Archives at Zinester: "Afraid, Still". "I Believe in You!".

Subject: "Afraid, Still" - June09, 2006

"I Believe in You!"

A message of Hope, stories from the road.

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Hello, my friend!

It appears the world needs watering. The response to my story

was wonderful. We do have many watering those thirsty for

love, hope and appreciation.

About today's story.

I heard "Still" and knew I had to write a story about it.

It was that "Voice" I was hearing.

I tried but could not shake it. Then I remembered I had written

such a story before. I didn't want to use an old one. This had to be new.

But I checked back in my files anyway. I found "Afraid, still." I read it

and searched some more.

"Maybe someone needed to read this today," I thought.

I kept searching. I finally found one titled "Still!"

"Is this what I am supposed to send out again?" I asked.

Just then, out of nowhere...thunder. I didn't even see the approaching storm.

Both Ricky and Lucy scrambled into my office and begged me to pick them up.

"Okay, God. I get it. It was the first story you wanted me to share again."

When you read it, you'll understand.

If you needed it, it was meant for you!

Make it a great day, my friend!

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Perks Pearl of Wisdom

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These messages are f r e e...

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Thanks, my friend!

Bob and Marianne

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Today's Message:

"Afraid, still"
By Bob Perks

"There's no need to be afraid," I said.

And yet, he was afraid, still.

"It's only noise. It can't hurt you."

Still, he acted as if it could.

Fireworks. Off in the distance or close by, what he could not

see scared him. What he did not understand made him hide.

It was what he heard, like the thunderstorms that rock his soul,

the explosions were upsetting.

"I won't let anything happen to you. Look at me. I'm not afraid," I said.

Still, it made no difference.

"Oh, God in heaven. I'm scared sometimes, too. I come to you

for comfort. I hear your voice and you tell me, "It's alright.

There's no need to be afraid."

Still, I am. What is it that takes away my fear? What do you do

when I call your name and tell you I am afraid?

I need to know, you see someone has come to me for comfort

from the noise that life makes and I am lost in trying. I don't know

what to say or do.

I have said all I can. I have done all I can and yet...he is afraid, still.

God, what do I say to him?"

In the silence of a prayer, in the ending of a worship comes a

moment when God's wisdom washes over you and in that moment

you are at peace.

"I am here."

When logic fails in the face of fear and wisdom falls short of healing one's

soul, there is only one thing that helps.

Just being there.

Some things in life defy explanation. They just are the way they are. Fear

comes from not accepting that. Fear rules over logic like trying to see in the dark.

"I am here" says you are in this together. I will be with you until the light

and all you could not see is finally revealed.

God, thanks for always being there even when I was afraid, still.

"I believe in You!"

I encourage you to share my stories with your friends but, when

copying I ask that you keep my name and contact information

attached so that new readers can find their way here. Use of this

story for commercial use is prohibited without direct permission

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Your Comments... If you would like to share brief comment

about today's message, please write to Bob@BobPerks.com

I will use only first names and no email addresses.

RE: "Watering the world"

Excellent, Bob. I'm sure the mailman appreciates it too! Tiny (my beloved) had

surgery today for a detached retina. She had just had surgery in March for a 90%

blocked carotid artery. So that made today's surgery a little more apprehensive.

The nurses, assistants, and of course, the surgeon were all so kind and helpful.

I had the opportunity ---or took it--- to say to three different persons on the team

that they wee the finest I had experienced, not only professionally, but in a kind

and thoughtful way also. I got nothing but looks of appreciation and big

"thank you's."

How easy it is to help somebody know they are appreciated.

God bless you and Marianne and your ministry.

Sincerely in Christ,

Richard,

Retired Baptist Minister

Bob,

Glad to know others "water" people. We are fortunate enough to be able

to hire a lawn service and in the hot Houston summers I give the men bottles

of cold water. My grandchildren, ages 3 and 5, have now become a part of

that ritual. When they see them arrive, the first thing they want to do is go

and get water for them. They love being able to hand out the bottles. I hope

that in the process they are learning to be kind to others. Such simple

gestures can mean so much. Thanks for all you do!

Veda

Bob,

That was a great story Bob, and you are sure right. It's the little things we do for

people that count. Sometimes all it takes is a kind word. I try to do that, even on

line. I think they should know how much we appreciate the effort they put into their

work. Love ya, My Friend. God Bless you both. Betty

Hi Bob.

