My heart has been sad this week, on many levels, and as I was reflecting on some of this, this past weekend, these words came to me.
I grew up believing Christians should be happy victorious people or something was wrong with them. It was a deeply flawed way of thinking, part of the culture I was part of.
As I have sat with many who suffer, and have gone through my own difficult challenges, I have come to appreciate the laments of King David and Job who dared to ask the hard questions. I often refer people to Psalm 13, a wonderful Psalm where David pours out his heart… and ends with trust… trust that God is faithful, even in the hard times. Yes, I too have come to that place…
So my ponderings this last few days:
Sometimes I want to cry
Well,
I do.
And if I emptied myself
of all the tears
It would not be enough.
for even my small
corner
of the world.
Suffering
seems to come in
Extra-large
Those I love
Friends I care about
Those I meet
Tear-stained mothers
wailing
on my TV screen
over their lost children.
Some-days it is too much to even
absorb.
Come to me
Jesus said
I go
running
tear-stained.
Knowing that my God
can handle my questions
And hold the pain.
We can come
come as we are
Bruised
Broken
Weary.
Holding hands open.
And find rest
for our souls.
-July 2016
