And They Who Suffer…
Today I ponder the struggles that many have in their daily lives…how they get through each day, what challenges they face and also how WE can help. In today’s society, there is much emphasis placed on happiness and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong with achieving happiness in our own lives…right…as long as our happiness is not the only happiness we seek and as long as our happiness does not injur others. Scripture tells us so much about life, living, faith, trust, serving, love and…suffering. Suffering can be physical pain, health crises, loss of love, financial hardship, grief, loneliness, depression, and just plain “getting the short end of the stick in life.” Through our suffering, it often breaks us down and creates a vacuum. and there is that word…vacuum. So, do we need a vacuum cleaner for life, a magic wand? Oh, well we joke about magic wands, don’t we! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they really did exist. Hmmm. So, how do we fill those vacuums of life? Just ask someone you know who has a chronic illness how they get through each day and you will hear many answers…prayer, reading a good book, a good sense of humor, strong determination, fighting souls, laughter, compassionate friends, drugs, alcohol, doing something for someone else…what??? Doing something for someone else??? But we thought you were the one who needed help. From my life experience, every time I find myself being challenged to the point of suffering whether it was losing a parent, experiencing ravaging chemotherapy, going through infidelity and divorce, chronic illnesses, etc., I have found that God finds ways to fill that void in me with unimaginable love, impactful life lessons, opportunities for me to serve & praise Him and reach out to others in their times of need. Today, there are so many people suffering from chronic illnesses, political distress, extreme anxiety, fear and the list goes on and on. So what can we do to help? First, PRAY for the person, friend, family member, yourself; AKNOWLEDGE the person’s suffering. Many suffer in silence because their villian is invisible; If they want to talk, LISTEN! Express your CARING through a phone call, a note, asking how you can HELP (then do that thing); DON’T stay away! BE PRESENT to this person suffering; If this person has children, INCLUDE them in activities outside the home; Send a flower, have a meal delivered, get creative. I recall during months of chemotherapy when I was too sick to do much of anything, I found out long after that struggle was over that my sister-in-law (without my knowing) drove to my house and watered my window boxes so my flowers survived the hot summer months. Those living, beautiful red geraniums gave me a spurt of joy as I would leave the house for another chemo treatment. 🙂 John 15:12 – “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” God is ready to use you to share His love to our hurting world. Raise your hand high and shout “I’m ready, Lord, choose me, order my...
Read MoreSweet Sacred Inspiration
Whether it’s ringing in a New Year or celebrating a birthday or the anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis, any time of renewal brings me quickly to the deep gratitude for the gift of each new day and a recommitment to live my best life to the glory of my Savior, Jesus Christ. Of course, I fall short many days but it is a good road map toward the sincerest appreciation of all for which God has blessed me. Today, I’ve thought a lot about a poem I wrote in the midst of my first year of my breast cancer journey in 1999…almost 17 years ago. As we know, the life struggles we experience really do strengthen us and offer to us some valuable lessons in life that we might not have received were it not for those struggles. Those boosts in strength and the lessons obtained enhance our days of living for certain. Reflecting on what we gained through the struggle strengthens our renewal of life many years later. Here’s my poem: Sweet Sacred Inspiration I walk through dark, deep water Feeling the pull of the struggle Knowing that time passes on. My feet stumble in weakness as My soul searches for sweet sacred inspiration. I feel the rhythm of my heartbeat Ripple through the water as I move forward Seeking relief from the weight of suffering. The journey teaches me determination as My soul searches for this sweet sacred inspiration. Days of the past capture my thoughts My mind’s eye sees children playfully wading. A child turns her face and I look into my own youthful eyes. The pull of the struggle is revealed as the Guide. Sweet Sacred Inspiration awaits me as I cross over to the other side....
Read MoreI Will Rise Up
As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day in America, we gather with loved ones with whom we share the recognition of the many blessings in our lives. We express our gratitude. For many, this is one day in the year that we set aside our challenges and burdens to enjoy a special meal often including our best family recipes and remembering those who shared them and prepared them for us. Lots of hugs and even some heartfelt tears of remembrance of those we miss. Around the world, in poor neighborhoods in our own towns, even in our own homes, it is a very difficult time for families estranged, experiencing financial crises, serious illness, broken hearts and those who feel very alone. While the majority of our nation & our world have been rocked by the barbaric senseless killings expanding around the world by Issis and other terrorist groups, many of us feel even more committed to maintaining our hope, denying these evil-doers their hope to destroy our SPIRIT! As Christians, we have serious work to do in reaching out to those who suffer and sharing the love and promises of Christ the King. Whatever your faith is, we, as humankind have the opportunity to be both to our suffering…human and kind. ❤️ I dedicate this post to all in our world that suffer today, feeling hopeless and I challenge those of us strong and capable to take the joy and hope in this celebration of Thanksgiving Day to stand, raise your hand and commit to others who suffer that they are not alone and we all can “Rise Up” as Andra Day sings so beautifully sharing our...
Read MoreWhat's Your Passion?
National Audubon Society
Help support the efforts of our National Audubon Society in conservation of natural bird habitats. Visit: www.birds.audubon.org