What a great story! I've often said to my children that it's the little
things that make the big difference. My old cub leader attends the church I
go to. I'm no longer that little boy that looked up to her - in fact I'm
the big one that she looks up to. But every time we meet I say "Hello
Akela. I love you." We hug and she tells me she's now set for the week
because "one of her boys" gave her a hug. It didn't cost me anything but a
wee little time. And yet it means so much to her to be remembered
especially as "Akela."

I never thought of it as "watering the world" before, but we are all here
to take care of God's creation including the people we meet along the way.

Imagine what the world would be like if we all did the little things that
mean so much. What a witness we could be for God's love.

Ted in Ontario Canada

Dear Bob,

Thank you for the wonderful story today about "watering the world."

I am another of those who carries the watering can with me wherever I go.

I totally related to what you were saying. Thanks for the reminder that

"God waters my soul. God fills up my cup and it overflows with millions

of tiny drops of living water. God nourishes my spirit in those dry times by

watering the gifts He has given me."It is my privilege to share that nourishing

water with those people I encounter each day.

Recently (3 weeks ago) Bob & I moved from our life-time state of

CA to a new experience:Montana! It's a great place to retire, but far

from the ocean and the rhythm we are used to.We are learning to love

the Madison River and the people here in the Madison Valley.

New opportunities present themselves everyday to spread the "water [that] represents life."

I needed the reminder that "A tiny drop of kindness makes the world healthy, better off and perhaps

reflects hope in the eyes of the hopeless."

Thanks for encouraging me to continue to use the watering can that never runs dry.

The more I use it, the fuller it is!

Hugs, Jan

dear Bob & Marianne,
this is a great thought.it is so easy to be kind to folks, all you need
to do is make
up your mind to do so.
being kind isn't a matter of how others
act but by how made up is your mind.
THANK YOU.
Nancy

Note: Please pray for this family:

Hi Bob,

We lost our precious Melanie the 25th of May. The cancer she had was

very aggressive, she was in so much pain toward the end but she never

quit fighting. The weekend before she had given her twelve year olds a

wonderful sleep-over birthday party with six of their friends.

It was SRO at her memorial service. So many of her friends and family

told stories of how she helped each one at different times, even through

her illness. She will be sorely missed but I know she is no longer in pain

and has gone to a better place. The memories she left behind will always bring joy to us.

I believe in you always. Sami

Hi Bob:

This message reminds me of something that happened to me the other

day. I had received a phone call from someone who had responded to a

newspaper ad I had posted about a bus trip for our church. This woman was a

Katrina disaster victim and had moved here in the east with her nephew. He had

wanted her to check out things she could do because she was so depressed.

Anyway, I had told her that my trip was full, but gave her a number to call about

another trip that someone else in our church was planning.

Near the end of the conversation, this woman said to me "You are so nice".

You know, that comment made my day. I had a smile on my face the rest of

the day thinking how I made a difference in this woman's life who was trying to

start her life again after this terrible disaster. We really need to put ourselves

in other people's shoes sometimes.

I enjoy your stories and I will have to water some people in my life even though

we are getting quite watered here with all the rain!

Susan

Bob,

Thanks for watering the world Bob! I didn't see this story as boastful
at all. It was merely a jumping off point for us to consider how easy
it is to water our world! It isn't something I would thought to do,
your putting water out for the mail man shows him kindness & that you
appreciate his hard work. God Bless!

Rick
San Angelo, TX

Dear Bob
What a great idea!! I often fill water bottles for our Garbage guys when I am home, but I

will do my best to do more "watering of the world"

Best wishes always,
Barbara, South Africa

Bob,

What a great message. I'm a waterer also. While I do not take care

of the mail man I try to for others who come into my life. I work full

time as a nurse in a nursing home. Some days are hard , families

can take out their frustration on us. At times I have been watered,

and its sometimes what makes you keep coming back to a job I truly

love. .My believe is good should not be kept but passed on . Its good

to know there are many of us waterers. out their. Thanks again for

a wonderful message ! Debbie in WI

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"I wish you enough!"
Bob

Bob Perks is a professional speaker, author and vocalist.
Member National Speakers Association.
Visit http://www.BobPerks.com

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"I wish you enough!"
written by Bob Perks (c) 2001

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."