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Silly Putty

May 6, 2013 By 1 Comment

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. Psalm 126:5 (NKJV)

 

Silly puttyMy children received Silly Putty in a goody bag and I’m sure you can imagine where this is heading.  :)

I have to say, my kids, ages 6 and 3, did great following the rules of where they were allowed to use it and kept it safely in the case for a couple of weeks without incident. Then we had a couple of minor incidents and I should have taken the hint and moved it along.

I didn’t.

Then I found a big, big mess. Somehow it was separated into six large pieces and found our favorite big cozy blanket as comfy as we do.  This queen sized fleece blanket joined our family last fall and the four of us enjoy cuddling under it while watching movies. It is also the blanket of choice when someone is sick.

I was less than thrilled to see the mess and determined to remove it at all costs. After attempts to remove the putty with larger pieces of putty failed miserably, I hit the Internet. I was sure there have been many Silly Putty victims before me and I was right. I will spare you the details, but let you know that it was a multi-step process and required a lot of time and patience. But it worked!

It occurred to me that emotional healing and/or spiritual growth (sometimes it is both) are multi-step processes that require time and patience. I cannot clean my own mess or remove the deep wounds of my heart in my own strength. Instead I must partner with the work God is doing, no matter how painful or complicated the process. He is always good and loves us more than we can imagine.

There is hope if you are in a painful season right now. It is a season. It will not last forever.

I have found healing from depression (three separate times) through a multifaceted approach (including medicine). I am living proof that, by God’s grace, you can come through dark times stronger and healthier.

Lord, we lift up all who are in a dark place right now. Please give them hope and assurance of your Presence with them. May Your Holy Spirit bring comfort and wholeness as only You can, through medicine or however You choose to work in each situation. Thank you for Your faithfulness and the promise to never leave or forsake us. We trust Your Word and not our feelings. Meet us in the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

~Lynn

Contact: lynn@chosenfamilies.org

Filed Under: Depression, discouragement, Hope Tagged With: ,

Not Home Yet

April 30, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Therefore HopeI have been sad sometimes lately – because of world events like earthquakes in China, terrorist bombs in Boston, and explosions in Texas. I have also been sad because of the pain of friends who have lost jobs or who are fighting serious illness. I have been disappointed that my life isn’t what I dreamed it would be. My Prince Charming fell through a roof and, instead of riding a white horse with me at his back, he lies in bed fighting severe pain all day. My son struggles with learning disabilities and social issues (Aspergers) that I can’t instantly fix. I don’t know what he will do for a living in the future and I’m not always sure I am doing all I can to help him succeed in life. All these things make me sad.

The Lord has reminded me in the midst of this that this world is not our home. The brokenness of this world, the unrequited love, the longings unfulfilled, and the promise of better things are whispers of a life to come where the world is whole, Prince Charming has come, we are safe and loved and fulfilled.

Every time we cry, we should remember that someday there will be no more tears. Every time we are disappointed by a spouse, we should remember that we are the bride of Christ. Every time we feel unloved by our parents, we should remember we are held in the arms of our Heavenly Father who IS love. Every time we don’t know the answers, we should remember we belong to one who does.

We long, in the essence of who we are, for beauty, for peace, for joy. Are we longing for a painting, for quiet, for a festive event or are we longing for the author of these things and for a state of being where we are developed fully into the essence of who we are created to be? I think the latter is true.

When we hurt, we are pointed to a time and place with no more hurt.  And when we are joyful, we are pointed to a time and place when joy will be complete.

The beautiful things in life point me to heaven as well. The blue sky and spring breeze draws my gaze and my heart upward. My same family (with all its challenges) also causes me to be thankful – I wouldn’t want to walk through this life without any of them. A glimpse of heaven and good things and blessings create a longing for my future home as much as the challenges do.

I am thankful that the Lord draws me from sadness to longing to HOPE and hope is what takes me through each day. I am so glad that the Lord has a place prepared for me where there will be no more pain or sorrow or grief.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.  Proverbs 13:12

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:3,4

Looking with hope,

Brooke

Contact: Brooke@chosenfamilies.org

Filed Under: Disappointment, Hope, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

A Little Reminder

April 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

I continue to be amazed at the way the Lord uses music to comfort and inspire me. “The Same Love” by Paul Baloche has been doing both.

