tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post8260003020849109387..comments2024-02-11T02:09:23.512-08:00Comments on An Inch of Gray: Prodigal PonderingsAnna Whiston-Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14921348961654008115noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-53942489360221789602012-12-27T18:33:13.696-08:002012-12-27T18:33:13.696-08:00Hi Anna, you dont need to post my comment. I just ...Hi Anna, you dont need to post my comment. I just found your blog through some other links. I didn't read your entire post but I totally agree with you on that parable. I never liked it either. I always identified with the older brother too. Until one day someone said we are all like the younger brother and Christ is the older brother. I know it isn't a perfect parallel but it helped a little bit for me. And I don't know how you lost your son, but I just wanted you to know that as a mom, I can only imagine your pain. I just wanted to offer you my anonymous condolences! I hope the pain will subside and that you will find joy in the memories. Love and prayers your way!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-92558271466085542012-05-24T21:09:49.333-07:002012-05-24T21:09:49.333-07:00Wow. Great post Anna. Very reaching and insightful...Wow. Great post Anna. Very reaching and insightful. You are growing so much through all of this and it's evident in your writing. It doesn't make your loss any less but you are growing spiritually and learning more about yourself every day and transforming into an even better version (hard to imagine) of yourself. You inspire me always.<br />Annieprenni5https://www.blogger.com/profile/18346493728216305697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-24747415352980520282012-05-06T11:51:48.494-07:002012-05-06T11:51:48.494-07:00There are times when I want to change the world, m...There are times when I want to change the world, moments when I want to BE that change I wish to see. I guess it's really true that expression that we need to think globally, but to act locally.<br /><br />To do what we can when we can.Teachinfourthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01624243991120542485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-62948084284696712452012-05-04T22:15:40.706-07:002012-05-04T22:15:40.706-07:00It's that very last line that says it all:
th...It's that very last line that says it all:<br /><br />the fear, we as parents try to control: because of fear of loss.<br /><br />We try.<br /><br />And then, still, this can happen.<br /><br />So sorry, A.Alexandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00609629888008025050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-20459954898851111322012-05-04T06:22:46.815-07:002012-05-04T06:22:46.815-07:00I could not have said it better. Thank you.I could not have said it better. Thank you.Bonniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15980878800568487226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-80141240249558960642012-05-03T20:18:18.658-07:002012-05-03T20:18:18.658-07:00this really struck a chord with me, not because I ...this really struck a chord with me, not because I always tried to be good, but because I feel so lost. Ok, so I'm crying now. Beautiful post Anna.The Bipolar Divahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05449793830455116918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-14276896436528638032012-05-03T07:45:19.921-07:002012-05-03T07:45:19.921-07:00We all spend our lives cultivating the illusion of...We all spend our lives cultivating the illusion of control. It's too scary to admit that there are no guarantees, that anything and everything can be taken from us in a second.<br /><br />But people who have experienced loss like yours have that illusion of control stripped away. And that experience can teach you to rest in the unsure, impermanent and groundless nature of existence. And only when we can do that can we truly be free. <br /><br />I know you have talked about experiencing "the peace that passeth all understanding." I think that is the feeling that comes when we lay down our illusions of control and surrender to reality.Kristinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-33548554139940093242012-05-03T07:45:07.490-07:002012-05-03T07:45:07.490-07:00We all spend our lives cultivating the illusion of...We all spend our lives cultivating the illusion of control. It's too scary to admit that there are no guarantees, that anything and everything can be taken from us in a second.<br /><br />But people who have experienced loss like yours have that illusion of control stripped away. And that experience can teach you to rest in the unsure, impermanent and groundless nature of existence. And only when we can do that can we truly be free. <br /><br />I know you have talked about experiencing "the peace that passeth all understanding." I think that is the feeling that comes when we lay down our illusions of control and surrender to reality.Kristinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-4750001101406548342012-05-02T20:30:18.623-07:002012-05-02T20:30:18.623-07:00I haven't listened to the sermon myself, but w...I haven't listened to the sermon myself, but wonder if it might be worth listening to as far as Steven Furtick's use of the story of the Prodigal Son in his sermon this week...