Monday, May 26, 2014

TO CATCH A COCKROACH


My mother is a hero.

A bona-fide, true-blue, brave-soul hero.

For she did battle with a cockroach…and won.

OK, so I'm staying with her at her house for a few days.  She lives by the beach.  And, for the life of me, I don't know why there are so many cockroaches at the beach!  They are everywhere, all the time.

Mom has traps laid out in every strategic corner of her house, and in the breezeway leading to the entry door.  For the most part, she is successful.

But not the other night.

So, she and I were yakking about this and that, and then we happened to notice the time – it was 1:30 AM!!  Fortunately, she and I have always been night owls, and these late-night (early morning??) talks are nothing new.

But, common sense finally prevailed, and we decided to go to bed.  When I'm visiting, there's a separate bathroom that I use.  So, I go to the bathroom, turn on the light, and see a dark *something* move by the faucet handle.  It took like two seconds for my primal brain stem to recognize what the "shadow" was…

La cucaracha.

I freaked out!

Possibly even screamed a little bit.  Mom came running.

"What's wrong?"

"Look!" I panted.  And with a thin finger of fright, I pointed at the cockroach sitting next to the cold-water handle.  I say the word "cockroach" lightly – for I truly believe this was really a Sherman tank.

Mom:  "My, that's the biggest cockroach I've ever seen."

Yes, a master of understatement.

Mom:  "What are we going to do?"

OK, so I'm now thinking in my head, "I'M not doing a thing."  I am unnaturally terrified of cockroaches.  They're just big and ugly and creepy. And I can't stand how they skittle around, and how they refuse to die.

Hence, a rather lengthy discussion began about various tactics and strategies to dispense with the invading marauder.

Mom had the idea to get a fly swatter.  I looked at her in disbelief.  

"You mean swat it like a fly?"

"Yeah, just smack it."

I nixed this idea.  The thought of big, ugly, creepy cockroach guts was just too disgusting.  Mom then suggested using a Kleenex to squish it.  I was appalled at this idea, even if she was willing to do it.  I just could not imagine having only a two-ply shield of protection(and the ensuing, above-mentioned gut problem).

So, I ran to the kitchen and got a plastic cup.  Thinking perhaps that we (hopefully Mom) could just slam it over Mr. Roach, trapping it until morning when maybe we could figure something out.

But, when I returned, we both stood there and stared at the thing.

Mom: "What if it runs away before we can trap it?"

A very good thought.

So, I ran into the other room and grabbed a piece of cardboard.  See, I wanted to make a wall between the cockroach and my stuff.  Yup, my toothbrush was laying out, my makeup, and my clothes.  (Needless to say, not knowing from which direction this bugger crawled, I was not about to take ANY chances on creepy junk on my toothbrush, or feeling something crawl around in my unmentionables.  Therefore, we needed a "wall"…)

The thing was this.  Neither of us wanted to get close enough to put the wall in place!

I decided that I could manage the wall, and she said she'd be willing to put the cup over the cockroach.  (See, a hero…)

Well, best laid plans.

As soon as I put the wall in place, that stupid bug started to skittle around.  It skittled into the sink.  Good, I'm thinking, it's trapped.

Ohhhh nooo.

Not that easy.  That little armored body skittled out of the sink again.  And kept on skittling.

(SIDENOTE: I am screaming like, well, like a girl at every movement.  Mom is not.)

So, picture the cockroach skittling all over the countertop, me screaming in the corner where I have retreated for safety, when all of a sudden, it happens…

Wonder Woman herself takes the can of root beer in her hand and starts smashing it down on the bug!

She misses the first few times, but keeps at it.  Finally she traps the bug under the can.

I am breathless.  I stare at her with big, wide-open eyes.  She calmly says, "Now what should we do?"

More planning.

We toyed with the thought that we'd try to drown it in the sink.  So, we turned both the handles on high.   I told Mom maybe we should check to see if it was already dead.

She lifted that can, and yup, you guessed it.  More frantic skittling, more screaming, and more smashing.  That woman is unafraid.  And she can wield a soda can like an old-fashioned sledge hammer.

At this point, I am staring at her in awe.

Once again, decisions had to be made.  We finally decided to do one more check-up.  We (she) gently lifted up the can, and yes, the bug looked dead.  Of course, Mom decided to prod it just to make sure.  (See, a hero…)  And of course, it wiggled some more.