In light of the struggle and pain that comes with living in a fallen world, it is great to be reminded of God’s love and power. He is calling us to surrender our burdens and fears to Him. He calls us beloved and longs to heal our brokenness.

I encourage you to find 5 minutes to prayerfully listen to this song and hear Him calling and declaring that you are His.

~Lynn

 

 ”The Same Love”

You choose the humble and raised them high

You choose the weak and made them strong

You heal our brokenness inside and give us life

CHORUS

The same love that set the captives free

The same love that opened eyes to see

Is calling us all by name, You are calling us all by name

The same God that spread the heavens wide

The same God that was crucified

Is calling us all by name, You are calling us all by name

You take the faithless one aside

And speak the words “You are mine”

You call the cynic and the proud, “Come to Me now”

CHORUS

The same love that set the captives free

The same love that opened eyes to see

Is calling us all by name, You are calling us all by name

The same God that spread the heavens wide

The same God that was crucified

Is calling us all by name, You are calling us all by name

BRIDGE

You’re calling, You’re calling

You’re calling us to the cross

Filed Under: Hope, Music, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Out of the Mouth of a 12-Year-Old

January 6, 2013 By 3 Comments
You have taught children and infants to give You praise,
silencing Your enemies and all who oppose You. (Psalm 8:2)

 

They asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?”
“Yes,” Jesus replied. “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures?
For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants
to give You praise.’” (Matthew 21:16)

I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions anymore. I admitted to myself a few years ago: I just don’t keep them.

Last year, I tried something different. I asked God to give me a word: just one word, a word from Him for the new year looming before me. It wasn’t a deep yearning or anything. It seemed to be “the thing,” to have a word for the year.

So I asked, sort of haphazardly. I asked God for a word.

The next evening, I took my first walk of 2012. When I walk, I use a phone app to track my distance and my pace, and to play songs in random order while I walk. It’s quite an adventure, really, to not choose the music myself. I like to think of it as God being my personal DJ. I truly believe He talks to me through the music.

The moon was beautiful, and Jupiter was right beside her. The evening sky was still blueish; the night hadn’t stolen all the light yet. I was walking and listening. I was almost home when this Chris Tomlin song shuffled into play. The lyrics absolutely resonated with me. I thought, “Hey! Maybe this is my word!”

Awakening by Reuben Morgan & Chris Tomlin (click to listen)

Wow, right? As I walked, I found myself weeping, lifting my hands and crying out to the Lord.

But wait. There’s more.

After my walk, Michael and I watched The Two Towers in The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. It’s something we do every January or so: watch the extended version of all three movies in a row. In the scene where Gandalf releases King Theoden of Rohan, I started laughing and crying, clapping and hollering, “He’s waking up! Michael, look! Theoden’s awakening!”

Awakening.

Now it’s a year later, and I’m looking back for the awakenings in 2012. I can point to a handful of events, which include my girl maturing in ways I didn’t think I was ready for. (Yes, I’m referring to menstruation. We survived.) But God really brought it home to me yesterday as I was looking through my journal. I have a habit of jotting ideas down on random pieces of paper which I then collect in my journal. When it’s time to write, I look for those ideas to chase. I was looking for a certain set of notes I’d made, but what I found was a handful of Cami papers. I don’t remember specifically when I stuck these pages in my journal. I’m sure I found them when I was cleaning her room. She and I have determined that she wrote the following thoughts sometime after reading six of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, all seven of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books, and Tolkien’s four main books about Middle Earth, all in the span of about six weeks. Not only did my girl’s reading ability expand dramatically, but her love for and her knack for telling a good story were awakened.

She said her brain was overloaded with information when she wrote these pages. I know it was before September because the pages are written in all capital letters except for the e’s. Cami changed her handwriting style this fall when she taught herself to write calligraphy. I share the following Cami thoughts with her permission.

