In this season of Lent, we’re focusing on the stewardship of pain. The descriptive phrase itself is anathema to what society teaches us. We’re indoctrinated to avoid, silence, ignore, and medicate pain. How about walking through pain? Is that too extraordinary of a thought?
My life experiences continue to teach me that even when pain is intolerably excruciating, it’s healthier to stand up, reach out my hand, and walk through it.
Through my ex-husband’s adultery, my subsequent divorce, the death of my father and brother, and through the ravages of disease, hepatitis C, lupus, and cancer, my friends and family in the body of Christ broken for me, have walked me through it all.
They have shown me that when people abandon me, Jesus says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
They have shown me that when people lie to me and deceive me, He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
They have shown me that when our children, brothers, sisters, and parents die, He says, “I am the resurrection and the life.”
They have shown me that when fear paralyzes my core, He says that His “perfect love casts out all fear.”
They have shown me that when sadness is the essence of every breath I take, God promises that “tears do come at nightfall, but joy comes in the morning.” He will wait with us for the mornings.
When my body fails and disease is eating me up, I have learned to reach out and allow my family of God to carry me to Jesus, and lower me into His healing touch. If I could sing I would break out with a favorite old hymn, “I know who I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able, to keep that which I’ve committed, unto Him against that day.”
How are you caring for your loved ones who are walking through pain?
May the God who calls you from this place journey with you as you go. May God delight in you with joy, bringing unimagined graces, walk with you in darkness, shining light along your way. May God be close to you in pain, giving strength for every moment. And comfort you in fear, granting courage to be brave.
Sheila, though I haven’t met you, I would like to some day! You are married to a fine man, my cousin, and I’m glad he found you. Fran
I totally agree with you Fran. You and yours are always welcome in our home. Make Waco your next destination!
My heart is full of gratitude and praise. Thank you for your beautiful words.
Elaine, you’re a gift in my life and a key person about whom I wrote this blog, a person who I can depend on to walk with me.
Thank you, Sheila! I don’t have the words to elaborate right now. I hope to do so later. I thought so highly of your parents. Wish I had known them longer and better. I thought/think so highly of your Tim. All that plus reading your FB posts, and now your blog, make me feel that I know you a bit even though I’ve never met you in person. It will be my honor if we can meet this side of heaven. Thanks especially for sharing your walk through pain and the benediction!
Please come and visit anytime. Waco is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. I’m grateful that you’re enjoying the posts. That’s my purpose in writing. Hope your friends are enjoying them as well.