Summer is off to a stifling start? “What a life!” the almost-five-year-old chimed, her voice full of wonder as she leaned against her dad in a kayak drifting across the cool waters of an Alaskan lake. Nearby, her seven-year-old birthday brother relaxed in a child-sized kayak, stretched out and happily being pulled along by their dad. Meanwhile, near Kansas City, a six-year-old was having a blast in the community pool. My three adorable little grands are starting summer spectacularly. They all make me giggle—three birthdays in June, July, and August—my sensational stairsteps. No stifling starts!
Meanwhile in Missouri…
I started to feel stifled.
Not just because of humidity. Medical issues, appointments, digestion?
Because my back and bones ache?
The heat and I don’t get along. Cancer knows exactly where I stand with it.
Humidity, we need to talk.
When do you feel stifled? There are seasons when I feel trapped. Sickness strikes. Some days, I feel isolated because my body aches too much to move. I feel stifled because I can’t give back what I feel others give to me. Suffocated by self-pity? Selfishness? Sadness? Solitude? I’m in time-out because of treatments. Some days, I’m just miserable—and I don’t have it in me to make it known. Because…
I’ll never know real oppression.
A young mother lost her battle to brain cancer, leaving behind two young sons and a grieving family.
And I…complain?
Stifled?
No. I’m merely sidelined for now.
In silence, I savor.
In song, I praise.
In rest, I recuperate and remember—
ALL HE HAS BROUGHT ME THROUGH.
You might be surfing, swimming, or lying on a beach,
Or working two jobs with basic needs out of reach.
You may be lying in a hospital, facing the unknown,
Or watching a loved one reach a milestone.
Maybe you’re shopping, hoping to impress,
Or feeling stifled, suffocated, even depressed.
Hearing someone say, “You should just smile,”
May help for a moment—but only a while.
It takes much more than words like that;
True change must reach the soul deep.
Find the true Source of life
For your heart to hold and keep.
No matter the season—
the hot, rainy, or cold—
Your heart won’t stay stifled;
He’ll be your stronghold.
With trust and faith,
giving Him your all,
He’ll free your breath
as you answer His call!
K.L. Hale
Have hope, sweet friends. Keep the faith. You are loved.🧡
Friends, you may have noticed my website was “Under Construction”. In lieu of being “stifled”, I learned new editing features. SImpler structures. Yet, also many learning curves! I’m certain the 30 revisions will become 31. Progress, not perfection! Thank you for your patience as I continue learning and growing; despite physical issues that cause my MIA moments. You’re all such treasures to me! Stay blessed–NOT stifled! 🙏🏻❣️
Feel free to contribute! Your faithful feedback is appreciated!