INTRODUCTION
The world has just gotten crappy.
Here’s how:
There always seems to be a war going on somewhere, there’s drugs, there’s guns, people hurt one another on purpose, there’s litter everywhere, and where’s the modesty gone?
Have you seen what garbage there is on TV??!!
The world is just. plain. crappy. What more is there to say?
Sometimes, places like Narnia, Hogwarts or Middle Earth seem much more real than real life.

ABOUT WAR
Many boys (perhaps even you) have wished that they could fight in the U.S. Army. But do they really know what war is like?
Have they ever wondered whether or not they would live to see tomorrow?
Have they ever walked out onto the battlefield after it was over: all around, wreckage lay; but even worse, all around people are crying over dead brothers, fathers, sons, friends, and maybe even sisters.
Have they ever dreaded seeing their closest friend among the dead?
No, they have not.

And what about weapons?
Here’s a daffy definition:
“Firearms — a type of metal wand that muggles use to kill each other.” –Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
I’m glad that there are at least responsible people out there. In war, innocent people, even little kids younger than me, are…killed.

ABOUT TELEVISION
It’s nice to know that there are still good books, and at least some things on TV are still decent.

Many kids, if they want something, they want it right now. And I should know, for I was like that once.
However, maybe everyone should take Treebeard’s advice, even grown-ups:
“We don’t say anything, unless it’s worth taking a long time to say.” — The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien

And what about some of the words used???
Honestly, I forget what half of them are, and I don’t know what the other half mean.
And I don’t want to know.
So don’t tell me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Plus, television makes smoking cigarettes look cool.
Here’s what I say to that:
Bleck! How do people stand the smell of those things??!!!

ABOUT BEING “COOL”
This part is for kids.

There are two kinds of ways to be “cool”:
1. Wear sunglasses, be agile, etc.
2. This one is chosen much less: to truely be cool, just be…you.
It may not be encouraging that i chose that way, and now I’m considered a weirdo and an oddball, but…that’s because I got caught up in something, shall we say…supernatural.
And no, I’m not a wizard or anything related.
Though, I have found that my life is like that of a hobbit’s in a couple ways:
I’m judged by height, for one.
However, hobbits have a problem opposite than mine.
Someone who doesn’t know what a hobbit is would mistake one for a kid: mostly, they’re four feet tall!
Me, well, some think I’m either a grown-up or a teenager.

When I asked Cami what other ways her life is like a hobbit’s, she added,

People don’t always want stuff to happen to them, but sometimes it happens anyway.
One particular picture comes to mind:
a hobbit standing on his front step, waving his mail at a wizard known for his fireworks, and saying,
“No, no, no, I do not want to go on an adventure!”

Guess what happened to Bilbo next?

An unexpected adventure, that’s what.

When I asked Cami if I could share her thoughts here on ChosenFamilies.org, I told her that her words brought tears to my eyes. She said, “It made you cry? Really? Why?”

“Because I didn’t want you to ever have to know about any of these things.” I began to cry again. She hugged me, and I said, “The truth is, Cami, Daddy and I can’t keep you safe. We have to trust God to do that. And that’s really hard sometimes.”

When Cami wrote down these thoughts last year, Newtown, Connecticut wasn’t in the news yet. Her awakening to the fallen state of our world came through reading quality fiction, books that portray deep-heart truths through made-up stories. Yet even with all our best efforts to shield our precious girl, real life creeps in. We couldn’t hide the Newtown tragedy from Cami even if we wanted to. Her friends in the neighborhood were talking about it. They prayed for the Newtown families in her Sunday school class. Those words she wrote last summer carry the weight of reality now.

When I read Cami’s words aloud to her, I asked her what supernatural thing she got caught up in. I asked her if it was her faith. As I was uploading this post, she handed me another paper, a paper with words written in her beautiful italic calligraphy printing.

Why is there war? Why is there drug abuse? Why do people have to die? Why do people hurt each other? Why?

These are all questions that many people ask. Another question is: Why would God let something like the shooting in Connecticut happen?

I don’t know why either. But I do know this:
God loves us, and He cares about what happens to us. He sees us. He knows what we’re going through.

God even loves the man who did the shooting. Even though that man doesn’t deserve it, God still loves him. In fact, none of us deserve God’s love. Come to think of it, why would God even look at us?

