(1) Chavah 1/25/2008 11:39:00 PM
Thank you Lori
This message came at a time when your words were the perfect solace for me and I felt very much like your friend. Thank you for your words of encouragement , insight, and wisdom. You are helping more people than you know


(2) Candy 1/18/2008 11:43:00 AM
The point is
Outside a covenant relationship with
G-d we have no promise. but we are assured that in that covenant "all things work together for good' G-d is working in all circumstances for our good and His glory. He will even lead us to those who can help us. If we trust in Him we can know we WILL get through it. We may not understand, it WILL hurt, but we Will come out on the other side. As we each look back over our lives we all can see at some point that it was Him that got us through because certainly it was nothing in us.


(3) Anonymous 1/12/2008 10:43:00 AM
trite or not?
Sometimes we need that extra word to realize that we can handle it. But most people when they are reeling from a major blow, at the start, who feel that they are drowning, do not need someone on the beach to tell them to swim. They need a life jacket. After they are swimming to shore, once they feel a bit more in control, then someone else IN THE WATER can say: Yes, I am also almost drowing, but I learned to swim.
And sometimes it is NOT in the ability of the person to handle something. When that happens, the situation becomes a challenge to the COMMUNITY: Will you help this person, or not?
I have had three major challenges, and Once I told a rebbitzen: I get so sick of people telling me how well I am "handling it". Sometimes I wish I could SCREAM that I didn't want this. She said: "To 'accept suffering'doesn't mean saying 'Thanks G-d, this is great', but not to kick back in anger. That is enough."

(4) RW 1/9/2008 10:46:00 AM

After reading the comments to date, I noticed that only 4 individuals pointed to what they believed were trite and oversimplified comments (i.e. "You can do it..."). And so my words are directed to Numbers: 11-- Rachel J., 14 -- Anonymous, 33 -- Trite and 34 -- Jerold Landau. I would like to validate your thoughts.

As a professional who works with individuals who are contending with varied challenges and struggles, I can vouch for the emotional pain that confronts these people on a daily basis. I also can vouch for the difference in how they "handled" their days before they gained effective tools and once they learned newer ways of "handling" their challenges. At the outset, when these people first acknowledged how intense or overwhelming their challenges were, that was not the appropriate time for them to hear encouraging words that come across as a cheering squad. They needed validation for their pain and for the difficulty of their struggles. They required someone safe to listen carefully to what they were going through.

The point I'm getting at is that the level and intensity of an individual's challenges and struggles has everything to do with whether or not that person is able to "hear" upbeat and inspirational words at that particular point in time. Let's take someone who has lived through various types of abuse throughout his/her life and may even be living in a current abusive relationship. For some people, and especially if they are very sensitive, hearing words that sound like a cheering squad can be perceived as trite and painful. And even if the individual is getting professional help, healing is a process and it takes time. And until such time that a person has reached a heallthy level, some inspirational words can come across as trite and oversimplified, therefore appearing to be insensitive to the person's plight. Perhaps if Lori had thrown into the mix a qualifying statement, the message might have come across in a more empathetic way. Just my humble opinion.



(5) Anonymous 1/9/2008 10:30:00 AM
Fly in the ointment
What bothers me about this explanation is, in a worst-case scenario where one's child dies, saying you weren't given more than you can handle only goes so far. What about the child? Wasn't the child given more than he or she could handle, since the child did in fact die? I would hate to think that G-d is using the untimely death of a child to make the parents stronger.


(6) Elin 1/9/2008 9:57:00 AM
I also experienced a burning bush. G-d is still revealing himself to us.
Two years ago my son, ready to enter college, was in a full on crisis because his girlfriend (of three years)was pregnant. One night as he left our house for his new apartment, he noticed a spark in a bush at the end of a driveway. It burst into flames, just as your bush did. He came back in and we read the old testament story together. He took this event as a sign that G-d was with him and would be with him. Fast forward - he is now a junior in an excellent college business program on an academic scholarship with a 4.0 gpa, is married to a lovely girl, also a college student. They are wonderful committed, loving 20 year old parents and we are enjoying one of the greatest joys of our lives - our 14 month old son. G-d is still with us. Thank you for your video.