<br />http://hollyfurtick.com/monday-morning-commentary-april-30-2012/<br /><br />(this is a link to his wife's blog - she blogs about his sermon on Mondays - but there is a link to the sermon at the end)Evelyn Louisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16986252937847142549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-16971552888850759272012-05-02T18:11:55.985-07:002012-05-02T18:11:55.985-07:00Lainey, I am so sorry to hear this. I will pray fo...Lainey, I am so sorry to hear this. I will pray for your comfort and strength. LizLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05334988857189121209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-8693667598475018552012-05-02T11:35:56.635-07:002012-05-02T11:35:56.635-07:00I have followed your blog for quite a while now an...I have followed your blog for quite a while now and this past Saturday my sister drowned while in the river with her 10 year old daughter. Through my grief stricken stupidity, I can't find an email address to send you a letter. Is there any way you can get in touch with me? I have questions and need love and strength and advice that I would love most from you. If you can't, I understand, but I will keep my fingers crossed to hear from you. Thank you (oh and my email is laineybonser@yahoo.com)<br /><br />Laineylaineybonserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06760203601055217533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-87209706850905056522012-05-02T05:27:42.060-07:002012-05-02T05:27:42.060-07:00I would be the younger son in the story, and my ol...I would be the younger son in the story, and my oldest daughter would very much be the older son in the story. I have never understood her need to ensure 100% equality in everything, down to the number of pieces of candy in the Easter baskets. I have never been able to see it from her perspective. Thank you for sharing!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06607213412184872993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-30180159809357269512012-05-01T21:06:32.847-07:002012-05-01T21:06:32.847-07:00Maybe the story should actually be the story of th...Maybe the story should actually be the story of the prodigal sons (plural) -- who named this anyway? Not Jesus anyway. It's the story of the son who missed the point and ran away and ended up with more than he deserved, as well as the story about the son who stayed home and missed the point and will end up with more than he deserves. Aren't we blessed!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-51885560312178015692012-05-01T19:12:24.714-07:002012-05-01T19:12:24.714-07:00The "older child" is me-to-a-T. This po...The "older child" is me-to-a-T. This post REALLY hit home...<br />Thanks,<br />:) Mags<br />everydayplaces.blogspot.comMagshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16435362147467339192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-65600145567586067782012-05-01T17:54:31.673-07:002012-05-01T17:54:31.673-07:00I identify with this...especially the entire "...I identify with this...especially the entire "if-I-follow-the-rules-and-am-a-good-person-God-will-treat-me-well" thing. And, while I haven't suffered the loss of a child, I, too, have come to wonder if it was just my attempt to control something that is not in my power. This is a very powerful post. Thank you for sharing it with us.Lisahttp://www.betweenhopeandahardplace.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-30077158595859412582012-05-01T17:51:16.755-07:002012-05-01T17:51:16.755-07:00What a thought provoking post. Thank you for the ...What a thought provoking post. Thank you for the gift of your writing! I identify with so much of what you wrote - the need to strive for control by being "good" when everything around you is nuts and out of control (or feels that way). Now I instead strive for peace in my heart, with mixed success but at least I feel like I'm striving for the right thing. <br /><br />As for the world and bad things happening to good people and good things happening to bad people and vice versa, I don't know the saying or verse (perhaps someone can chime in): the rain falls on the just and the unjust among us.<br /><br />Again, thank you for your writing and the gift it is to all of us.