But the skittling was done.

Finally, we put the cup over the cockroach (in truth, no "we" about it, all Mom), scooted it across the countertop to the sink, and hooshed it onto the cardboard.  After that, we gave Mr. Roach a traditional Viking send-off in the nearest water source (flush, flush)…ahem.

Then, Mom proceeded to clean up with her Kleenex.  I stood looking at her, still greatly amazed that she was willing to do this dirty work.

She stopped.  I thought I saw some "remnants" – which I thoughtfully pointed out to her.

"Oh, sorry.  I guess I missed some legs."

Ewwwwww!!!

When it was all said and done, I stared at her, and she stared at me.

Me:  "I can't believe how brave you are."

Mom:  "I can't believe you're so scared of a cockroach.  I had no idea. I'll never forget you standing in the corner and screaming."  And then she chuckled.

Thanks, Mom.

I looked at her and said, "This is gonna make a great blog post."

To which she said, "What are you going to bring out of this?"


And I've thought about it.

And I think the best lesson I can talk about is the concept of bravery.

Sometimes courage comes in unexpected packages.  Like my mom.  I truly was amazed at how she dealt with something that I really felt paralyzed to tackle.  She was scared, too, but she acted!

That's how bravery works.

John Wayne had this awesome quote:

"Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway."

Yeah, that's what it's all about.

I think of people that I admire for being brave.  Our military men and women, and the people that stay at home waiting for them.  People facing cancer battles.  Parents with prodigal children.  People facing the grief of the death of a loved one.  Unemployed people, recovering addicts, people with disabilities…

These are people who I consider heroes.

But what about the rest of us?

Can we find ways to be heroes, too?

Yes, but not on our own.

We need help.

For you see, even when life doesn't serve up the *big stuff*there's still plenty of "bugs" in everyday life.

Times when we do brave battle in the recesses of our thoughts, or the depths of our hearts.  Times when we face discouragement or despair.  Times when we battle the giants – worry and fear.  Times when we need to speak up, or when we need the courage to stay silent.

As believers, we are called to be courageous.

But, not on our own.

I think of some of my favorite Bible heroes.  And I wonder.  They all seem so brave.  Were they always as brave as they seem on the pages?

Was Noah scared on the ark – did he ever think that the flood might never cease?

Was Joseph frightened when his brothers threw him into the well?

Did Moses fear facing the Pharaoh, or ever have a passing thought – hey, what if one of these plagues doesn’t happen?

Did Joshua ever experience some quiet moments where he felt daunted and overwhelmed at the task of conquering the Promised Land?

Did Daniel have a terrified thought or two when lions stared him in the face?

How about Gideon and his small army?  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and a blazing fire?  Jonah in the belly of a great fish?


I could continue with New Testament heroes, too.  Including Jesus Himself.

Was He ever afraid?

Of course He was.  Our dear Lord sweat like blood, and that came from deep and terrorizing fear.

But something happened in each one of these heroes' lives.  Actually, Someone happened.

They were each touched by the emboldening and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

They did not fight alone.  Nor did they have to rely on themselves to drum up enough courage to face the task that lay before them.

We don't either.

We also have the Holy Spirit.  And not just in a *coming over us* sort of way.  But rather, in a *living within us* sort of way.

He's there.  Abiding in our innermost spirits.  Power available from within.

The very Spirit of God.

Wow, that really is amazing, isn't it?


My lesson from the cockroach episode?  (Besides the fact that I am in awe of my mother?!)...

That it isn't wrong to be afraid.  What's really important is what you do EVEN THOUGH you're scared – and WHERE you turn to get your strength.

Might I paraphrase Mr. Wayne a bit?

"Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up with the Holy Spirit and facing it in His way."


Yes, courage can come in unexpected packages.

Even in something that looks a lot like you!!





Wanted:
Dead or...well, not Alive *



"But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you." (Psalm 56:3, NLT)

"So be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid and do not panic before them.  For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you.  He will neither fail you nor abandon you." (Deuteronomy 31:6, NLT)

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

"Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today." (Exodus 14:13, NIV)

"Say to those with fearful hearts, 'Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.  He is coming to save you.'" 
(Isaiah 35:4, NLT)

"For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (Isaiah 41:13, NIV)

"But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage!  It is I.  Don't be afraid.'" (Matthew 14:27, NIV)

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT)



When was the last time you were really scared, and how did you deal with it?



