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Deborah Rutherford's avatar

A wonderful essay and poem. yes, I am always surprised when a false friend shoes their true color. But what I have learned are many of the lessons here which you beautifully write. Yes, shake off the dust and one that my husband and I always remind each other vengeance is the Lord's. But I must say that God has redeemed every betrayal in ways I never thought possible.

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Kimberly Phinney's avatar

Yes!! He truly redeems. And He even uses the pain for our good or reorientation. Bless you, sweet one.

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Kathryn Swartz's avatar

Thank you for the Mother Theresa poem. I have Chronic pain and I get so tired of the You look fine face....I've survived breast cancer and numerous surgeries. I do not let mean people get to me. I am a Child of God. The Lord saved me and I will share my salvation with anyone.

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Kimberly Phinney's avatar

I feel this so deeply. We’ve been through a lot. Not everyone can understand severe illness until they live it. God bless you. And thank God for Mother Teresa’s wise words. Thank you, Kathryn.

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Amber Taube's avatar

I read this one day and had no immediate context for it. One day and one tough (one-sided) meeting later, it was everything I needed to hear. Thank you ♥️

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Kimberly Phinney's avatar

I am so sorry to hear about that tough meeting, but I’m so glad these words were here for you. Bless you.

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Zane Paxton's avatar

I’m sorry you had to learn these lessons, but thank you for sharing them.

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Kimberly Phinney's avatar

Of course. Thank you, Zane. I hope you’re enjoying my writing course.

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Sam DeCosmo's avatar

Do It Anyway by Mother Teresa is one of my all-time favorite pieces of writing. I love that you’ve included it. It’s something I try to always remember.

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Kimberly Phinney's avatar

Me too! Another kindred moment. It’s been my true lifeline.

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Shirley Ann Vels's avatar

Im sorry that you lost readers when you shared so openy and with vulnerability. It certainly does sting, Ive experienced the same. Ive learnt that when you stand for something you are going to ruffle feathers and stir up feelings that people don't want to acknowledge within themselves. Rather that, than being lukewarm (Rev 3:16). I loved this essay, so much truth and wisdom in it, thank you.

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Kimberly Phinney's avatar

Oh yes, so so true. Thank you for being here, Shirley. We keep sharing, writing, giving.

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Rebecca's avatar

I’m so sorry you lost readers from the post. You gained one, too! I’ve known Dena for a long time- since before she was married!- and I loved your vulnerability and honesty. Thank you

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Kimberly Phinney's avatar

Oh yay! A friend from Dena. Thank you for being here, Rebecca. Blessings to you both.

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Edward Holmes's avatar

Every time I come back to this, it gives me strength.

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Brooke Shorey's avatar

"in the fullness of time" sometimes means at the end of time. Because I've been spoken bad of, defined you could say, by someone who had no idea about me and it never came to light. He's dead now and it's over but there will always be that tainted perspective in some people's eyes because the truth was never discerned. I appreciate your post.

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Meg Williams's avatar

Sitting in a quiet room, battling heat-triggered chronic illness episodes with frigid air to bring relief, and I stumble upon your Substack. What a lovely perspective you have! Maybe because I have fought my body for years, maybe something else, but I do not understand why your essay was offensive to so many. Grief, illness, and “recovery” (what a funny idea!) are not tidy, but neither are we pawns on a cosmic chessboard, as I felt years ago. I have chosen to believe in a deity of great love as shown in the Bible, one who helps to bring peace in the mystery.

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