Many of you may be familiar with missionary, author and speaker, Elizabeth Elliot. She and her first husband, Jim Elliot, served as missionaries in Ecuador, hoping to make contact with the Auca Indians. Unfortunately, her husband and three other missionaries were killed by the Aucas in 1956.

Two years later, Elizabeth again returned to Ecuador as a missionary to the Aucas, where many began to believe in Jesus Christ.

Her story is a remarkable one of faith in her Savior. After leaving the mission field, Elizabeth became a well-known teacher and author to women. Below is a poem about trust in the One Who loves us most.

Once again, I acknowledge with many of you, the current events in our nation, as well as the subsumed confusion, anxiety and the unknown. The poem below, reminds us of where and to Whom we turn. I hope you find it a reminder of Whose we are, and the great love that is bestowed upon us from the One who will never leave nor forsake us.

Do the Next Thing

by Elizabeth Elliot

From an old English parsonage down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the doors the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration: “DO THE NEXT THING.”

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing.

Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all results, do the next thing.

Looking for Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons thee, do the next thing.

I hope you find the poem meaningful.

Paulette Jackson lpc-mhsp

“Always, we begin again.” ~St. Benedict

The thoughts and intentions expressed in The Conversant Counselor’s Blog are those belonging to Paulette Jackson lpc-mhsp and do not necessarily reflect those of any other professional or individual.