(7) Elissa G. 1/8/2008 8:11:00 AM
positve reinforcement
Mitzvah gedolah l'hyot samayach!
I have been living with severe chronic pain for years now and each hour I am grateful to be alive. I had several major accidents that could have left me C'Shalom not here. But that was not Hashems will. I look to each day with happiness though I might smell like Ben Gay at a nice young age. Your words are the words I think to myself everyday. I know I can I know I can! This is what I have, this is what I am. There is a reason. G-d is in my life. But I cried as I listen to The Burning Bush....It was so good to listen your comments, your words are so good to hear and I am very thankful for your always uplifting and inspiring words and "almost" presence in my home. Please come again!
Tiske l'mitzvot! Thank You........EG



(8) Anonymous 1/6/2008 12:44:00 AM

A beautiful explanation, very inspiring, especially now, since I am facing a difficult challenge myself. Usually, I do not respond in the comment sections but this time I needed to tell you that your wisdom, kindness and teaching has become a very welcomed place in my life. Many thanks to you and Aish HaTorah.
B"H


(9) Jane 1/5/2008 12:10:00 PM
How long did Moses watch the bush before he recognized a miracle?
I've wondered how long Moses watched the bush before he recognized the miracle that was occuring? It seems to me that he had to be willing to RECOGNIZE God was doing something marvelous right then, right there. How often am I willing to see the ways God is present and active in my life? Not as often as I should be.
One more thing - God doesn't give me more than I can handle, but part of handling it may mean asking for help appropriately. (You called the fire dept, right?)


(10) Victoria H 1/5/2008 6:21:00 AM
Inspiring!
I'm just going through difficult financial problem, and it seems like I can't handle it anymore. Thank you, Lori, for reminding me that Hashem is by my side.


(11) Anonymous 1/4/2008 7:34:00 PM
Tears...
Your story releases my tearsa, and my Angst...


thanks..!!


(12) Jeremy 1/4/2008 12:15:00 AM
Ekyeh Asher Ekyeh
Rabbi Yitschak Twersky links this idea of "Eheyeh Imach" [I {Hashem} will be with you] to the name of Hashem which he gives Moshe "Ekyeh Asher Ekyeh". The pshat of that name is that Moshe can tell Bnai Yisrael that Hashem is the one that is WITH Moshe (Eheyeh Imach) "bringing about all of the miracles of the Exodus" A beautiful explanation of pshat in the name Ekyeh Asher Ekyeh. [Rav Yitschak Twersky wrote this in his new Sefer 'Amittah Shel Torah']


(13) paula 1/3/2008 5:03:00 PM
burning bush
It has taken me 20 years to finally cross that bridge from pure reason, in which everything needs to be proved, to faith, in which nothing has to be proved to be a fact. love the burning bush. What are the odds of sitting at a coffee shop, talking about problems and see a bush catch fire...what, about 10 million to one? To say God is a trip and a half is an understatement.


(14) Gayle Kall 1/3/2008 3:00:00 PM
Lori you are wonderful- Baruch Hashem
Please if you ever get to Long Island , Ny please I would love to meet you- you are a true inspiration!
The story you related today was just in the nick of time-- I needed that! I love you Lori! Gayle Kall


(15) Aviel 1/3/2008 2:10:00 PM
Rachel J. 1/2/2008 10:31:00 PM
Dear Rachel, the problems and the solutions are not important to any person but Lori and her friend. The really important thing is to internalise the story, see its meaning, and to apply it on our own lives. Once again, this "Lori almost live" has been inspiring and 100% true. I also see symbols reminding me G-d's company every day! Thanks Lori.


(16) Maxine 1/3/2008 9:14:00 AM
Lori's talk on burning bush
Lori's commentary was very encouraging and uplifting. She makes life seem so much easier than it appears. A great burden was lifted when I listened to "the burning bush" commentary. Keep them coming. (smile)


(17) Rachel J. 1/2/2008 10:31:00 PM
Burning bush ............. What?
Although very cute, I still would like to hear Lori's friends problems & a solution. Saying to someone, you can handle it because Moses did is just beating around the BUSH!


(18) deborah 1/2/2008 7:58:00 PM
thanks
Today when I see the movie about the burning bush Im really know that G-d talk today. My life is really a problem, with many test to pass. But I know as simple as you tell us...G-d do not send me anything I cant handle it.
B"H"


(19) Uri Yitschak 1/2/2008 3:19:00 PM

Thank you so much for your inspiring comments; they always seem to help me at the right time.


