Wednesday, January 6, 2016

From One Salt Dispenser To Another

Writing is a lonely business, but I never really felt alone those five years I spent writing my book. God's Spirit was my constant companion. I depended on Him for every word. I was so in the Spirit for so long that I was sustained.  I felt so called and compelled by God to complete this project that I believed I would be in sin if I didn't finish it.  I still think this book will be my single greatest contribution to God's kingdom in this generation.  It's that important.  The sacrifice, the pain, the solitude, the hours upon hours of study, prayer, and contemplation that went into it even before one word was written made this feel like a mission. It consumed me. I could not rest until it was finished, and I couldn't see beyond the writing.  I didn't know how much effort and time and publicity was involved in the publishing process. After all that time alone, I've been thrust into somewhat of a media whirlwind with interviews coming almost everyday.  I'm very thankful. I want to get the message that God gave me during those five years of wrestling it all out with Him into the hands of as many people as I can because I believe it will help them to understand that God loves them even when it doesn't seem like he does.

It's been a hard transition, and Rick has been praying for me nonstop. Yesterday, I went to see an old friend, mentor, and former Bible teacher of mine, and she prayed for me too. Then, she gave me this salt cellar that once belonged to her grandmother's first cousin who was a missionary to Japan many years ago, a family heirloom I was very hesitant to accept. But she told me I am family to her. We are all family who belong to Jesus Christ. We are brothers, and we are sisters. We are called to give generously and beautifully and sacrificially to one another. That's what Penny Pace did for me yesterday. She wanted me to be reminded always to be salt and light in this generation.

Then I went to another friend's house to pray, and as Julie and I talked and prayed, I realized what God is doing. I was so humbled when Bronner first went to Heaven. I wanted nothing of this world, but only to walk out God's purpose for my life, which for a long time was writing a book. But that's over, and God has brought me into a new season. He wants me know that I need Him just as much now as I ever did. If I want to be salt and light, then I have walk in the Spirit continually. And if I want to do these interviews to "my utmost for His highest," then I can't do it alone. Rick and I can't do this alone.  I'm going to need Penny and Julie and Janice and Anne and Leslie and Linda and Susan and Pam and Lisa Ann and Wendy and Lynn and Kim and Meredith and Maegan and so many others if I am going to do this any justice at all, but most of all, I have been reminded that it's God I need most in this life. I need His wise and discerning council every moment of my life because I am weak and fallible and fallen even if I have been redeemed.

Thank God that where I am weak, He is strong. "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (1 Corinthians 12:9). And I pray that the manner of life that I lead from this day forward will be worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ, a life that is fearless and bold, one that casts every anxiety upon Him because I know He cares for me, and one that is watchful.  Oh how I know the adversary prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour, but greater still do I know the power of God to protect, to heal, to grow, sustain, and fulfill.

Will you be salt and light with me? And will you watch and pray with me?  I need you dear friends and sisters and brothers in this season where I have found myself to be a messenger for God. That is no small thing, and I have felt its weight. But I believe God is with me, and that He is within me.  What can man do to me? And what do I have to fear? 

Father, glorify your name. 

16 comments:

  1. Prayers continue for you dear girl! I can't wait until the day we both see our precious treasures in heaven. Our son's name is Sammy, he is 8 years old and has piercing blue eyes, beautiful long black eyelashes and a head full of black hair! I can't wait to hold him again.

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  2. Sherri, I have been praying for your family ever since I heard the news about Bronner. I cannot begin to imagine the path you all have walked. I do, however, know who walked with you. I commit to praying for you and with you. Remember His name, Emmanuel,God WITH us. Ask Him to make His presence known to you and you will feel Him all around you! I love you, my sister in Christ!

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  3. Father, please let Sherri feel your love and peace today. Protect her and help her to stay focused. Amen.

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  4. I am amazed at your faith. I hope to someday to have half as much.

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  5. I will pray for you in this season. I love in Exodus when God tells Moses to stand still and I will fight for you. I so want that from God in my own live. Our Lord is using you in a might way. Blessings and peace to you in this season.

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  6. I haven't read your book
    But I know what happened to Bronner. My 19 yr old daughter passed away last year from cancer. I am struggling to trust God. He could have healed her. I am trying to understand what his reason for taking her is. Please pray for me and my family. We know where Megan is and desperately want to see her again. We just need guidance on how to live without her. I am ordering your book, hoping to find comfort and peace. God Bless
    Your family.
    My email is ; donnakelley528@gmail.com

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  7. Sherri, my daughter had leukemia when she was 9, and during her treatment we met several children in the hospital that tragically didn't survive. At each funeral I would sit and have the same conversation with God, as an orthodox Jew, we know three things, 1) Children aren't punished, 2) Parents aren't punished by killing their children, and 3) Nothing 'bad' ever happens, somehow everything that happens to us is the best thing, to the extent that anything else would have been worse.

    Given those three things, I asked God for an understanding of why children die. I believe I was given an answer that fits those three things, and I would like to see if you are similarly comforted by why children die, why its not a punishment, and why it's actually better than the real alternative.

    The answer lies in our expectation. We understand life to be...children grow up beautiful, successful, living long lives having children, grandchildren. That's our expectation. Sherri, what if the alternative of a child dying ISN'T that he/she would have lived to be 100, happy and successful with dozens of grandchildren?

    What if the alternative to a child dying is that child wasn't to be born at all? So that the weeks, months or years you DID have with that child was as opposed to never having that relationship at all?