Though we don’t deserve it, God came down in the form of a man, fully God and fully man, and died on a cross for our sins.

So no matter what we do, God loves us.

And oh, how He loves us.

Only God could.

Looking forward to how He works out my word for 2013:  Unhindered.

Cassandra

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: , , ,

Courage for the Adventure

December 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

It’s the last Church Day of 2012.

I feel like I should have some profound ruminations to share with you. Or, at the very least, a thoughtful recap of our year recounting all the ways God has showered His grace on this Chosen Family.

All I have to offer you on this day?

A scripture:

This is what the LORD Almighty says:
“All this may seem impossible to you now…
But do you think this is impossible for Me, the LORD Almighty?…
Take heart and finish the task.”
(Zechariah 8:6,9, NLT)

A quote from the Hobbit:

“Go back?” [Bilbo] thought. “No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!” So up he got, and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him and one hand feeling the wall, and his heart all of a patter and a pitter.
(from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, Chapter 5, paragraph 7)

And a prayer:

LORD Almighty, You choose these Chosen Families. You anoint us and empower us. Your divine power gives us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Jesus, Your Son (2 Peter 1:3). Everything we need, Lord. Sometimes, it sure doesn’t feel like enough. But You’ve promised to sustain us, even to our old age and gray hairs (Isaiah 46:4). You’ve promised, and we believe You. Lord, please help our unbelief. Give us courage to follow You wherever You lead us in the coming year. As we keep stepping after You, we give You all the credit for anything good that comes from our lives. Our praises are for You alone. Because of Jesus…

On we go!

Cassandra

Filed Under: Bible, Courage Tagged With: , , ,

For the Whiny Places

October 7, 2012 By 1 Comment

Yep. I’m there again.

You know—that place where:

The workload feels too heavy.
I feel overworked and under-appreciated.
I keep dropping stuff on the floor while I’m trying to cook.
The enemy’s whispering, “You don’t have any friends.”
I pick a fight with my husband when he walks in the door.
There’s too much to do and not enough time to do it.
The neighborhood kids are screaming and acting crazy while
Cami crouches low on our porch, writing, writing, writing.
I wish I had time to write.
The dog needs to be fed and walked.
I’m burning dinner which I can’t even eat because it isn’t on my weight-loss plan.

That place. The Whiny Place.

In His Word, God gives us a psalm for the Whiny Places. I love the way Eugene Peterson translates Psalm 42 in The Message:

Psalm 42
1A white-tailed deer drinks from the creek;
I want to drink God,
deep draughts of God.

2I’m thirsty for God–alive.
I wonder, “Will I ever make it–
arrive and drink in God’s presence?”

3I’m on a diet of tears–
tears for breakfast, tears for supper.
All day long
people knock at my door,
Pestering,
“Where is this God of yours?”

4These are the things I go over and over,
emptying out the pockets of my life.
I was always at the head of the worshiping crowd,
right out in front,
Leading them all,
eager to arrive and worship,
Shouting praises, singing thanksgiving–
celebrating, all of us, God’s feast!

5Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?
Why are you crying the blues?
Fix my eyes on God–
soon I’ll be praising again.
He puts a smile on my face.
He’s my God.

6When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse
everything I know of you,
From Jordan depths to Hermon heights,
including Mount Mizar.

7Chaos calls to chaos,
to the tune of whitewater rapids.
Your breaking surf, your thundering breakers
crash and crush me.

8Then GOD promises to love me all day,
sing songs all through the night!
My life is God’s prayer.

9Sometimes I ask God, my rock-solid God,
“Why did you let me down?
Why am I walking around in tears,
harassed by enemies?”

10They’re out for the kill, these
tormentors with their obscenities,
Taunting day after day,
“Where is this God of yours?”

11Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?
Why are you crying the blues?
Fix my eyes on God–
soon I’ll be praising again.
He puts a smile on my face.
He’s my God.

Rehearsing everything I know of Him
(He is good, and His mercy endures forever),
Waiting for my soul to stop crying the blues,

Cassandra

*If you’d like to delve further into a study of Psalm 42, you can read/view John Piper preaching about this passage here.