(SIDENOTE:  Cockroaches of the world, you have been warned!  My mother still stalks the earth…)


*DISCLAIMER:  That is NOT a photo of the cockroach itself.  Only a photo of a can of roach spray.  Still...it's EWWWW!


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY                                       Rebekah at WORDS OF LIFE WEDNESDAYS
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD                                    Jennifer at TELL HIS STORY
Kelli at UNFORCED RHYTHMS                                          Lyli at THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAYS
Kathy at ALL THINGS BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL              Crystal at THRIVING THURSDAY
Kathy at TITUS 2 TUESDAYS                                           Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY                                    Bonnie at FAITH BARISTA JAM
Jen at UNITE                                                                       Ramona at FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY
Holly at TESTIMONY TUESDAY                                       Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Roxy at WEDNESDAY ENCOURAGEMENT PARTY        Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY                              Julie at FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS                    Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Beth at THREE WORD WEDNESDAY                              Elizabeth at WHATEVER IS LOVELY
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY                      Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY                                    Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Holley at COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART                             Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Shelly at RECOMMENDATION SATURDAY                     Lisha at GIVE ME GRACE
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

48 comments:

  1. Oh Sharon, Sharon, Sharon...ONLY YOU could write a devotional about killing a cockroach...and make it funny, interesting...and TRUE! You will not believe this but yesterday at church I walked into the women's restroom and saw the biggest roach I had seen in a while...which I thought was already dead and I soon realized that I may have stepped on it and THAT'S why it was dead...yuck! Anyway, reluctantly grabbed Kleenex, squished it and flushed it...double yuck!! So during Worship Team practice, I told my story and one of the guys who is from Myrtle Beach told of the roaches the size of Texas there...AND that no matter what you do, you can't get rid of them! It certainly is a funny coincidence but probably not at all now that I say that. I was very fearful yesterday about something that was going on with a family member...life and death situation kind of fearful...but after many tears and anxiousness, was finally able to let God handle it and realized that my fear would help NOTHING! This post is just one way the holy spirit is reiterating that to me! Thank you and blessings to you on this beautiful Memorial Day!

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  2. Ohhhhhhh, this took me way back to the Philippines..and our two years living with every bug imaginable to man. Shudder.....cockroaches as big as Sherman tanks, yes! I read this to Joel too and we decided living in Iowa is not so bad! Hehehe

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  3. Hi Sharon, I am in awe as usual of your writing. Have had and still have a few "cockroaches" to face, thank you for this timely reminder, of the power within of the Holy Spirit. God Bless

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  4. Oh, what a horrible experience with the cockroach!
    I must say when the Holy Spirit takes over it doesn't feel like bravery as He does all the work. Sometimes having courage all the time is tiring. God made some of us braver than others but that bravery is often snickered at by the cowards of the world.

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  5. Great adventure story with a cockroach. Yucky things. We have been fighting baby ants - not nearly as frightening just a pain. Great way you pulled it together into a courage story with the Holy Spirit inside us. Love it.
    Blessings,
    Janis

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  6. What a great story, and yay for your brave mom! I hate those cockroaches too. But even the lowly cockroach showed unduanting courage as he kept on skittling, even though his doom was near.Maybe he was running on cockroach adrenalin as the soda can approached. :)

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  7. I think it's wonderful how the lessons from our parents never end. I can see you one day taking matters into your own hands. Love the tie into the courage that comes from the design of our Father Himself. The greatest heroes in our world history did the hard things, the things that most folks aren't called to, or if they are can't find the courage to face it... That courage is true love... Happy Memorial Day, Sharon.

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  8. Oh my goodness Sharon ... Love the added sidenote at the end! But I'm with you, despise "cucarachas"! They come out of the faucet or drainage holes so I have plugged as many as I can (3 with soap) ... the bottom drain with a thin drain net plug yet it's the ones that appear out of nowhere ... that get me eeking like a scared kid. And I have a secret weapon ... besides aerosol spray when all else fails and I have time to get it ... my scream alerts one of my dogs (Toby, the mom) who is the best hunter/killer of anything especially cockroaches! Well, at least she chases or corners them.

    Anyways, who but YOU, could turn creepy insects in to a spiritual battle and even a hero issue with a great lesson for Memorial Day! Fantastic!

    Way to go mom!!! and you an outdoors person ... afraid??? This I can't believe with all the critters and creepy, crawly things camping out and roughing it like you do.