    So I went back to every family I knew who lost a child and asked them the same question; if you had been given the choice NOT to have had the child at all, saving yourself the pain and loss, would you have chosen not to have him/her?

    Every family gave me variations of the same answer.

    "Every day with my child was a gift/blessing I will always cherish/wouldn't trade for anything."

    That makes a child dying a blessing, NOT a punishment to the child or the parent. Sherri, life isn't guaranteed, or waranteed. Every life and every day is a gift from God...and we don't get to ask for more than we are meant to have.

    I hope this helps.

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  8. Hi there dear woman of God! Praise be His name. I saw your interview (accidentally) via Fox news and was blessed by your's and your husband's devotion to the Lord. There's no mistaking one who's walked ever-nearer His side and longs all the more for greater and deeper revelation of His perfect love. You are both pleasantly refreshing witnesses for our dear Savior.
    After thinking about the interview and remarking to some of my kids of your sincere faith I went on-line tonight hoping to find out more about you and your husband.
    I had thought perhaps he was a pastor and I was heading for 'sermons' by Burgess! Finding out he's not a preacher was a bit disappointing but learning of your commitment to walk where He leads is praiseworthy.
    Don't give up.
    Jesus said, "I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have..." Rev 3:11

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  9. Well A.C. was 2 points from A&B honor roll. That's his first time ever. Normally that would just devastate me like he missed a chance getting into Harvard. Lol. However today at work I listened on audio to Bronner
    A Journey to Understanding. It's the new book by Sherri Burgess , wife of Rick Burgess, about their 2 yr old son that drowned. Our kids(young & grown) will disappoint us. They will make stupid decisions, lie to us, say an ugly word & not always do things the way we tell them to. Today though, that missing AB honor roll just didn't seem as world ending as it normally would. In the book Rick says they prayed for what their son would be. What school would he go to, what accomplishments would he have? He then said he was convicted & felt God saying," I'll take care of that, you be about the business of teaching him to be a warrior for my kingdom." Maybe some days I shouldn't worry so much about how to spell mysterious or if our punctuation is in the right spots( mine never is) but more about teaching my children what it takes to be a warrior for Christ. Oh how I know Sherri Burgess must miss her boy & would love to be able to be upset over a 78.
    Read the book it's really good.

    This was my fb post yesterday.
    Keep the faith sister & stay in the good fight.

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  10. What a blessing it has been for me to watch the video of the Fox News interview on the twelfth anniversary date of the day we buried our sixteen year old. He died in a one car accident in the pouring rain on his way to basketball practice. I listened with interest as you said that you didn't use the word "died." I use the word "died, because my Jason died from his earthly sin in the twinkling of an eye. I don't use the word "lost" because I know where he is now!! He is in Heaven with Jesus. It just proves what I have said for twelve years. Even though we share a common bond, I can never say to you, "I know what you are going through" nor can you say that to me. Each relationship with our child was different, our experiences were different and the time we had with them on earth was different. I love what Rick said about marriages. I shared a strong marriage with my husband before and it has only grown stronger. As I tell my friends, "I'll for you and you pray for me and we will know someone, somewhere is praying for us." God is pouring out blessings on your family. I pray that now that this mission is complete that God will give you continuous missions to carry through. Much love and many prayers from Ashland, AL.
    Jacqueline Patterson
    JASON MICHAEL PATTERSON
    July 30, 1987 - January 8, 2004

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  11. Am reading your book; crying when I got to the day it actually happened. But am inspired by your faith and your testimony but also by your honesty. You are on the path God set for you. Just wanted you to know how you've touched me as I'm sure you are touching many. I can't wait to pass the book to my sister (an almost believer). This may be the way God chooses to help her go all the way......Your sister in Christ Judy White

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  12. We are praying for you (You are on the list now:) Thank you for what you are doing!!

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  13. Sherri, I have been praying for you and your family ever since Bronner went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you for answering God's calling and using your faith and His guidance to write this book. I look forward to reading it but I know I'll need a full box of tissues. Continually praying for you in this new season God has brought you to.

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  14. Such a beautiful post! I can't wait to read your book! I've prayed for you and your family for years and I will continue to lift you guys up during these interviews! To God be all the Glory! Much love- Jaclyn

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  15. Hi Sherri,
    I dont know you at all, nor am I that familiar with your husband. Im not a big radio or tv watcher. However, I know your story and the story of your sweet boy and how you are using it to grow the kingdom. I know the Lord is honored by your words and the cause you have taken for your life. I want you to know that your line "I pray that the manner of life that I lead from this day forward will be worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ, a life that is fearless and bold, one that casts every anxiety upon Him because I know He cares for me, and one that is watchful", has resonated in my heart and soul. I will be praying that for you and honestly for myself. Praise be to the Lord our God. Thank you1

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  16. Hi My name is Robin Robinson and I attend South Shelby Baptist Church in Shelby, AL. I cannot begin to tell you how reading this has opened up a path God has been leading me on. I am the director of the Women of the Word Conference at our church and God has been leading me on a study of salt and light for the past 4 months. I thought it was for this years conference but now I know it is for the 2017 conference. I know you are very busy and especially with your book just coming out but you pray about speaking at our 2017 conference? We have around 300 ladies attend and they are mostly from the Columbiana, Shelby, Wilsonville, Jemison area. I would love to share with you how this conference came about. The first one we had was last year and we were expecting MAYBE 75 women ( our church ladies included). There were 265 ladies there!

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