Something said in a sermon

It was said at one of our Sunday morning church services a while back, and it was something I haven’t forgotten. The visiting Pastor told a story of tough times, dark days, and hitting rock bottom.

A man had fallen into a pit and couldn’t get out. A doctor strolling by heard his cries for help and looked in. He assessed the situation and tossed in a prescription before moving on. The man remained in the pit and a second passerby heard his cries. This was a church elder. “I will pray for you,” said the elder, and he continued on. A third person heard his cries, and seeing the trouble, jumped into the pit. “Why would you do that? Now we are both stuck in this pit!” The man replied, “ I have been in this pit before. I know the way out.”

Chapter 2

i was reminded of this parable while reading chapter 2 during my devotions.

In todays reading, Sheila Walsh wrote about dark times, and how that is when we feel alone. It feels like doors have been slammed in our face and we are left on the outside, standing in a hallway.

The key points that resonated with me are

1. We all have troubles. We don’t know why other than the fact that we live in an imperfect world.
2. When we are in the midst of troubles, we need to admit it, surrender it, and know that it is temporary.
3. Know it will not be wasted.
   
   

Have you seen the movie Inside Out?

In that movie, there is a character named Sadness. We learn in this movie, through this character, that even sadness has a role in our lives. It is through sadness that we know sympathy, empathy, compassion, and kindness.

Sheila Walsh said the following. “God never rushes us through our pain. He sits with us as long as it takes. But as you begin to receive His comfort, you might look around and see that you’re not alone in the hallway.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God gave us.

Humility and Honesty

The first thing to do when we are in the dark, is to acknowledge it. Admit it to God and let it go. God will be with us, and we need to allow Him to love us and comfort us. As time heals, we may be the very needed comfort to someone else.

This is not easy. As a people, we often fail to admit we are hurting and that we need help. So often we hide our hurt. Maybe it’s shame, or embarrassment, or denial. There is also a fine line between sharing and hanging out your dirty laundry for all to see.

I have not mastered any of this. I am not going to pretend I have. But I do know this. I like real people. People that are humble. Honest. Raw. I love this song by Andy Grammar, inviting us to get deep and real in our conversations.

If I am being honest, sharing my thoughts and feelings is my least favorite part of this blog. I like the reading, reflecting, and creativity, but not the sharing. But when I feel the nudge of God, I try to obey.
I’m not sure what I have to share that may be helpful, but I will try to be vulnerable, humble, and honest.

Book Talk

My mom is reading this book too and we are having our own little book club. It was really good getting deep and dirty with her. Talking about the book led to a raw discussion. It was good. We talked about how circumstances can lead to feeling of numbness and a loss of joy. I know that joy comes from the Lord, not circumstances, but there is still a loss.

Sheila Walsh wrote this prayer, and I encourage everyone to join me in praying it too. Why let our pain be wasted if it can be used for good. “Lord, give me eyes to see what I might miss. Give me ears to hear beyond what someone might be saying to what is happening in their heart.”

Poem- I Googled The Address For Joy

I googled the address for Joy and plugged it into my GPS.Lost, I eagerly rushed through the streets of life.
Turning here and merging there, not paying attention to what was passing me by.
You have reached your destination.
Leaping from my car, I hurry for the door when I seeJoy through the window.
Joy is right there. I’m on the outside looking in, but I can’t seem to knock.