<br /><br />Love,<br />Claire PlanteClaire Plantenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-69118133724886831202012-05-01T17:05:39.000-07:002012-05-01T17:05:39.000-07:00Seriously! Where is the "like" button he...Seriously! Where is the "like" button here? I would love to "like" people's comments. Specifically, a shout-out to your sister. Well said!IrishRN07https://www.blogger.com/profile/11904458918696728980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-10225891192813889942012-05-01T14:30:45.698-07:002012-05-01T14:30:45.698-07:00I have a lot of "life isn't fair" co...I have a lot of "life isn't fair" conversations with myself. In my head of course... This has always been an issue for me - but as I get older, the "life isn't fair - get over it and focus on what you DO have" line of thinking seems to keep me off the ledge. And think we have to create the illusion of control over our uncertain lives - even ijust just gets us through the day.Kate Coveny Hoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18006589284938683965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-28218990846868463262012-05-01T12:52:15.435-07:002012-05-01T12:52:15.435-07:00I think Jesus wants us all to find our way home, a...I think Jesus wants us all to find our way home, and when we do we belong to a family of God, who rejoices in our home coming. We should never be envious or jealous, we should be dancing like the angels in heaven. <br />the older brother was at fault for his selfishness, when he should of been rejoicing..<br /><br /> I think of a time in my life when i ran away from home, and I was not given the treatment that my siblings thought I should of gotten. <br />My parents were rejoicing, because they were glad I was home and alive! <br />I love the transparency you show in this blog Anna, your light is shining through.. precious Jack is smiling down on you!<br />I wish bad things did not have to happen to good people, kids taken away so soon, love ones leaving us with a whole in our heart, but as we focus our gaze upward, we know that there has to be something better that we can't comprehend in this life. <br />xo <br />Joyce<br />spelling mistakes in the above one..sorryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-84544742277045888642012-05-01T12:45:27.219-07:002012-05-01T12:45:27.219-07:00I think Jesus wants us all to find our way home, a...I think Jesus wants us all to find our way home, and when we do we belong to a family of God, who rejoices in our home coming. We should never be envious or jealous, we should be dancing like the angels in heaven. <br />the older brother was at fault for his selfishness, when he should of been rejoicing..<br /><br /> I think of a time in my life when i ran away from home, and I was not given the treatment that my siblings thought I should of gotten. <br />My parents were rejoicing, because they were glad I was home and alive! <br />I love the transparency you show in this blog Anna, your light is shining through.. precious Jack is smiling down on you!<br />I wish bad things did not have to happen to good people, kids taken away so soon, loves leaving us with a whole in our heart, but as we focus our gaze upward, we know that there has to be something better, something that we can comprehend in this life. I believe that with all my heart. <br />xo <br />JoyceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-69171375676488221052012-05-01T11:20:59.595-07:002012-05-01T11:20:59.595-07:00I've read this one several times now. Your hon...I've read this one several times now. Your honesty, revealed so beautifully through your talented way with words, is a gift to so many. Your heartfelt words have such a ripple effect spreading out in all directions - making countless people think, reflect, and pray.<br /><br />And then pray some more.<br /><br />Jack must be so terribly proud of you. <br /><br />Praying for you - and hoping you are feeling his presence nearby when you most need it.Lauranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-801640472532431572012-05-01T09:44:02.140-07:002012-05-01T09:44:02.140-07:00you are so very brave.
beautiful thoughtsyou are so very brave.<br />beautiful thoughtsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-20584550360167910822012-05-01T08:35:54.193-07:002012-05-01T08:35:54.193-07:00You do not know me, but I love to read your blog. ...You do not know me, but I love to read your blog. This post is totally describing the way I am with my siblings still! and we are all grown up, and married with kids. I am so glad I read this and need to change my ways! Thank you for writing this. I keep you in my PrayersAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-45143890153850030022012-05-01T08:27:58.629-07:002012-05-01T08:27:58.629-07:00I keep reading this one again and again and am tha...I keep reading this one again and again and am thankful for the way you are impossibly ministering to so many people through your honesty. You are a light in the darkness. Jack would like that you are bringing even really hard truths to light.Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05334988857189121209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-71806133996030859782012-05-01T08:25:00.488-07:002012-05-01T08:25:00.488-07:00This resonates with me. I have been both the Prodi...This resonates with me. I have been both the Prodigal and the older brother, and I suspect one day might also be the father in this story (not that I am anything like God because most assuredly I am NOT).<br /><br />Anna, I came here to read (via Suburban Correspondent) after your beloved Jack died. We lived in NoVA for 4 years and my 12yo son would have been at the creek, too. I think of you and your family and my heart melts.Karen (formerly kcinnova)https://www.blogger.com/profile/16705613736966783261noreply@blogger.com