Heather R. Butler, CSW

Listen

When I ask you to listen to me, and you start to give advice you have not done what I asked.

When I ask you to listen to me and you begin to tell me why I shouldn't feel that way, you are trampling on my feelings.

Listen. All I asked was that you listen, not talk or do-just hear me.

When you do something for me that I can and need to do for myself, you contribute to my fear and weakness.

But when you accept as a simple fact that I do feel what I feel, no matter how irrational, then I can quit trying to convince you and can get about the business of-understanding what's behind this irrational feeling.

And when that's clear, the answers are obvious and I don't need advice.

So, please-Listen and just hear me.  And if you want to talk, wait a minute for your turn; and I'll listen to you.

Poem--author anonymous 

"The Lord is good, a safe place in times of trouble.  And He knows those who come to Him will be safe."

Nahum 1:7 

"When he falls, he will not be thrown down, because the Lord  holds his hand."

Psalm 37:24

"You have shown me many troubles of all kinds. But You will make me strong again.  And You will bring me up again from deep in the earth."

Psalm 32:7

"You are my hiding place.  You keep me safe from trouble.  All around me are your songs of being made free."

Psalm 71:20