HURTING WITH THE BROKEN

HURTING WITH THE BROKEN
Wednesday, April 22, 2020 by SUSAN G. MATHIS

Categories: devotional

PLEASE WELCOME

SUSAN G. MATHIS

DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY

How often do you bump up against a friend or family member whose pain is so evident that it hurts your heart? We all do, so I explore this in my latest story, Devyn’s Dilemma. Here’s a short excerpt:

Something inside Brice began to ache as Devyn evaded their questions. Why did she hold onto her secrets so tightly, so fearfully? That concerned him more and more each time the river entered their conversations.

Once again, the lass reminded him of a fragile fawn, afraid that a predator would attack at any moment. Their innocent inquiries were perceived as deadly arrows that could pierce her through. Oh, how he wanted to alleviate her pain and protect her from whatever it was! He wanted to help, but how?

Asking about her fears in public had certainly not proven helpful. He scolded himself at his error and scolded the girls when they murmured among themselves about Devyn’s rapid exit. “Let her be. All of you. It was wrong of us to prod her.” Rising, he glared at the other staring servants, who quickly turned to the business of eating their breakfast.

He followed Devyn out of the servants’ hall, through the kitchen, and out into the hallway. There she was leaning against the wall and wiping tears away with her shirtsleeve, eyes squeezed shut. What did the poor lass think of him starting such a conversation? What a nitwit he was! Why had he opened his big mouth and brought her shame?

Brice brushed her shoulder with the tips of his fingers, trying not to frighten her. The moment he touched her, fire radiated up his arm and into his cheeks. When she looked at him, he shook his head. “Ach! I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. Didn’t mean to cause you pain. I never want to.”

Devyn stared at him, her stormy eyes matching the day. Apparently, matching her mood. But hurt also flowed from them, and she turned to wipe away evidence of her tears. She straightened her back and lifted her chin. Up went her wall, ready to protect her. “Thank you. Do you know where the missus might be?”

“In the Great Hall, I ’spect, surveying the work to be done. She’s a faithful, hardworking soul.” He heaped a boatload of gentleness into his words, hoping to reconnect somehow.

But she’d have none of it. Without a word, she nodded and hurried away.

What do we do when our apologies or counsel is rejected, shunned, or ignored? Do we get offended, frustrated, or disconnect from them? I hope not. So what’s the answer?

Pray. Love. Trust. God’s got this!

ABOUT DEVYN’S DILEMMA

Check out Devyn’s Dilemma, Book 2 of the Thousand Islands Gilded Age series!

Devyn McKenna is forced to work in the Towers on Dark Island, one of the enchanting Thousand Islands. But when Devyn finds herself in service to the wealthy Frederick Bourne family, her life takes an unexpected turn.

Brice McBride is Mr. Bourne’s valet as well as the occasional tour guide and under butler. Brice tries to help the mysterious Devyn find peace and love in her new world, but she can’t seem to stay out of trouble—especially when she’s accused of stealing Bourne’s money for Vanderbilt’s NYC subway expansion.

ABOUT SUSAN G. MATHIS

Susan G Mathis is an award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Her first two books of The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, Devyn’s Dilemma and Katelyn’s Choice are available now, and she’s working on book three. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, and Sara’s Surprise are also available. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com for more.

Susan is also a published author of two premarital books with her husband, Dale, two children's picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs, enjoys traveling globally with her wonderful husband, Dale, and relishes each time she gets to see or Skype with her four granddaughters.

Lighthouse Publishing: https://shoplpc.com/devyns-dilemma

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Devyns-Dilemma-Thousand-Islands-Gilded/dp/1645262731

Website: www.SusanGMathis.com

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6044608.Susan_G_Mathis

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