A Sobering Note

Being human is tough.  A lot of people are hurting and most of us can't see it.  Many of us who are hurting don't share the details. 

Have you experienced things that have shaken you to the core, left you feeling deeply wounded, betrayed and in shock?

The incident or conversation that caused the above, may have upset a lot of how you viewed the other person or thing in life, to the point you felt the need to reexamine your heart, decisions, convictions, world view and what you held as right or wrong.  You were shaken up, drained, grieved, until the issue was resolved - IF it ever was. 

You had a need for humility, forgiveness, cleansing and healing.  Then you had to learn to learn to live with the new information and the deep wounds and hurts that you hoped would eventually scar.

Some pain is past.  Some of it is new this week.   Some of the scars are being scraped.

The deeper we love, the more deeply we can be hurt.  Jesus knew that kind of hurt - betrayal, spurn, ridicule, disgust - more severely than we ever will.  He understands.  He will make things right at the appropriate time.  If we run to him, he will carry us as we grieve and are too weak to walk. 

People grieve for things in addition to death.  Other hurts we endure often require grieving - for something has been lost.

Some are grieving the death of a person they feel they cannot live without.  Others have lost more than is conceivable through divorce.  Some are enduring the ravages of cancer or other disease slowly stealing away the body and soul of someone they love.  Some have a spouse who is being unfaithful through adultery/pornography.  Others have found their own child has betrayed their trust.  Many are grieving multiple scenarios.

We are told to have the joy of the Lord as our strength (and it should be even in the midst of grief).  The Bible also tells us that there is a time to mourn.  Sometimes it is not appropriate to tell someone to cheer up.  Sometimes they have  to cry.  Everyone handles grief differently.  There is not perfect way to work through the hurt.  Give your grieving friend space and support.  Support with few words, and show love in practical ways, = action or listening.  Do not rush your friend.  Help him/her move ahead in God's time, not yours.

Some wounds take longer to heal that others. Some wounds get torn open again and again.

Whom do you know that is hurting today?  I encourage you on his/her behalf, to help bear their burden in some way this week. (Ephesians 6:2)

Ellen