These Light Afflictions
Two remarkably noteworthy initiatives are thrust to the forefront during the month of October - Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Abuse Awareness. As we draw near to the end of October, I pray that the *pink* and *purple* ribbons are not just shoved into a desk drawer until October 2019. The awareness continues if not for you who may be reading this - but for those suffering before, during and after effects of either situation.
By now, you should know that domestic abuse is part of my history. Far be it from me to EVER exclude it - because it was "REAL" for me. Thing is, I realized I healed (in part, at least) when I did not cry when discussing this page of my life with others. I used to weep and weep trying to "help" others - mostly because NO ONE even knew I was a survivor. I am now more of an advocate for understanding one's worth rather than rehearsing the malady which once plagued me. I assure you, once you learn your worth, you are unstoppable!! Learning that someone was "talking about you" hardly raises an eyebrow. Someone taking the "best" parking space is not even an issue. Seeing someone sacrificing their dignity - now that gets inside of me. I learned many years ago that not everyone is an assignment, though. When I realize I am throwing "pearls at swine" and I am not being received, I quietly disappear. You get to learn pretty quickly those that "really" need help versus those that wanna "talk about their situation" - with no real intention of "moving on".
When you truly need help and are ready to change, you "just know it". There is not a prayer line around that can "just" touch you and "BOOM" all is well. YOU have to do some of the work during your daily walk towards completion and becoming whole again. I've said it before and I will say it again - Freedom is NOT free. Is the journey difficult - heck, yeah - but is it worth it - (fireworks, please...) - Heck, yeah - it is well worth it. I love the phrase used by Iyanla Vanzant, "Do the Work".
While pondering life's struggles, I was reminded of the scripture below:
So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.
II Corinthians 4:16-17 MSG
Whom among us is willing to admit that at least once you felt like "giving up"? Be honest. Perhaps the art of giving up exhibited itself in an anxiety attack. Some people withdraw and become a fragment of the person they used to be. Worst case examples, although painful to know - some have committed suicide. I cannot say how many times I wished the "right" person had entered the life of someone living life on the "edge" and "caught" them before ending their life. Strange part is, the pain can be so intertwined within the psyche of the aching person - no one sees the sign. Perhaps we are in such a fast paced society that we do not take the time to truly inquire about the people we love. A few "clicks on the mouse" and wollah - you have created a greeting card. Cursive writing is like a hidden code to the younger generation BUT there is NOTHING quite like a good old American Greeting card with handwritten sentiments from the heart. I (myself) became masterful at the art of hiding my own insecurities. To tell the truth, it is EASY to bury pain inside . Too often we ask people "how are you doing" - and not always wait for their answer.
These light afflictions - there is no time in eternity. While we imagine the pain of the moment is lasting "forever" - our God is watching over our every move. The Heavens do not go to bed at 9:00 pm and wake refreshed around 6:00 am to "see" how mankind is doing. (Perhaps these words are written for the writer today). I believe that God wants to see if we will come to HIM instead of external avenues for help. Medical professionals have broken ground on areas of mental health and I appreciate the medical arena for the positive impact they have made. The strides are remarkable and I applaud the medical community. BUT....
Could it be that God in his infinite wisdom is testing us - when He gets through with us - we shall come forth as pure gold. The greatest intimacy with The Father I ever learned was through my "light afflictions", which I thought (by the way) were seeking to kill me. Giving up is NOT an option it is a cowardly and easy remedy for a situation that we can go to God about. The "things" we see are temporary - but the things we do not see are eternal. The families, friends, co-workers, employees, extended acquaintances are left with more questions than answers when suicide becomes the option - and on the other side of the agonizing pain just very well could have been a victory that the person that ended their life elected not to experience. Just beyond their grief and sadness could have been the "break through" they had wanted and THOUGHT would not happen. People, if you are hurting, PLEASE - stop the silence. Reach out and empty your soul to "someone" - if you can't find "someone' just know that God is waiting to hear from you. God will not judge you. In fact, God is glad you came to Him. Remember, HE created you.
S-T-R-E-T-C-H your imagination a bit. There are so many religions, so many people offering different directions to the cross. Be still for a minute. Talk to God like you talk to your best friend. God is listening. When planning a vacation, you choose a *destination*. Let's say you are going to California. No matter where you are you can choose to take an airplane there, take a train, you can take a bus, perhaps you need to take a boat, you can drive or for the nature lovers and those seeking a real adventure - perhaps you wanna walk. Ultimately, the *destination* is the prize. Don't throw away your destination (Heaven) because there are different modes of transportation to get there. Ask God for guidance. I am still "learning" and a definite "work in progress" so I take life - one day at a time". We have become so transfixed on the journey we sometimes forget about the "destination". Heaven.
