Can I be really honest with you today? This month has been a difficult one for our family and quite frankly, I’m struggling emotionally and spiritually.
Sure, on the exterior, I like to put on a happy face, paste on a half-hearted smile and try to engage in some chit chat, but on the inside, my heart feels like it’s breaking and fresh, warm tears are just below the surface.
We’ve had to say “goodbye” to some pretty amazing people recently. One in a very tragic, violent way, another from an unexpected illness. These were people who were making a difference in the lives they came in contact with on a daily basis. These were selfless people with huge hearts. It hurts to think that I won’t get just one more earthly hug. But then, in the mail, comes an envelope addressed to us. It’s our yearly Christmas card from one of these friends, who took his last breath over a week ago. We were shocked and touched all at the same time, when we realized that this friend still had the ability to touch us, even from heaven. Through the tears, we were comforted once again by his friendship.
We’ve also been struggling with medical issues- not directly our own, but many people we love and care about are facing some pretty tough battles right this second. Recovery from a surgery that not going as planned; surgeries that need to be scheduled, second opinions that need to be sought after, a cancer diagnosis and a little girl fighting to find her next breath on her own.
The ache in my heart is deep. My chest hurts. My mind can’t seem to quit wandering to some dark places, even though I try to remind myself of God’s truths. I’m trying not to worry about tomorrow, and I’m trying really hard to rely and to trust God. I’m trying to remind myself that He’s able to understand the big picture much better than me, that He is God and I am not…. But even as I go over scripture and truths over and over again, I find myself struggling.
This world is full of so many tough situations, so much hurt, so much pain. It’s overwhelming. And it’s so difficult to stand back and watch people we love and care about have to go through these heart-breaking trials and feel like there’s nothing I can do to “fix” any of it when it’s so hard for me to make sense out of any of it.
I know that through our own family’s past and current trials, we’ve been able to find the glimmers of hope, restoration and healing along the way so I cling to the fact that all of these loved ones will be able to do the same, with time. But right now, their struggles are so fresh and real. I pray that all of us will be able to be comforted by God’s never-ending love.
Can you please take a moment from your busy day to specifically pray for the needs I have mentioned and to lift up someone in your own life that could use some encouragement, hope or comfort? If you’d like to, you could share your specific prayer needs in the comment section below so everyone who reads this can join together in prayer for one another. And can you please pray for me as well as I try to sort out the mess between my head and my heart?
Thanks in advance.
In His Grace and Love,
~Carly
We can share your struggle, but God promises us that He will never leave us or forsake us. Because we don’t understand everything makes us trust more in Him. He always works everything for our good. We just can’t see the big picture. If we continue to trust and have faith in Him, he will give us the strength to accept and get through it all. As a Michel Comb song says “there may be sunshine, there may be rain; there may be sorrow, there may be pain; we don’t know what ‘s gonna happen today; let’s just praise Him anyway.” It also tells us to be thankful for His Mercy and Grace. If we Praise Him in the hard times He helps us with the rest of our of our life! It is exciting to see how He works in our lives. Ways we never thought He would. So just keep Praising Him.
Peggy,
Such great words full of wisdom and encouragement! Thank You!
Today I finished my last chemo following breast cancer. Even as I breathe a sigh of relief and finally do some Christmas shopping warm tears well up and stream down my cheeks. I mourn the loss of a dear friend from cancer. Many friends and family are struggling with cancer. Prayers.? are being sent for all these. Amen
CARLY your sincere prayers are being prayed for.
Betsy,
I’m so sorry to hear about your recent battle with cancer and for the recent losses of friends. I pray you can find peace and comfort from our Lord. Thank you for your prayers.