    Fear, a dose of courage and the Holy Spirit, wrapped up in humor - done so well. {I'm with Debby Ray- as I glance through all the comments before me, I tried not to do that before I do mine because I loose my fresh, spontaneous response}

    Love the new photo under Jesus Christ the same ... (it's to my right, right now) but as to your question ... I think the last time might have been with una cucaracha but I'm thinking it was the iguana that Toby chased in the house instead of out (as I scurried to shut doors and open the front one, hoping that I can catch Toby before she's gone with the iguana). She's relentless as I should be (not with critters) but with the enemy and saddling up with courage!

    did your mom like the blog post you came up with? and being the main hero? or perhaps the "we" wee one ... is comforted by her mom showing the way and that this comes from the Holy Spirit! Awesome lesson! and now I will pause and give honor, thanks and respect for those who braved as heroes ... in all the various ways you mentioned but especially the war vets, gone or still surviving,
    and how thankful I am for the freedom I have by the victory won in Christ Jesus. I wish no one had to fight in wars to defend our freedom but so thankful to each who did. My dad was a POW in WWII, given the purple heart! Yet as you wrote there are also other heroes who brave various other "battles" ... from health issues to natural disaster ones to every day life struggles and discouragements, we do well to remember them all and the biblical heroes as examples to press on (or squish in the case of "bugs") gather up all the remnants and forge on. Thanks
    Sharon (for the chuckles and the heart warming mother/daughter fun story) and showing me that I can be brave with the strength of the Holy Spirit (nothing can stop me or wall me in ... but give us wisdom in how to wall in the enemy, be equipped, stand my ground and claim all those wonderful verses and promises from God! So much to take away once again in this one... from a "bug" wow!

    Blessings and much love,
    XO
    Peggy
    (thanks for the 3x)

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    1. P.S. Who took the photo of the roach?

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  9. I truly do admire your mom, Sharon! While I'm not afraid of most bugs/spiders, I would prefer not dealing with them, so I admire her persistence to rid her house of them! I'm glad you got to spend a few days with her; I know you both enjoyed that!

    So true about us being encouraged to be courageous; I love how the Bible mentions that several times to do just so, to be strong and courageous, but definitely we cannot do it on our own. I am glad we have the Holy Spirit to help us to do so.

    betty

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  10. I had to laugh at the way you told that story! (That is how I catch them too!) Your mom is a hero.

    What a great piece here Sharon. And I am going to copy your verses.

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  11. Woo Hoo, go mom. Great post.

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  12. This was so entertaining!
    Actually I had a morning similar to this...only it was a yellow jacket in my bathroom, and it just would not die...I finally ended up smashing it with a gallon of bleach,
    Can you imagine if Jesus did not reveal the vulnerable side of himself to us?
    We totally would not understand what it is to overcome the huge monsters (or bugs,lol) that we find in our path from time to time....How would we know that even though we are small and weak, we have a resource like the Holy Spirit to strengthen us if our Savior did not teach us by example...His flesh was weak in the garden that day, but the Spirit was his strength and the Father was his will, and his love for us his motivation.
    My Mom once made me catch a mouse in the kitchen while she stood on the toilet...She handed me a broom before she ran in there...I just caught it in a bag and released it, (after smacking the broom on the floor a couple of times first)...So, even Moms have their nemesis, sometimes lol!
    But, I once called a friend from down the street to come over and kill a very huge wolf spider a few years ago...and my husband and his brother had a good laugh when I actually locked the front screen when another big spider was sitting on the patio watching me....Yes, it was watching me. :>(

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  13. Sharon, Your mom is a better woman than I am. But then moms usually are, aren't they? :) For me it is spiders, which I hate with a passion. I could walk right up to a cockroach and nail his stupid self to the floor. But a spider ... well, now we are talking "screaming like a girl." right there with ya, sistah ! :)

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  14. {shudder} I saw a black ant in my house today and freaked out. I just said the other day we never have ants here. Ugh. But I love the thought of the Holy Spirit killing the bugs (fears) for me. Somehow I think your analogy will stay with me.

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  15. A flyswatter does work on more than flies. Your story made me smile and yes it is so true that courage is a learned experience. Often we must step to bad even when we are afraid. Thank you for sharing your wonderful post with us here at “Tell Me a Story.” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

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  16. Let me say first that I loved the lesson in that story. You did a wonderful job, and I love what you did with the "someone" and the doctored up Wayne quote.

