by jrob Moderator 02 Oct 2010

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into

the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever
mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the
situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule,
but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of
saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had
happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in
the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was terrified! But as the farmer and his
neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought
struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of
dirt landed on his back...HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he
did, blow after blow.

"Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and
step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the
blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic"
and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!

You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and
exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed
like would bury him, actually blessed him...all because of the manner in
which he handled his adversity.

THAT'S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and
refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity...THE ADVERSITIES
THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIAL TO
BENEFIT AND BLESS US!

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Comments (14)

by grandmamek 06 Oct 2010

Thank you for sharing this inspirational message!! Hugs, Mary

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by test 06 Oct 2010

Thank you Jerrilyn

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by fannyfurkin 06 Oct 2010

This is just awesome, I am going to post it on facebook so that my family can read it. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Alice.

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by lbrow 02 Oct 2010

I love it Jerrilyn as I do you. Have read it before but it always reminds me whatever the adversity with god's help I can handle it. I do hope your are feeling better. You certainly look beautiful in your tiara!/Lillian

1 comment

by jrob 03 Oct 2010

Thanks, just looking for some light in the darkness.;)

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by dilceia 02 Oct 2010

This is so true. Thanks for sharing this.

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by shirlener88 02 Oct 2010

Yes, shake it off and step up .... shake it off and step up! I have heard this before - but it is always wonderful to hear the good ones over and over and over again - we can learn from them - from what we are going through - at the time that we are reading them - thanks so much Jerrilyn - how are you feeling today - how is your back?

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by kalinelson 02 Oct 2010

I have heard this before but I never get tired of hearing it again.....this is so true, we need to keep this parable in our hearts to remember in times of need.....thanks so much.....blessings Janet

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by camylow 02 Oct 2010

I know this was for me...wasn't it....I am hoping the reason is a reality check for mine own...I am not panicking, but I do know the scriptures tell where there are more gathered so will HE be also...so in this Faith I have asked for the Prayer warriors....And if indeed what has happened is the reason I have been praying for, then I am indeed blessed with the grace He showed me....I kept praying and my husbands life has turned around....I can only hope that this will change anothers life towards GOD also..

THANKS FOR THE REALITY CHECK AGAIN..I HAVE HEARD THIS BEFORE MANY TIMES AND MANY TIMES WHEN THINGS HAPPEN, WHAT WE HEAR TENDS TO BE FORGOTTEN TILL SOME LOVELY PERSON REMINDS OF THINGS LIKE THIS...YOUR ARE TRULY A BLESSING TO ME RIGHT NOW....I am off to clean my house and sing the LORD's praises for what he has done so far....and to remember the parable of this little story....

1 comment

by jrob 02 Oct 2010

That is the way I feel sometime in church. I wonder why anyone else bothered coming because the sermon was JUST for me. Remember: " And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28
I send you love and hugs!

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by castelyn 02 Oct 2010

Thanks Jerrilyn

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by judybell 02 Oct 2010

So true, thanks for sharing.

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by mops Moderator 02 Oct 2010

Thanks for sharing. BTW, how's your back today?

1 comment

by jrob 02 Oct 2010

Maybe a tiny bit better, I did get to sleep 4hrs last nigh. I do OK sitting, just can't seem to walk. I CAN step up and shake it off though. Thanks for asking.