Filed Under: Bible, Depression, Emotions, Hope, Self Care Tagged With: , , ,

Wait For It

August 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

I saw this bird at the feeder today.
Well, not this bird, exactly. But one that looked a lot like it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I watched him for a minute while God reminded me of a verse I read earlier this month.

The verse is in Habakkuk, near the end of the Old Testament. The book of Habakkuk records not just one prophet’s struggling with God’s sovereignty and timing, but also God’s assurance to that prophet of His faithfulness to do what He said He would do: punish the evildoers and rescue His people from sin. This verse jumped off the page at me a few weeks ago, and I’ve been thinking on it in light of my journey to a healthy weight.

When I saw this bird today, I realized that this particular verse shouts a larger promise than just rescue and weight loss. This verse invites us to join God in anticipating the beauty and waiting through the blossoming. Sometimes, if we slant our heads just right, our hearts see the completed form beyond the becoming form that’s right in front of us.

It’s more difficult to see that completeness if we’re the one who’s becoming.

After all, we know that these chicks

will in time be beautiful red Northern Cardinals like these birds.

That’s the way God planned it.

But, oh, how awkward the getting there can be.

“But these things I [the LORD] plan won’t happen right away.
Slowly, steadily, surely,
the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled.
If it seems slow, wait patiently,
for it will surely take place.
It will not be delayed.”
Habakkuk 2:3, NLT

Isn’t that a great promise? “Slowly, steadily, surely” echoes in my heart. “Wait patiently” feels like a command almost. Really, though, what other choice do we have? It’s not like we can tweak God’s plans or rearrange God’s timing. Who else can take all this awkwardness and turn it into beauty so brilliant, it reflects His glory?

I whispered to the fledgling at the feeder today, “Just wait. You’ll see. The becoming won’t last forever. You won’t believe how beautiful you’ll be. You just wait. It’ll be more glorious than you could ever imagine.”

How many times I’ve said to my girl, when she stumbles in social scenes and struggles with puberty, when she’s frustrated and impatient with herself,  ”Just wait. You’ll see.” I can see God’s plan for her, the beautiful, artistic, compassionate, tender-hearted woman of God that she is becoming. Yet how many times I get stuck in my fledgling-ness and lose sight of His plan for me. How often I forget—or worse, discount—the beautiful, artistic, compassionate, tender-hearted woman of God I am becoming. I believe His promises for everyone else, yet I struggle to count on them for myself.

Slowly, steadily, surely,
Yahweh—the LORD—will complete His plan for all of us.
He promised.

Learning to wait patiently,
Cassandra

Filed Under: Bible, God's presence, Journey Tagged With: , ,

Grounded Hope

August 1, 2012 By 1 Comment

I was struck in my morning reading by several verses that captivated my heart.  I don’t know about you but sometimes I get stuck dealing with the daily challenges of our life and can lose sight of the hope before me.  Within me.

The reality is that our hope is not in what we can personally drum up or anticipate or believe with all our good natured positivism will result.

Our hope is in something deeper – Someone greater.  Our hope is grounded in the very nature of God Himself.

So here were my reminders this morning.  I hope they encourage you as well.

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 15:4-6

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

“No one whose hope is in You will ever be put to shame.” Psalm 25:3a

Steadfast in hope,

Shannon

Filed Under: Bible, Hope Tagged With: ,

There is Hope

June 6, 2012 By 3 Comments

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

As I sit to share with you, my dear ChosenFamilies.org friends, I have to confess my mind is swirling with so many thoughts and emotions.  Life is crazy right now as we are finishing up the school year and about to move (a future post or two at a later date).  Throw in some health challenges and of course hidden disabilities…ahhhh!!! :)

I have to confess that for all of the stress in this season, God has been so faithful to see us through each challenge. (There have been several!)  I have had to fight to keep my peace in the midst of these challenges through prayer and meditating on scripture to combat my anxiety.  Sure I have had bad days filled with tears and doubt, but I never stayed there or descended into depression.

For someone who has battled three bouts of major depression and spent many years on antidepressants and in counseling, I have to tell you that this is a major victory!

