The Five Minute Friday assignment is to write for five minutes on a prompt word, post it and share with fellow Five Minute friends at  fiveminutefriday.com. Around 100 of us gather round to encourage and support our fellow Christian writers, writing in a variety of styles and genres. It’s always very interesting to see how a simple word take shape into posts. Sometimes it’s obvious, sometimes not as much, but always entertaining. Be sure to stop in and read the diversity of thought at Kate’s place, starting at the Community sectiom. And don’t be afraid to join in!

I’ve been sharing snippets taken from Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Minutes Flat. They are a testament to the value of the exercise. The 150 blog posts were compiled from the community by Susan Shipe. The stories span a diverse range of experiences, but share a common thread: a love for the bravely written word.

This week, I’ll share some perspective from Rachel, who I hope inspires you to check us out or, better yet, encourage you to try your hand at focused, unscripted writing for just five minutes. And share it on the website.

“I was new to this whole blogging world when I came across Five Minute Friday from Lisa-Jo Baker’s place [the originator of the exercise]. I knew nothing about link-up’s, how to do it or even much about Twitter. But the FMF community was so welcoming and no question was ever dismissed or laughed at but the ladies [and gents] just jumped in and were quick to give me the ‘how-to’s’ with step by step instructions and wham-bam … there I am … instant friends and connections that link across the miles. I look forward each week to connect back with the girls [and guys] and read what they have to say. They’re my Five Minute gang and I look forward to catching up with them every Friday!”

The word this week is HELP. The clock is starting, so let’s GO …

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

The exorcism story was certainly more profound than our daily prayer, but how many times have you said the same thing? I know I often say “I believe! Help my unbelief.”

Belief  — faith — and unbelief — trust — walk a fine line. We who know Jesus believe, but we are not immune to spasms of unbelief. God can do something … but will He?

If you remember, the scene unfolded with the father coming to Jesus after His disciples failed to cast out the demons. They were just as confounded. Jesus had told them to go out and heal in His name, but they couldn’t do it.  Jesus’ response, alluding to the disciples and followers as “faithless.”

That’s the message. You need the two phases of faith , the one that also includes trust. The father asks Jesus … STOP

… for help “if You can,” which is precisely the segue Jesus used to punctuate His point. “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes” (verse 23). That is was prompted the father’s’ previous statement.

We like to believe we believe. But often we also recognize our disbelief.

Help!

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: My mantra is “Strong is beautiful.” You can be strong, powerful and beautiful — Serena Williams