(20) Anonymous 1/2/2008 2:23:00 PM
God only gives you the things you can handle.
a strong statement but we know it is not always true. tell it to the jews of europe while they are being butchered or the lady who just got violated. i believe it's a nice saying to make us feel good but someone with a serious difficulty does not get a lot of comfort from this statement. what they do get is guilt. why can't they just get over it, God gave it to them.


(21) Zev 1/2/2008 12:46:00 PM

THANK YOU


(22) Gerald Lush 1/2/2008 12:39:00 PM
G-d In Simplicity
I was blessed indeed by "The Burning Bush" comments. The problems of life can sometimes overwhelm us - we can't see the trees for the forest. It's then "The Burning Bush" takes our attention from the forest that threatens to swallow us, to the bush that enlightens us. G-d is so good to us. May HE give us eyes to always see HIM.


(23) Mr. Matt 1/2/2008 12:00:00 PM

Now that's impressive. Not everyone encounters a burning bush! I think your experience is a great reminder that everything is a lesson. The "bad" things that happen are meant to teach us a lesson and elevate us to a higher level of faith and closeness to G-d. The burning bush is a one of those precious reminders that the almighty is beside us.


(24) Simon 1/2/2008 9:12:00 AM
The hardest thing to go through since independence.
I have never been so low in my life as today when l saw the morning paper and in detail in BBC website the gory site of a mass of destruction, all the same thanks for the encouragement and the therapeutic story or should l say truth that God is with us, thanks.


(25) YC 1/2/2008 9:01:00 AM

Thank you for the inspiring messages.

Actually the message is even more powerful. The message being sent specifically in a thorn bush signifies that G-d is right there with us in our challenges and our suffering.


(26) Anonymous 1/2/2008 1:11:00 AM
Beautiful words!
I'm with you, some times in our lives we see the problems too big, that we think we can't handle them, but what we always forget is that Hashem is always by our side to give us the strength to defeat them. Thanks for that beautiful words.


(27) moshe 1/1/2008 11:04:00 PM
thank you
thank you for all your inspiring comments
i too wish you bracha v'hatzlacha and you should continue inspiring klal yisroel ad meiah v'esrim b'h!


(28) anonymous 1/1/2008 9:37:00 PM
wow!!!
thank you so much that was exactly what i had to hear in order to believe it, especially from a person like you
you're amazing!!
thank!


(29) Anonymous 1/1/2008 8:05:00 PM
Thank you.
Lori, thank you so much for continuing to inspire so many people everyday. You are an amazing person-- sincere, creative, a great orator " a light unto the nations" Please keep doing what you are doing. You will never know how much you have helped me and others.


(30) Melissa 1/1/2008 7:38:00 PM
AWESOME
That is a ongoing miracle of how our precious Almighty is almighty...Thank you for sharing this with everyone.


(31) Chaim 1/1/2008 7:19:00 PM
Moshe
Dear Lori
Just like Moshe Rabbeinu you are helping Jews come out of Mitzraim.I am not sure what your Hebrew name is but whomever you are named after was clearly a leader,teacher and comforter.Chazak Ve'ematz


(32) Mary 1/1/2008 4:29:00 PM
Wow! Wow! Wow!
Your words blessed my spirit. What a miraclous thing to happen. The Almighty truly loves us.


(33) Doris Feinstein 1/1/2008 4:18:00 PM
Hashem does give us what we can handle.
Lori,
I truly believe this is so true. When
my husband Rabbi Joseph Feinstein ztl
was diagnosed with a brain tumor over
20 years ago I told Hashem that if He
were testing me if I would always love
Him I told Hashem I would, and if You
are testing me would I believe in you
I said I would. Many years have passed,
I continue my baal teshuvah work and
teaching gerim as my husband guided me
to and almost l9 years later my emunah
is greater and Baruch Hashem has inspired hundreds to help in their lives
to work out their obstacles.
Thank you for your work comments.
Sincerely,
Reb. Doris Feinstein



(34) Anonymous 1/1/2008 3:29:00 PM
Suffering
Yes, it is true, but difficult, to accept suffering. To internalize the truth that we are only given what we can handle can only come through grace. How vital to remember where our strenth comes from. Thank you for your encouragement.


(35) Berel 1/1/2008 3:29:00 PM
Great - Will use
Great. Will keep this for myself and others.


