Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

The Ball of Knots

                Ballofknots

Photo: An antique ball of rug string. Pieces of string tied together rolled around and around forming an uneven ball of knots.

The pain of seeing someone suffer. To see their life unravel, giving way to dark secrets that do not let go, but hang on and strangle their energy.

The dark night of the soul. The agony of standing by wanting to untangle their heart, wanting to be a guiding source that will lead them to healing, wholeness, to an untwisted path that is smooth, even and free. Though knowing they must find the courage to unwind, to look at the loose ends and to venture towards the broken thread.

The ball of knots, one after another, the long journey to the center… Keeping my hands open that they may hold on and find their way safely.

Comments

36 responses to “The Ball of Knots”

  1. Julie Ann

    Whomever it maybe that occupies your mind with their torment, it is very evident that you feel the pain too. That “empathy” is key to unravelling those torturous knots. True empathy is soul food. I think a chink of healing light may soon appear. Hope and pray Corey x

    Reply
  2. Cottage Contessa

    Everyone needs a guiding light, and a soft place to fall in times of need. I’m glad your friend has you…
    Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

    Reply
  3. rel

    Corey,
    Often a presence and a kind word makes all the difference.
    It’s when we hold back that is of little aid.
    rel

    Reply
  4. Jeanne

    Blessings to you my friend for all that you share with us all.
    You are a joy to us.
    Love Jeanne

    Reply
  5. constance lefevre forehand

    corey, i would love to have your entire blog in a book. it would be a best seller.you have a beautiful heart and express it lovingly. GOD BLESS YOU, connie

    Reply
  6. Darla

    I think listening, attentive listening, is one of the greatest gifts you can give.
    Darla

    Reply
  7. Catalina

    So strong Corey. To help others to feel safe…to heal… magician wish

    Reply
  8. constance muller

    Isn’t it interesting what a perfect ball of string is made of?
    I’ll be thinking of you.
    xox
    C

    Reply
  9. Paula

    Like watching our children move through life.

    Reply
  10. tut-tut

    A meditation on another’s pain helps us with our own. May be all come to terms with our dis-ease.

    Reply
  11. Travelingmama

    Do you think we can offer the most help by simply being there and not trying to “fix” the problem- especially when it’s something that just cannot be fixed? Sometimes it is so hard to not be able to DO something and when these times have come I find myself on my knees on behalf of my friends.

    Reply
  12. Redness

    Keep listening, doing exactly what you’re doing and know that someone is extremely fortunate to have you by their side. Many people could learn from your loyalty, please stay strong Corey you’re a blessed gem.

    Reply
  13. Miz Booshay

    I will pray Corey.

    Reply
  14. martina

    Corey-yet again your post hit my heart. Your friend is so lucky to have you by their side and your emotional support. Take care of yourself.

    Reply
  15. Shannon

    You are such a good friend. Anyone is fortunate to have you as one. I know I am 🙂

    Reply
  16. meredith

    Oh Corey,
    Can I come wash your dishes? I won’t be working so much in November…or how about a tea in that window overlooking the “Vieux Port”
    Take care

    Reply
  17. qualcosa di bello

    watching the pain often seems harder than going through the pain…a soft pillow of prayer awaits.

    Reply
  18. BOSSY

    Even rug string is antique. Who knew?

    Reply
  19. Cherie

    This really resonated with me..your words fit this photograph and I think anyone who has been through a crisis or a personal challenge can relate to this. I know I did.

    Reply
  20. Kristin Co

    La matière donne le coeur à l’ouvrage !

    Reply
  21. stephanie

    Both you and Tara seem to be dealing with difficult issues lately….Your open hands and heart will help.

    Reply
  22. jeni

    Corey, I see in you the strength of a rope that holds a ship. You have sailed through stormy seas and have the light to guide you. Thank you for sharing the sweet soft moments, silly, happy days as well as the darker times. I’m praying for calm smooth waters ahead.

    Reply
  23. susan

    That’s the most beautiful ball of string.. knots and all.. that I’ve ever seen. I know the dark night of the soul, both for myself and watching friends go through it. The most helpful thing for me has been listening, and the gentle reminder that beneath all those knots is a precious gift of understanding waiting to be unwrapped.
    Be well, Be safe, Be happy, Be whole.
    Susan

    Reply
  24. Rosemary

    Corey,
    You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday!
    Rosemary

    Reply
  25. Marge

    Hi Corey! It’s interesting that you posted this today. About three weeks ago, I came across an actual prayer to “Our Lady,Un-doer of Knots”.

    Reply
  26. tommie

    on one of the darkest days of my life today, I needed to see this. thanks you.

    Reply
  27. Colette

    Being there, quietly supportive, holding their hand, letting them feel their feelings. That’s all.
    xoxo

    Reply
  28. Cre8Tiva

    unraveling until you get to the center…the center is peace…blessings, rebecca

    Reply
  29. Cindy

    May GOD hold you both very near to His heart during this time of suffering. Though the pain is an ocean, even in this darkest of night, may you find comfort.
    Prayers of peace are surrounding you~
    Cindy

    Reply
  30. herhimnbryn

    Gordian.

    Reply
  31. Nora

    xx

    Reply
  32. Candy

    This is exactly where I find myself right now with a dear dear friend. You couldn’t have put words in my heart any better than these. With hands wide open…

    Reply
  33. scarlett

    This sounds contrite, but it is heartfelt to the core of my soul.
    This is a wonderful blog and you have blessed me with your beauty.

    Reply
  34. heather

    unfortunately most string, once broken, stays that way. some breaks are complete. the talmud says nothing is as whole as a broken heart though, and if you can take the knots and make something new, something meaningful with the breaks, you are still whole. perhaps more whole. somehow pain helps us find new depths that highlight the joyous moments, make them more joyous.
    my broken string, i took it and learned how to knit, how everything interconnects (holes can make lace) and how to hold onto the live moments so it doesn’t fall apart. i’m not sure what i’m making yet exactly, but it’s my life, and i want to make something out of the knots, i don’t want them to define the finished piece but to be a part of it. someday i will make it to the center, the string will run out, and the final knot will tie off the work of my life.
    may we all hold on through the dark nights and make sense of the knots in our own way.

    Reply
  35. nel

    Unravelling is a scary, painful process but one that ultimately leads to freedom, understanding and beauty. As always your words encourage and inspire to have the faith to go through the process. The video is absolutely beautiful.

    Reply
  36. susanna

    You have a way with words, Corey. So perfectly written.

    Reply

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