things are going well , there ’ s still a lament that we can bring to God . There ’ s always an unmet desire or unanswered prayer request or a neighbor that is unsaved . There ’ s always something that we can bring – our sorrow , and disappointment , and our sadness - to God . If we start incorporating that process when times are good , we ’ ll be better prepared to pray when times are difficult . When things fall apart , we get upset , but he has taught us how to talk to him with lament through scripture . Let ’ s get used to not just bringing God our happiness but as our sad as well , and know that God is not disappointed when we do .
How do you personally respond to someone who is struggling , to avoid empty clichés and pat answers ? For me , I try to not explain somebody ’ s grief to them and try not to offer a formula how to get out of it . I try to listen . That ’ s hard for me because I ’ m naturally a talker and want to help people . So , it takes discipline to not try to fix something . When people come to me with their hardship , they are not always looking for an answer but just want to be heard and understood . I ask them how I can pray for them and encourage them . I ask them what they need , because what I might want to offer is different than what they need .
I view going through difficulties as an opportunity for God to meet them . So , it excites me , to think of how God will use this situation in their life .
Who has been an inspiration or mentor to you during your spiritual journey ? I resigned from my job over three years ago , as I was studying this language of lament , and I moved in with a family who has six kids and homeschools them all . They were such an instrument for healing in my life - to see the relationships the parents have with the kids . They would talk about good and bad things in their day . Living with them helped me learn how to have a childlike relationship with God to whom I could bring , not just my happy things , but my sad things too . They loved me as one of their own . The ministry of family is huge in our communities . It ’ s a channel that God uses for us to experience healing .
Do you have a life verse ? The Psalms really encouraged me and taught me how to pray and how to sing even when I was in despair . Hebrews 13:5 is one of my favorites – God will never leave me or forsake me . I really hung on to that verse when I was abandoned . And God uses that verse to remind me that he will not abandon me . It ’ s contrary to his nature . He does not leave his children as orphans . That verse encourages me often .
Is there anything else on your heart you want to share with our readers ? Family is a great ministry . A Godly family and Godly home is a great ministry to those who need to be introduced to God . We often think we have to be out there on the mission field or need a big platform . But , some of my most precious times with God were in the context of a Christian family welcoming me into their family . What project is next for you ? God has taught me that I want to be present today , and so right now it ’ s this book . As a first-time author , I am spending the next couple of months promoting the book and getting the message out there . I want to help bring up a generation that ends the pretend and doesn ’ t settle for mediocre Christianity .
Faith Filled Family Magazine would like to thank Esther Fleece for sharing her story and passion with our readers . Another thank you goes to Lisa Ellison , of Icon Media Group , for facilitating the interview . No More Faking Fine is available through multiple retailers including Amazon and Barnes and Noble . You can follow Esther ’ s mission on Twitter @ EstherFleece , Facebook , and www . estherfleece . com
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