(36) neal 1/1/2008 12:02:00 PM
terrific...
Wow Lori...you did it again...I love listening to your videos and forwarding them on to my crew...please come to Chicago and give a speech/lecture/shabbaton..would love to attend..


(37) Pepe 1/1/2008 10:50:00 AM
The burning bush.
Thank you mrs Lori for showing me a burnish bush.


(38) DR Thomas M. DiResta 1/1/2008 10:39:00 AM
Utterly fantastic/overwhelming
I am a proselyte & have been seeking a more fulfilling spirituality to my life;G-D has led me this far; each encounter has a specific meaning, Thank you so much


(39) Anonymous 1/1/2008 10:15:00 AM
Trite
Try convincing parents who've watched their young teenage daughter slowly die from cancer that they "can handle" it. What a trite overused phrase. What does it mean? That you won't collapse and die right away? True. That you won't "flip out" and be committed to an asylum? True. But if "handle it" means you can continue your life without longing hopelessly for your lost daughter, with the ability to experience the simple joys of life (with all its day-to-day problems) like most people who haven't watched their child die or without quesioning, on a daily basis, why? Not true.


(40) Jerrold Landau 1/1/2008 10:12:00 AM
Is it really true that G-d never gives people more than they can take?
This was of course a very comforting message, but I have to wonder if it is well rooted in our tradition and theology? Of course, G-d has his individual account for every person, and an individual is not privy to the entire picture. On a communal basis, G-d has his directions for the JEwish people. But on an individual basis, does G-d never really give a person more than they can take? What do you say to familes ripped apart by suicide bombings? What about the families queued up for their turn to be shot by the einsatzgruppen? What about the mother whose children were ripped away from her by the Nazis? What about the victims of Gzeirot tat vetach, the inquisition, the Crusades, etc., etc.
I wonder if your answer is truly theologically sound, or if the story is really much more complex?


(41) Anonymous 1/1/2008 10:09:00 AM
Beyond words
BS"D

Your message touched my heart. I cried through it. My husband,of blessed memory, passed away 4 months ago after a 4 year battle with cancer. After 40 years of marriage, I'm lost without him. But I know that G-d is with me, and this morning He wanted me to hear your message.

May Hashem bless you and all His people with the strength to take on the challenges.


(42) Ruth Housman 1/1/2008 9:34:00 AM
the miracle of the burning bush
Hi Lori,
I am glad I opened to this, your story, this morning.
This is what is happening in my life, on a constant basis. There is something so incredible when you witness these connects. It is so beautiful!

I have been writing about this for a long time. I have thousands of pages and YES, I totally feel what you are saying, at the deepest levels. There are still profound and troubling questions that do enter our consciousness and one is, it doesn't always happen to people that they exit life gracefully. Maybe they can handle it, but it does appear that torture to others does result in their deaths and they are not in control of that "handle". Now I do deconstruct language and I am saying the Greater Story is Surely About LOVE. Look at the word handle and say it to yourself aurally. What is handle but HAND and EL and EL is for God as in Elohim. Yes, Laurie, the burning bush, the hand of God. Your story is so beautiful. It goes deeper.

Thank YOU for bringing this forward and for your beautiful, loving words.

in truth/ruth


(43) Anonymous 1/1/2008 9:34:00 AM
Beautiful reminder.
Beautiful reminder that God does indeed speak to us and we need to listen. Thank you so much. I needed that too!


(44) Monique 1/1/2008 9:31:00 AM
Fantastic! I loved it.
What a great story, made me smile.


(45) Anonymous 1/1/2008 9:30:00 AM
Thank you for the reminder
Thank you for reminding me that Hashem is there for me! The stress does get easier, when I talk with Him! And 2007 was filled with stress!


(46) rache 1/1/2008 9:16:00 AM
bitachon
Sometimes people are lacking in bitachon and that makes it difficult to believe and accept.


(47) Anonymous 12/31/2007 2:14:00 PM
Incredible!
How can you be ALWAYS good??????.. Its incredible... I love to hear you speak. Please dont stop EVER!!. You are a sheliach from hashem.


(48) Anonymous 12/31/2007 1:48:00 PM

thank you Lori, that was just what I needed to hear.


(49) Anonymous 12/31/2007 7:04:00 AM
Thank you!
Lori,
I love listening to you every week. I don't have a rebbetzin of my own so I feel like your her. If you are ever in chicago I would love to hear you speak.