    So...props and attagirls to Sharon.

    And now, there's THIS:
    There is something that you probably will not believe.
    No. Not ever.

    Yours truly is actually NOT scared of cockroaches in the least. I mean, I don't have so much as a smidge of fear of them. They don't gross me out, either. It grosses me out that they would ever be in our home of course, because I think they are nasty little buggers. That's one of the reasons that an exterminator comes here monthly.

    When I DO see them, though. it doesn't gross me out to chase it down and kill it with whatever means I have handy. And yes, I would stoop down and kill one with just a piece of paper towel if I had to. (Generally, I give them the shoe treatment. I take off my shoe and pummel them. And yes, I do clean the shoe afterward.. because of the crunch. )

    I said all that to say this: I believe that God made cockroaches just to show Debbie that she is truly NOT afraid of everything.

    And in that, you can read another whole lesson if you have a mind to.

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  17. Sharon - you made me laugh so hard. I battle those big bugs all the time since I live in Florida. I've learned to overcome my fear of them, too. If you don't kill em, they'll take over. Great analogy in the spiritual realm, and I loved this post. Thanks for stopping by Gail-Friends and commenting.
    Love and shalom,
    GiGi

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  18. Great place that you took this - Bravery. I was expecting the idea of skittling devils in the dark places or something. But, you concisely and with much accuracy described me in the presence of spiders. Cockroaches are not favorites - but they do not completely immobilize me the way spiders do. I had to learn to be brave facing them when I had my own children and MOM THE HERO wasn't around to bail me out. I was the MOM THE HERO, now. Gah!

    But, I can do all things through Christ Who Strengthens Me!!

    Great story. I guess I won't tell you about the ones who climbed into my leftover stuffed shells that were on the counter in the kitchen of my first apartment (a basement apartment next to the garbage room) while my newlywed self and husband ate our dinner in the living room. I didn't know they were there and covered up the leftovers and placed them in the fridge only to discover them baked into the dinner for the following night. Yes - I think we ended up with jelly sandwiches that evening.

    Yeah - I'd be right with you in the corner screaming, my dear.
    Joy - and thanks for linking in with All Things Bright and Beautiful this week - a bright and beautiful lesson drawn from something dark and ugly! Splendid!!

    Kathy

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  19. What a great story-teller you are, Sharon. I could just see the whole scene in my mind. And a great lesson to take away from it also.
    BTW, is there a way to sign up to receive your posts via email? I can't seem to find a way to sign up for them. Thanks!

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  20. I totally hate roaches!!! So I'd have been over in the corner screaming with you! Thanks for the laugh and the principle that bravery is just being afraid and jumping anyway. We all need to remember that when we are tempted to let fear get the best of us. Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday!

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  21. Love your story and how you brought it around to being brave through the wonderful Holy Spirit. I enjoyed everything you wrote, as always. I did not, however, enjoy the close up of the cockroach. And your mom is braver than I am. I hate cockroaches.

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  22. I think I will remember this story and the "take away" for a long time, I will look at the "cockroaches" in my life in a whole different way.

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  23. Can just imagine this scene playing out Sharon and always a great takeaway message.

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  24. Great story! I had a very similar experience the year I lived in Indonesia. They grow them like tanks there as well. EW!

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  25. Having spent ten years in Arizona, I can only say "Scorpion Encounters of the First Kind" comes to mind with this post. I loathe bugs, especially the creepy looking sort. I also know the value of planning when attacking them ~ another facet of going forth in God's Spirit.

    Looks to me like you & your mother are a good team. Ya' just gotta love courageous moms and John Wayne quotes!

    Blessings,
    Kathleen

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  26. You have such lively, descriptive stories to share to inspire us with a Truth. Thank you, Sharon. I love your paraphrase of John Wayne's quote! Oh, for the "emboldening and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit" to face whatever lies before us.

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  27. Sharon, you are INCREDIBLE!! Fun too!! Only you would make a devotional about a cockroach. I love the list of typed out verses on fear. You always do that with whatever you write about and it is a real nice feature.

    And yes! I am going to pin this just for the fun of it!!

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  28. I lived in South Florida for years and those roaches are awful. Loved your post! Stopping by from Coffee For Your Heart.

