The Gentle Chapter

Opening to Autobiography (DP#180)

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I am choosing to begin my autobiography with a verse from the bible, one of my favorites actually:

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” -Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

This verse has been instrumental in my own peace in life. To think that we are never and have never been alone in our trials and tribulations, is such a blessing. The fact that God Himself cares and loves us weak and fragile humans enough to constantly put up with our crap, and yet still always desiring and willing to protect us, is quite humbling and surreal.

Just like with the good shepherds who leave the 99 to go seek out the one lost sheep, God is always on the look-out for wandering souls. Souls who find themselves lost to the darkness of this temporary world.

As someone who has been lost to the darkness more times than I care to admit, I will now always remember who there for me is constantly, waiting for me to reach out. That knowledge is a comfort and a soft nudge in the right direction for my life.

9 responses to “Opening to Autobiography (DP#180)”

  1. Chico’s Mom Avatar
    Chico’s Mom

    Using your favorite Bible verse as the opening line for your biography is a great idea. 💡 ✝️

    Reply
    1. Ashley Kittrell Avatar
      Ashley Kittrell

      Thank you!
      I think so to. It is a great way of getting down to the nitty gritty right off the bat as to what value and faith system has been the most instrumental in one’s life.

      Reply
  2. observationblogger Avatar
    observationblogger

    You mentioned your father earlier. I recited that whole Psalm out loud as my father was taking his last breaths at my mother’s house back in 2003.

    I’m glad that Psalm has brought you so much strength and faith in your life.

    Reply
    1. Ashley Kittrell Avatar
      Ashley Kittrell

      That Psalm is probably one of the best words to read as someone is leaving this world. I am sure it brought some peace to your father, even if you may have not witnessed it.

      Me too! Such powerful words and sentiments to live by.

      Reply
      1. observationblogger Avatar
        observationblogger

        Yeh, I hope so. I come from a very secular upbringing with just my Grandmother who was a churchgoer and pianist for her Uniting Church.

        My Mother and brother told me after how they found my reading the Psalm brought them so much tranquillity, peace and reassurance in my father’s last moments.

      2. Ashley Kittrell Avatar
        Ashley Kittrell

        My Memaw and cousin play the piano at their churches as well. I was born going to church and was even in the children’s choir at one point. My attendance has been up and down through the years.

        Well, the peace you gave your mom and brother is a blessing in of itself. I would take comfort in that.

      3. observationblogger Avatar
        observationblogger

        I hope you don’t mind my sharing this with you Ashley regarding faith – I wrote a piece about Bernadette Soubirous and her reported visions of the Virgin Mary at the grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes. It features the song: Aquero. Anyhow’s I thought you might like to read it and hear the song:
        https://observationblogger.com/2025/08/21/aquero-2019-bernadette-de-lourdes-musical-ft-eyma/

      4. Ashley Kittrell Avatar
        Ashley Kittrell

        I do not mind! That is a breathtaking song, Matt! The story behind it is quite interesting as well.

      5. observationblogger Avatar
        observationblogger

        I’m elated you thought so. Thanks for checking it out. The song is so ambient and awe-inspiring and brings just so much peace and tranquillity.

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● About Me

Hello! I am Ashley and I simply love to read, and hope you do to!
I am currently 28 years old and living in the state of Texas, USA.

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