Comments for Melissa Brotherton

Comment on Nothing to Offer by Danielle

Danielle — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:20:12 +0000

“Sometimes what people need the most from us isn’t what they are asking for.” Amen.

Comment on Nothing to Offer by Keri

Keri — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:18:25 +0000

When I was in a counseling situation this was always on my mind. The problem comes when we don’t allow ourselves to offer the help that we can give out of fear that we will screw it up. I always prayed that the Holy Spirit would guide my words and trusted that He did. That trust and surrender to His using me as a vessel was the only way I could keep going in to help these people day after day. And, I had to fully believe that He would be my strength in areas of weakness, because there was a whole lotta weakness.

Great reminder, friend. And, can I say, when I have asked you for help, you have always made it better, you wise woman you. {HUGS!}

Comment on Nothing to Offer by Nikole Hahn

Nikole Hahn — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:02:01 +0000

just today I was having this conversation with one of our pastors about not having any control and letting go and letting God. i had an amazing answer to prayer and it’s when I am following Him and not trying to wrestle for control that I feel the closest to Him.

Comment on Nothing to Offer by Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:27:33 +0000

Moments of being on the opposite side can teach us so much about how people want to be treated during times of trial. As difficult as those times are to live through, I have learned so much from them.

And, it’s nice to “see” you, April! I’ve missed connecting with you in the past few months. :)

Comment on Nothing to Offer by Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:26:25 +0000

“get out of his way”

That’s exactly it, right? :)

Comment on Nothing to Offer by Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:25:18 +0000

Amen to that! I’m recognizing that sometimes keeping my mouth shut is the smartest thing I can do. :)

Comment on Nothing to Offer by Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect

Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:06:34 +0000

“Help me not to make things worse” – I have prayed that, too. And I think as long as we remain broken and open, He will use us in the exact way others need.

Comment on Nothing to Offer by David Good

David Good — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:32:42 +0000

The powerful simplicity of your post demonstrates powerfully the truth you have spoken of. As counselors and pastors, the best thing we can do for people is not offer our expertise, but simply, lead them to Jesus and get out of his way so he can do what we can’t and only he can. Thanks for the reminding us of this basic truth.

Comment on Nothing to Offer by apesydaisy

apesydaisy — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:44:12 +0000

I have been in that place and have been the devastated person on the other end and have realized that sometimes all they need is for us to just be there and sympathize with them without offering platitudes. Good post!

Comment on Nothing to Offer by joseph cantone

joseph cantone — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:49:32 +0000

this blog is right on. i can empathize. this is in my face all the time. i have a healing ministry in brooksville, fla. and i am faced with these
people all the time. sometimes their conditions and lives are so convoluted all i can do is pray for mercy. we have a ministry to the homeless
and poor and these people are in dire straits to be sure. what we tell them they need isn’t money, that is just a symbol of their real need,
which is a relationship with Jesus Christ.