The Message
Well, the kids are back in school, my husband is back at work, and I saw a couple of clients this morning and I'm trying to get caught up with correspondence this afternoon. The holidays are over.
I am reminded today of the pain and suffering in the world. My sister turns 58 today, and she struggles on a daily basis with Parkinson's Disease. The news reports about the miners who died in West Virginia, and how devastated their families are. The fires, the floods, the suicide bombers. The families torn apart by addictions, or lies, or anger, or illness.
It can be very overwhelming, and depressing, and even cause one to give up on hope.
Where is God in all of this pain and suffering?
My belief is that He is there, right next to the ones who are suffering. He is offering them comfort and strength to get through the next minute, the next hour, the next day. He cries when we cry, and he rejoices when we are full of joy.
So, yes, the holidays are "over", but the Christmas message still rings true.
11 Comments:
amen. i think this is one reason the holidays don't excite me overly much because to me, i celebrate the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus all year long.
But I do like that it's an extra opportunity to witness to those who don't really give thought to the things of God all year long
I am also so sorry for the families of the miners. The local papers has a big headline proclaiming that twelve made it out alive.
I'm also sorry about your sister's journey with Parkinson's. I have a friend whose husband, in his late 50's, also has it. I believe Billy Graham also has it.
The Christian message is not about a life of ease, that's for sure. It's about hope.
Beautifully said. He is, indeed, right there, holding us all up, waiting for the day when we can forget about pain and suffering and simply live in the moment of glorifying Him and all He means to us.
You're right...thank you for reminding me of this.
This is my therey, it seems that we forget that these things always have been happening. People say what is the world coming to right? Well, now we have TV and cameras and reporters standing by VS. what we had a hundred, a thousand and a million years ago. It's sad, yes, and depressing. It's hard to moniter what is on TV with the kids around so that they don't get scared about it. God can't control everything that happens, but your right, he will always be there for us!
As our pastor has taught us to say, "Amen--WITH JOY!!!" Thanks for the reminder.
Parkinson's--my day suffered with it for 28 years. It is a terrible disease. My prayers go out for your sister.
This is so true.
So, you have your private practice. Is it in your home? A phychotherapist counsels in what? Whatever is bothering the person? Is this the same as a psychiatrist? I'm just trying to know you better. Just curious.
Peace.
Amen.
This is a beautiful blog!
Dear Friends: I am sorry it's taken me so long to comment back to you. A lot of things have been happening lately, so I've not had the time to do much writing.
Mrs. D: You are such an inspiration to me! Your blog is always so full of examples of your witnessing to others.
Julana: Thank you for what you said about my sister. Unfortunately, she is struggling spiritually at the same time as she is struggling physically, and I don't know which struggle is more difficult for me to watch.
Julie: The older I get, the more at peace I become with the thought of "that day" when I will be with Him.
Barbara: I agree - where would we be???
Tammy: Thanks for stopping by!
Paula: I've never been more aware of His presence than over the past couple of years, when He's truly "been there" for me and the rest of my family with TP's illness.
Tyra: It took me awhile to learn that lesson. . .
Oh Sarah: I agree so much with your theory - and that is why I don't have the tv on all the time. It gets to me (and the kids) after awhile!
Jeff: Oh wow, I am so sorry about your dad. Twenty eight years? I'd like to talk to you more about that at some time, OK?
Lisa: Thanks for your questions. I have an office, just a couple of miles away from my house, which makes it very convenient for me. I have a Masters Degree in Social Work with a clinical focus, and I am licensed in my state to provide psychotherapy to individuals of all ages, families, and couples. I diagnose and treat all mental illnesses, provide grief counseling, do assessments for the court system, etc. I am not a psychiatrist, who is an MD and who prescribes meds. I am not a psychologist, either, who normally has additional training in psychological testing, etc.
Bethany: Welcome and thank you! I'll be visiting you sometime soon!
That's a great post for the new year, and timely as I'm adjusting to the change today. We just finished holidays, and I feel lonely. It's a comfort to know that God is right here.
I think you are the most perfect person to help people with their problems. I'm not surprised at all that this is your profession.
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