt Patterson, Author
I have read and reviewed two books of childhood diseases: one my Sherri Tucker on her son, Zach’s cancer: http://billgrandi.ovcf.org/wordpress/?m=20120208 and one here by Lynnette Kraft: http://billgrandi.ovcf.org/wordpress/?m=20120404. Both wrenched my heart out. I cannot imagine what Matt and others actually experience. Thanks Matt for your ministry to others who are hurting. Thanks Eileen for having Matt today.
What an inspiring, uplifting post! Thanks for sharing your hope, Matt. I’m sure Emily was very special.
Thank you Laura for your kind words.
Eileen, thank you so very, very much for allowing me to share a few thoughts. So blessed our paths have crossed.
Bill – thank you for taking the time to share those other books – I look forward to finding out more about them!
Matt every time you share even a little of your heart behind My Emily it serves as an encouragement in the fact that we are not going to be without pain in this world but THANK GOD we are not alone in our pain. God has indeed promised to one day wipe away all of our tears but while we are here you are so right in saying their is purpose behind our pain. God is doing a work in us that far reaches our ability to comprehend sometimes but in the end it serves to bring Him glory and us peace and joy. So thankful you are continuing to share MY EMILY.
Crystal – Very blessed by you ……. by your kindness and your wisdom. Grateful to call you my friend.
Matt, I’m so blessed every time you share. I’ve also been through a lot personally with sickness and disease, and you’re words have been so encouraging to me. Thank you for encouraing me to share my story! Megan S.
Megan – You have been so kind in the short time we’ve communicated via social media. Would love to hear more of your story. Grateful, again, that paths have crossed!
Thanks for being so honest with all of us about the process of pain you went through with your daughter. That’s so true that there’s purpose behind our pain…God is with us and taking us somewhere…love that:) Appreciate your heart!
Appreciate your heart as well Lorna! You are so right that he is with us and taking us somewhere – Amen!
It’s moving to see you want to use your experiences and trials as a means to be used by God. That is beyond awesome, Matt. Thanks for the encouragement today.
Your words Stephen are also an encouragement. I hope in some small way they can lead you to touch someone. God bless!
“I am of the belief that there is a purpose behind our pain. Identify that purpose.” So true! And a truth that can sound so pat to those in crisis if it is coming from people who haven’t experienced deep pain. I think that’s why it is so powerful coming from someone who has been there! Great thoughts, Matt!
Lynnette – Your words really touch me today. It was just yesterday that Bonnie (my wife) and I – were talking about this. Thank you so much!
Matt, It’s been great having you hear today! You journey is an inspiration to me! Thank you, my friend!
Eileen – We owe Marni a big THANK YOU, don’t we! 😉 So blessed by you and your story as well!
Yes we do!
Okay, it’s May 1st and time to announce the winner of My Emily.
**drum roll**
Lynnette Bonner…the book is yours! Please contact me with your shipping info and I will send it to you asap!
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