Alia Joy
About the Author

Alia Joy is an author who believes the darkness is illuminated when we grasp each other's hand and walk into the night together. She writes poignantly about her life with bipolar disorder as well as grief, faith, marriage, poverty, race, embodiment, and keeping fluent in the language of hope in...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. Alia Joy,
    I have really needed people to come alongside me in this, my fourth surgery. I cannot bear weight on my foot for at least six weeks so I have been dependent upon my sweet husband to do just about everything. I’ve been dependent upon friends and neighbors to bring meals. I’ve been dependent upon the kindness of others to visit and spend time with me as I make my way through the many hours and to run errands or do things I was accustomed to doing. It’s hard to be so dependent, but it always draws me back into a dependence on the Lord. It’s like I have to learn all over again how to rest in him. Each time I go through this, I vow to be a “go to” person for others….helping the infirmed and visiting the sick and aged. We each get caught up in our own lives that I/we forget the greatest commandment involves putting others before ourselves – love others as you love yourself. I believe we are called to sacrifice our own self-interest in order that others may flourish. Each of my trips down this road of recovery reminds me of this principle. May we all be more like Ruth…
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

    • Dear Bev, dear sister, hoping and praying for a fast recovery and so many times of enfolding hugs from our Lord 🙂 Thank you for learning from each place of dependence 🙂 Hugs!

      • An,
        Your comment really struck a chord with me – that each period of waiting is a “place of dependence” on God. You’ve got me pondering about what I’ve learned from each of these “places” that I’ve passed through. Thank you for your ((hugs)) and encouragement…it means a lot!
        Bev xo

  2. Alia Joy,

    I needed people a while back. My aging dad’s dementia got worse & he was hospitalized. Very dark time for me. God & others saw me through that time. My dad has since passed on to glory-praise God! Now I can help others-by making meals, sending cards, giving smiles & hugs, etc. This Saturday I will bake cookies for our “Feed the Multitude”. This is an organization that helps feed less fortunate in our area. There are many many ways we can serve each other!

    Blessings 🙂

  3. “When we choose to surrender to the sacrificial love of another person, valuing their flourishing above even our own, we form a relationship that testifies to the world that God’s faithfulness lives in the obedience of His people.” –this has truly given me something to think on and pray over. I can see some similarities to things happening in my own life. Perhaps my lesson is to be more like Ruth and to surrender. Great words for this Sunday, Alia.

  4. Alia Joy,
    Sometimes if we get caught up we can overlook things. I will try to do better at loving more deeply, to let go of what’s seemingly important, so as not to overlook what is. As I’m certain the Lord would want this of me. Thank-you for this beautiful nudge this morning.

    Have a blessed Sunday all,

    Penny

  5. Sweet Alia, thank you for these words of insight, of kindness, from our Lord. We are told by Him who loves us, through His word and examples, to empathize and comfort those who need comfort with that which we have been given. Its in this giving away of ourselves that your beautiful words of “When we choose to surrender to the sacrificial love of another person, valuing their flourishing above even our own, we form a relationship that testifies to the world that God’s faithfulness lives in the obedience of His people.” ring so true.

    God is faithful and as His people, we need to ask how we are showing His faithfulness through obedience. I have known times of facing the uncertainties alone and with people who came along side, echoing Ruth’s trust and courage that I definitely need more of. Are we helping the least of these with true love of God and obedience to Him? True faith is borne out in our stepping out into the place of uncomfortable, that stretch us, and as St. Mother Teresa said, “I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.”

    May we all stretch a little today in loving, moving towards and alongside those who the Lord places before us and with us 🙂

  6. Hi Alia,
    Years ago as I walked through black-hole depression, anxiety, and despair, God sent two friends to be ‘that close’ to me. They loved me and spent time with me and encouraged me and confronted me and pulled me Up– and NEVER gave up on me–!! though I gave up.
    I’m so grateful for them!!

    At this time in my life, I’m walking with my elderly Mom, who has some dementia and loss of physical strength. I don’t know what the future holds for her or how I will ‘help’/support/ accompany her through this, but I trust that God will lead in every way.
    I moved to CA to be near her (not on my Bucket List) a few months ago, and I have been seeing God’s hand at work!! I get frustrated or impatient or discouraged– even overwhelmed.
    But God. Who is rich in mercy. Because of the Great love that he loves us with!!
    But God… gives much grace in time of need. He makes the way for me to come boldly to his presence in order to receive strength and insight and peace. He fills with his Spirit so that I am not empty and trying vainly to ‘fix’ people and situations. He gives me peace so that I am not striving to figure out or change my Mom, but learning to love and accept her as she is… the same way he accepts ‘me’ in all of my weakness.

    We can be sure that Ruth made a commitment where she did NOT look back. She focused on the day, the task at hand, and putting one foot in front of the other. She chose. God met her.
    I love how he does that. ❤️
    Thank you for sharing your heart!
    Pam

  7. The story of Ruth is a good one. And you are so right, we fail to love in a covenant way so many times. Thankfully, He keeps it if we are not able to. And sometimes, we just need to be dependent and rely on His rest. There’s not reason to feel guilty about needing someone or the Lord.

  8. These are days when covenant and commitment aren’t altogether attractive words or compelling prompts. You’ve reminded us that there is a better way, Alia.