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  29. You just bless me so much, Sharon. You had me smiling, close to screaming along with you, laughing and being in awe over your mom too. And then you wrap it all up so beautifully with talking about courage and how we all have access because His Spirit is living within us. So much goodness. So much JOY. I adore you and so grateful to know you in this blogging world. {Hugs} xoxo

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  30. Oh this post cracked me up .. Can totally picture the scene. Stopping by from #TellHisStory .. thanks for the thought-provoking words!

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  31. Pretty awesome post,Sharon. We all have things which we fear. I certainly know that I do. It can be paralyzing at times. But it is wise to remember that the Lord is never leave or forsake us and He is my refuge and strength and a very present help on trouble.
    Blessings,
    Ken

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  32. Awesome! Never imagined reading about the Holy Spirit and cockroaches together, but it's just great! Love that we have the Holy Spirit to give us courage!

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  33. Who knew cockroaches could provide such a great devotional theme! As a fellow hater of squishing them and what comes out, I loved it, especially the 2-ply analogy! But most important ... it's a great lesson. So comforting to know that He give the grace we need just when we need it (Heb. 4.16)! Blessings, Donna

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  34. Sharon, you are hysterical! Truly! I enjoyed every minute of this post! I love that your mother turned to you and said, "What are you going to bring out of this?" and I love what you came up with! Nicely done!

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  35. I enjoy the way you can write a story and make your readers feel like they are right there in that room with you. I was chuckling to myself while reading about the cockroach episode - and at 1:30 in the morning... I hate cockroaches too. Guts and left over legs after the smashup, not to mention the yucky smell... and yes, they somehow manage to resurrect even after you thought you killed them... So I could really identify with your encounter with the critter... Thanks for the humor, Sharon. And yes, the bravery in the midst of fear - that is a very good lesson indeed.

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  36. hahaha. loved this story Sharon. And without knowing her, love your mom. She's sounds not only brave but total fun. That's a true blessing that you and her can connect the way you do. Love that the most. As for brave...and the roach..Me too afraid of them, and would have hung with you in the corner screaming. Happy weekend. Hope no roaches come knocking again.

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  37. Worst bugs ever. I hate cockroaches. My daughter lives in south Alabama, and they have big ones down there too. One fell into her hair when she walked through a door last week. She survived it though. Not sure I would have! ha. You have a brave mother.

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  38. I've suffered through a few scary moments in my lifetime, many actually. I love the words that Jesus offers to his disciples one night on a stormy sea ... "Take courage;" Whenever I don't have enough courage, I accept Christ's offer therein. His supply is endless!

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  39. Dear Sharon, I am ditto with everything Debby Ray said; plus you need a medal for your bravery and wit to out smart those creepy things.And really they need signs on the beaches to say No Cockroaches allowed !
    You really are a hoot!!!
    Thanks for Linking up at the party and this is original...
    Never read a post on them ever...
    Blessings, Miss Roxy

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  40. This had me squirming and cracking up and then amen-ing all at once! Very impressive :)

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  41. Hi Sharon,

    Cockroaches are absolutely disgusting! I am deathly afraid of them. God bless you!

    Judy
    http://virtuouswomanministry.blogspot.com

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  42. So glad 42 people have found your wonderful blog. me too. (o:

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  43. My Dear Sharon, I am screaming right along with you. The biggest roach she's every seen? Oh jeez... I lived in Tucson for a while, and let me tell you, you didn't kill those suckers, you grabbed a saddle and rode them!
    Bravery comes in the everyday, no question. Facing a long day of challenges, or the unseen problems. It's all there for us to overcome with our Jesus with us.
    Loved this one! Tell your Mom this was a hit!
    Ceil

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  44. I like the John Wayne quote redo! That said it all for me! I can just imagine you in that bathroom. A very funny post! My girlfriend who lives in Laughlin told me about a time just months ago that a cockroach dropped from her ceiling on her face while in bed and she grabbed it and squished it (her motions were fun) and then said as I left, "don't get a hotel next time. Stay with me." Ooooookkkkkay!

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  45. This is fabulous! I love your writing style and how God teaches you through everyday happenings. Pleased to make your acquaintance through #tellhisstory!

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  46. Essen Pest Control Ottawa is among one of the top companies in the pest extermination industry. With 20+ years of experience & trained technicians.

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  47. Godrej is offering pest control services for cockroaches in Gurgaon and Delhi. A Complete step-by-step process to eliminate Cockroaches.

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)