What I’m about to do, about to ask, I do with the permission of the person involved.
Most of you know our beloved Sheila. I’ve known her through our blogs and through our probably thousands of emails for — what? — four years now? Four years ago we stumbled across each other’s blogs — I found her, she found my drama camp posts, hahaha — and I thank GOD regularly that I know her. The impact of her in my life has been profound and true and deep, even though we’ve never met. She’s the real deal. A true blue person and the dearest friend. She’s seen me through some horrible times and I only ever want to do the same for her.
So, pippa. Our dear Sheila needs some prayer right now. She’s going through a personal hell and, no, I’m not going to divulge the details. (I will say, so that people don’t get scared, it’s not a physical/health-related issue.)
Beyond that, I think it’s enough to tell you that she needs people of prayer lifting her up.
So here’s what I’m asking:
~ That people set aside a commitment of time to pray specifically for her. You don’t need details. God knows what they are better than any of us. I’m not going to dictate what that time frame should be; people have different constraints on their time. But I’d like for people to say, “I will give this day as a day of prayer for Sheila” or “I will give this week as a week of prayer for Sheila.” Do it in your mind, your heart. I’m not asking you to say that in the comments — unless you want to. I’m asking for a commitment, yes, beyond one short prayer. Let’s give Sheila who gives so much — as you know if you read her blog — some concentrated time and effort back in her direction.
~ Also, this is key. PLEASE do not send emails to Sheila. If you want to communicate with her about this, please do so only in the comment thread here. I know you — you dear people — and know, of course, that your emails would be well-meaning, but it could just be something that’s too overwhelming right now. Let’s not place a burden on her to respond to individual emails. So, PLEASE, again — I ask with everything that’s in me — do not email her about this.
~ Of course, feel free to share your sentiments with her here. That would certainly be welcome.
~ If you’re willing and able to commit to this, please let her know that, too, in the comments. Again, you don’t need to state what your time frame will be unless you choose to do so. Just voicing your personal commitment to prayer will be meaningful.
~ That being said, I know I have readers out there who are more comfortable not commenting and who may very well commit privately to do this. That’s perfectly fine. Please don’t feel pressured to comment if it makes you uncomfortable. Public or private, the commitment is the same and equally valid.
Thank you in advance for your prayers, dear pippa.
Details never needed. God knows. Will do.
Tracey, I’m already there. What a beautiful idea, though, to ask it of others. I’ve known Sheila for a long time, and I’m already praying for her daily. You’re right – she IS the real deal. She’s a gorgeous soul with a magnificent heart.
Absolutely. I’ve been praying for you occasionally, but I will definitely make a commitment to do it. Thanks for asking.
I don’t know Sheila very well (um, ok, at all), but feel enough a part of this community (that’s a huge testament to your hospitality, Tracey) that I will most certainly pray for her. She’ll be added to my list of prayers in general, but I will also take 3-4pm this Wednesday, the day after tomorrow, to specifically lift her up. Grace and peace.
Sorry, by “you,” I mean you both. Tracey and Sheila.
Prayers going up.
Thank you, Tracey, for the suggestion.
I am not sure I pray in the same way as my more religiously focused friends here, but whatever I have to offer is hers.
I’d be happy to pray. Sheila has given me so much over the years through her blog, it’s the least I could do.
Yes. I’ll offer what I have also. You guys – Tracey, Sheila, and several others here – are often in my prayers.
Done. And will continue to do.
Sheila, you are loved and treasured by people who you’ve never met in person… me included. I don’t need details. God knows those.
(((((((huge hug))))))
My heart is bursting, you guys. Thank you so much. And Katie, that’s so sweet, but I’ve come to expect that from you.
I’m brand new around here, but I know honesty and palpable pain when I see it. I will remember you both in my prayers.
Ladybug and I have met Sheila, and can agree. She is good people. Done and done. And bless your heart, Tracey, for running interference for Sheila here in the comments.
BTW, Sheila, I’ve had something I’ve been meaning to send you, but I will wait until you say. It isn’t anything very alarming, I promise, and it is emailable.
Hi Ann — Well, bless you.
And welcome to this little crooked corner of the Net.
Will do.
I’ll join the group praying for Sheila, and the couple at church, too. God knows what they need. Also continuing prayers for you and MB, Tracey.
I would love to. I’m sure I know some Irish saints who would help out with some intercessions. 🙂 And I do pray every night for friends. . . blogfriends included!
Always have- always will….I am a blessed human being for having Sheila in my life. AND she brought me to you, Tracey-another amazing human being. Peace to both of you, friends.