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Kate's avatar

I savor these emails. They sit unread in the inbox until I have a moment I know to pause. A moment when life seems to take a huge breath and hold it for just a second longer, when the side distractions are all gone and I know I won't be interrupted. Then I drink them in. This one was like ice water to my overheated soul. Your words resonated deep in hurts of old and fresh in words still floating. Thank you so, so much.

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Sara Hagerty's avatar

Oh thank you Kate. I'm so glad they bless you.

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Marissa W.'s avatar

Thank you for this. It’s beautifully written. You see, we are THAT family in suburban Houston. I have four boys and they are good kids, but they are just kids and they’re not perfect. We have done some homeschooling, we go to church, and we limit technology. I have gotten cancelled more times than I can count because we are different. It’s totally normally to want to hang out with people who share similar opinions as you but it hurts every time. I really work hard at trying not to come across as judgmental on any topics, but I guess people draw that conclusion anyway.

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Jessica Miller's avatar

Sara, this was for me!

My eyes raced across the words.

It was a balm to a VERY weary soul.

I am walking this HARD right now.

He is enough.

He is my advocate.

He knows the truth. He IS truth.

Praying He calls out the truth in my situation, but these words help me to wait with a little stronger get hope!

Thank you truly.

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Sara Hagerty's avatar

God has also been my advocate ... also advocating for my own heart and soul, back to me (because I can accuse myself, as well) in healing ways I never knew I needed

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Gloriana's avatar

I can’t tell you enough how much your words speak to me! I look forward to read what you have to say because it reaches my heart Every. Single. Time.

Thank you Sara đŸ’— Keep writing!!

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Sara Hagerty's avatar

aww ... thank you Gloriana

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Becky's avatar

Thank you Sara for speaking directly to the heart & reminding me of His truth!

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Kim Ulkekul's avatar

So good, Sara. As so often, the day I need to hear a word, He gets me exactly what I need to hear. Often times through the words of another and today, He absolutely did that through you. So thank you. It has been a very long 18 months for my people and as I continue to be their 'safe place', they can sometimes come at me, spewing what they know might be exaggerated - including about their perception of what I have or haven't done well - knowing my heart is strong enough to shield, sift and reflect. A little wounded by that this week, and these words were such a great reminder of what matters most. And healing. Love how you choose to shift your reactions to what God is seeking to show you all the while concentrating on His tremendous compassion and love for His children. Better today because you spoke/wrote. Be encouraged by this wounded warrior that what you are doing matters.

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Renee Hymel's avatar

Thank you for such a key that I am overlooking. Longing for the "little girl to be held" in the constant adversity when I want to be heard and and all to be well in my surroundings instead. Those daily internal conversations to "go my way" because externally they do not. And the battle continues but the goal is peace inside of me even if there is no peace outside of me.

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Sara Hagerty's avatar

It’s the key I often forget myself … I keep forgetting … but He is so gentle to keep reminding me when the pain feels unrelenting

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Renee Hymel's avatar

Definitely! I have been walking through some ancient ruins lately and the common thread is "My pain was never heard" not then, not now. I have become focused on being unheard which makes me feel unworthy of being heard, a cycle I suppose. Being held by Jesus breaks the cycle and in Him, I am heard.

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Kim Ulkekul's avatar

Song by Jasmine Murray, 'While You Were Holding Me' was so profound for all of what you describe here. On Spotify. So good. Hoping you can take a moment and let yourself just be held today.

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Kelly Ford's avatar

"the little girl who doesn't know that her greatest need is to be held in the face of her enemies" hit me so hard. Not even for the enemies part - really the reminder that my greatest need is to be held by Him

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