By now, you should know that domestic abuse is part of my history. Far be it from me to EVER exclude it - because it was "REAL" for me. Thing is, I realized I healed (in part, at least) when I did not cry when discussing this page of my life with others. I used to weep and weep trying to "help" others - mostly because NO ONE even knew I was a survivor. I am now more of an advocate for understanding one's worth rather than rehearsing the malady which once plagued me. I assure you, once you learn your worth, you are unstoppable!! Learning that someone was "talking about you" hardly raises an eyebrow. Someone taking the "best" parking space is not even an issue. Seeing someone sacrificing their dignity - now that gets inside of me. I learned many years ago that not everyone is an assignment, though. When I realize I am throwing "pearls at swine" and I am not being received, I quietly disappear. You get to learn pretty quickly those that "really" need help versus those that wanna "talk about their situation" - with no real intention of "moving on".
When you truly need help and are ready to change, you "just know it". There is not a prayer line around that can "just" touch you and "BOOM" all is well. YOU have to do some of the work during your daily walk towards completion and becoming whole again. I've said it before and I will say it again - Freedom is NOT free. Is the journey difficult - heck, yeah - but is it worth it - (fireworks, please...) - Heck, yeah - it is well worth it. I love the phrase used by Iyanla Vanzant, "Do the Work".
While pondering life's struggles, I was reminded of the scripture below:
So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.
II Corinthians 4:16-17 MSG
Whom among us is willing to admit that at least once you felt like "giving up"? Be honest. Perhaps the art of giving up exhibited itself in an anxiety attack. Some people withdraw and become a fragment of the person they used to be. Worst case examples, although painful to know - some have committed suicide. I cannot say how many times I wished the "right" person had entered the life of someone living life on the "edge" and "caught" them before ending their life. Strange part is, the pain can be so intertwined within the psyche of the aching person - no one sees the sign. Perhaps we are in such a fast paced society that we do not take the time to truly inquire about the people we love. A few "clicks on the mouse" and wollah - you have created a greeting card. Cursive writing is like a hidden code to the younger generation BUT there is NOTHING quite like a good old American Greeting card with handwritten sentiments from the heart. I (myself) became masterful at the art of hiding my own insecurities. To tell the truth, it is EASY to bury pain inside . Too often we ask people "how are you doing" - and not always wait for their answer.
These light afflictions - there is no time in eternity. While we imagine the pain of the moment is lasting "forever" - our God is watching over our every move. The Heavens do not go to bed at 9:00 pm and wake refreshed around 6:00 am to "see" how mankind is doing. (Perhaps these words are written for the writer today). I believe that God wants to see if we will come to HIM instead of external avenues for help. Medical professionals have broken ground on areas of mental health and I appreciate the medical arena for the positive impact they have made. The strides are remarkable and I applaud the medical community. BUT....
Could it be that God in his infinite wisdom is testing us - when He gets through with us - we shall come forth as pure gold. The greatest intimacy with The Father I ever learned was through my "light afflictions", which I thought (by the way) were seeking to kill me. Giving up is NOT an option it is a cowardly and easy remedy for a situation that we can go to God about. The "things" we see are temporary - but the things we do not see are eternal. The families, friends, co-workers, employees, extended acquaintances are left with more questions than answers when suicide becomes the option - and on the other side of the agonizing pain just very well could have been a victory that the person that ended their life elected not to experience. Just beyond their grief and sadness could have been the "break through" they had wanted and THOUGHT would not happen. People, if you are hurting, PLEASE - stop the silence. Reach out and empty your soul to "someone" - if you can't find "someone' just know that God is waiting to hear from you. God will not judge you. In fact, God is glad you came to Him. Remember, HE created you.
S-T-R-E-T-C-H your imagination a bit. There are so many religions, so many people offering different directions to the cross. Be still for a minute. Talk to God like you talk to your best friend. God is listening. When planning a vacation, you choose a *destination*. Let's say you are going to California. No matter where you are you can choose to take an airplane there, take a train, you can take a bus, perhaps you need to take a boat, you can drive or for the nature lovers and those seeking a real adventure - perhaps you wanna walk. Ultimately, the *destination* is the prize. Don't throw away your destination (Heaven) because there are different modes of transportation to get there. Ask God for guidance. I am still "learning" and a definite "work in progress" so I take life - one day at a time". We have become so transfixed on the journey we sometimes forget about the "destination". Heaven.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 King James Version (KJV)
Most assuredly, the pain you feel today is the strength you need for tomorrow - but it is ALL working for your GOOD.
I would have NEVER imagined that some of the most painful and gut-wrenching times in my life would be used to help someone else. I UNDERSTAND certain degrees of pain. I stay "in my lane" and am careful to not seek to understand the situations of others if I have not personally endured their level of discomfort. What I do know - I know well - and I am open to discuss only what I know - only what I felt - only what I can authentically "feel". The very pain I felt is now my testimony. Have I had difficult times since overcoming domestic abuse - why, of course. Have I cried... Heck, yeah. I look over my shoulder and say - "if HE did it before - HE will do it again".
Your life is a testimony. Do not let people judge you by the page in your book of life they walked in on There are other chapters to be written in your book of life - don't get stuck on the page or the chapter that you are in.
Let me end with this:
Let me end with this:
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18 King James Version (KJV)
Weeping may endure for a night but joy DOES come in the morning. HELLO MORNING!!
Better days are ahead.
I promise you.
Comments
Post a Comment