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Bastazo

I found my study notes from a neighborhood Women’s Bible Study course I took several years ago on prayer using Dutch Sheets’ book, Intercessory Prayer. I especially liked reviewing the page of notes about carrying one another’s burdens since many families, including my own, are presently facing troubled times.


Bastazo is the Greek word meaning “to bear, lift, carry”. Combine that understanding with Galatians 6:2: Help carry each other's burdens. In this way you will follow Christ's teachings.
I was taught that the meaning of Bastazo, or bearing another’s burdens, is a concept of being staked to that individual and representing Christ, the Balm of Gilead, and applying His healing salve as I pray for that person.

One afternoon, our teacher, Patricia, toted several flats of Pansies to our study time. She passed out Pansies to each of us along with 2 long Popsicle sticks. Patricia challenged our faith and knowledge by putting this concept of prayer into practice. We had all been praying for Barb, a woman in our neighborhood who had been sick for some time. She was unable to hold a job. One doctor thought it was Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but most doctors could not diagnose Barb’s pain and tiredness. So there on my window sill in my kitchen just above my sink stood a pansy with two stakes in it. One stake had Barb’s name written on it and the other stake had my name on it. I staked myself to Barb believing in prayer that the healing Balm of Gilead was healing Barb.


I am pleased to tell you that God healed Barb. One year after that Bible Study, I attended a women’s luncheon and ended up seated next to Barb for the event. I relished her tears as she asked me, one more time, to tell her the story of the pansies, the stakes and the Healing Balm of Gilead.


I love to tell this story and glorify our Great Physician!

Comments

  1. My Dear Friend,

    I love your true story of the pansies, stakes and Healing Balm of Gilead. Reading this tonight made me feel uplifted, inspired and encouraged even more. You know what? I'm going to do this at my house and place it on my kitchen window sill just above the sink. When I come out in the morning it will be the first thing that I will see and it will be another reminder to me of all of the people that I am standing with and lifting up in prayer.

    I so love you my dear and precious friend. This story is absolutely BEAUTIFUL as you are! Thank you so much for sharing it. It surely was meant for me this night!

    Love, Blessings, Peace, Hugs & many, many Prayers,
    Alleluiabelle

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  2. I love you and I love your beautiful story..it is powerful and moving after a long day of storming the heavens on others behalf.
    You are a treasure. We journey ahead and know GOD has a perfect plan. Continuing to storm the heavens with prayer, Andrea

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  3. This was a great story Mary! It was very touching! Yes He is the great physician. Thanks for sharing this!
    Christy

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  4. This is a great story and powerful testimony at the same time sister Mary! Thank you for sharing. I still remember "paga", now I learned another word from you -"bastazo"...Keeping you in my prayers as well. God bless. Love you in Christ.

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  5. What a wonderful story! I so love your heart my friend. I'm so glad I found you or you me or something! LOL
    Big hugs to you!!
    Kim

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  6. Beautiful. I love the image. You are a dear, dear heart.

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  7. Wonderful testimony.
    See you soon.
    Charlotte

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  8. Mary,

    What a beautiful story! What a beautiful testimony too!
    Your heart, your words and your faithfulness in sharing Gods goodness, teaching His ways and showing what He longs to do for each of us is such a gift to all who come into your path. Those who see you daily are so blessed as are we who know you in this blog world. I can't wait someday to give you the biggest hug ~ it will no doubt be one of the sweetest I have ever had in my life!

    Thankyou for sharing this word and this example with us! Spurring us on Mary~ Love you sooo very much!!!!

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  9. Mary, I so enjoyed meeting you today at Gooseberries. It was such great fun. We need to all get together again. Your post I just read is so inspiring. What an uplifting blessing. Hope to see you again soon. Hugs, Marty

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  10. Precious Sister, this is a beautiful and encouraging message indeed.

    I remain in prayer for you and your family. You are very precious to me Mary.

    Love ya Pile of Smiles

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  11. My Dear Friend Mary,
    I just wanted to stop by and say how much I enjoyed myself today. The laughter, the tears, the stories, and the Christian fellowship. It was just wonderful. I am so glad you read the poem I wrote. I thought it was just what I would see as so many ladies out there were praying for Amy. It was just an outpouring of love. I will keep you posted when we find out about a surgery date as we will need another large prayer going out at that time. I think we should have another tea around September. Maybe every other month? I would love it. Take care. Stop over and look at my blog I have our pics posted. Country Love and Hugs, Sherry

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  12. What a joy to be with you today. It is a late evening now and the day has been full. I will be pleased to come visit in the morrow.

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  13. What a joy to meet you in person! And you do have the best smile. It's 2 in the morning right now and I woke up and thought I'd just check out a few of my favorite bloggers. Love you.

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  14. I loved this illustration. I have read many of Dutch Sheets' books and continue to reread and learn every time. So much wisdom and insight. Thank you for your sweet comments about our Rosebud... you knew my heart would be melted butter. It is. HAve a great weekend.

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