Two years ago, I found myself standing on the threshold of a terrifying life storm. As the intensity and duration of this storm grew, grief and isolation became my daily companions. In the midst of my sadness, two dear friends came alongside of me. Since these precious ladies had faced their own frightening voyages through the storm, they were able to extend a compassion and an understanding that helped renew my strength and boost my courage. The reasons for our voyages on the dark and turbulent seas are unique. In the eyes of many, including our own, our lives are messy. I thank God for my messy friends, who loved me unconditionally and who refused to let me face the storm alone.
"The people who belong to the fraternity of grief and suffering can recognize each other, and the level of their empathy is unreachable. No one wants to undergo the initiation, but life often offers us no choice. Once you've been initiated, you become qualified to walk alongside others through their fiery ordeals. Having experienced God's help, I am able to reassure others God hasn't forgotten them but will provide His help and grace.
The suffering God walks us through--and He is with us all the way through--not only proves the sincerity of my love for God, but enables me to understand and empathize with the pain and grief of others. Even though sharing heartache with another person has a sad part, there is incredible joy in telling them about God's care through the darkness, His merciful rescue, and the grace that makes me a stronger, better person than I was before. Because I have been there, I can guarentee others God loves them, He has not abandoned them, He is in control, and He will bring them through their ordeal." from "When Storms Come," by C. Smith
Thank you, dear God, for blessing me with my "messy friends." Thank you that we can share life's burdens and life's joys together!
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