I am not currently on any antidepressants and haven’t been for the past ten months, as discussed and agreed upon with my doctor and counselor.  I would never have thought I could go through such stress and trials without medicine or a relapse.  I attribute this to improving self-care (healthy diet, exercise & rest), great support systems, and ultimately the grace of God.

I share this for anyone battling any form of depression and wondering if it will ever end? IT WILL! For the weak and weary wondering if you will get through it? YOU WILL! I know this because I am a living testimony to God’s healing power (including medicine & counseling) to make me healthier and stronger.

You are not alone, contrary to the lies of the Enemy that may be assaulting you.  Your God has not forsaken or left you.  Though you may not feel Him, He is close and has nothing but deep love for you, His precious child. You may not feel strong enough or have faith enough right now, but know you have a sister in Christ praying for you and standing in faith on your behalf for the Holy Spirit to sustain you and bring healing and wholeness in every way.

With understanding, compassion and hope,

~Lynn

 

Filed Under: Challenge, Depression, Encouragement, Hope Tagged With: , , ,

For the Joy

May 25, 2012 By 1 Comment

I tell my kids, “There is a heaven, and this ain’t it.” And I am not kidding. There is something on the other side of all the pain of hidden disabilities. If I didn’t believe that, I would just plant myself 6 ft under right now. My nephew is fighting cancer with daunting odds (not that Jesus uses earth math) because, “I haven’t seen enough of life to be tired of it yet,” he says. Most of us (older people) have.

His little 6 yr old brother was surveying the top of my dresser the other day, which happened fortuitously to be right at his eye level.  I had my earrings tossed there (for lack of a travel pack), and he had time to kill. My earrings were by far the most interesting (and foreign) thing on his horizon at the moment. Pierced ears are new to him and he was curious to see how earrings go in, and out, and do they hurt? And how did they put that hole in your ear? And why do you wear them? He didn’t ask if he could touch them because it was obvious someone needed to help them find their pairs, and being the center of the universe like we are at 6, he was that someone.

One of my joys (in addition to little boys) is gazing at sparkling things. Like gems. (Nothing beats the Smithsonian for floor to ceiling gems – I was enchanted). So I asked my little sidekick, “see those sparking ones?” He picked out the diamond looking ones (cubic zirconium, to be precise), the green, the lavender, the blue…while finding their matches (of course).

With delight, I told him, “Those remind me of heaven. God says He made heaven with walls and foundations of precious stones like these…which means they are valuable and beautiful.” Wow, he was impressed. And the rest of the day, when he saw something sparkling, he asked, “and will it be like that??”

Yes, like that. But I must say, it’s going to take a lot more than sparkling gems to persuade me it’s worth enduring the pain down here. A LOT.

Just now, walking down the hall on this pediatric floor (which is my 2nd home lately), I can hear a small boy sobbing and screaming in pain.  His desperation is inescapable. I wince on every level of my being, as my heart competes with my mind to sort out thoughts of sympathy for him, his parents, and the staff…

I’m waiting my turn to get in the public bathroom. I just have to listen, from a distance, which is hard enough. But the adults in that room have to tap into something deeper, to stay in the room with all that pain. As I stand there, I think they must have compassion and fortitude to survive emotionally, since they obviously cannot eliminate this great pain, nor can they leave the room.

And (still waiting my turn) I’m wondering, “when you get to the bottom line, why would anyone choose (like the staff) to endure being around great pain?” (I know books have been written on this, but I am just an aunt, waiting her turn in the bathroom, unable to escape the drama in Room 8012.)

As if He had been waiting for me to get down to this question, Jesus brings to mind,

“for the joy.”

As in, “for the joy set before Him

(Jesus) endured the cross,

scorning its shame,

and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb 12:2

He did it FOR THE JOY. For the Joy of seeing us healed, like pediatric nurses do it for the joy of seeing their little people healed, tricycling down the halls. And Jesus helps me endure the daily inescapable pain of hidden disabilities in my loved ones because I have that same JOY somewhere up ahead. Just like Jesus did.

For the Joy,

Joan

Filed Under: Bible, Hope, JOY, pain Tagged With: , ,
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