When you are watching someone suffer through the tough things that life dishes out, it is so hard to come up with words that don't sound trite and overused. I want to speak words that offer comfort and peace but feel so inadequate. So, you offer a hug and a shoulder to cry on. And sometimes, that's all you can do.
It is sour.
The thing is, we were never promised a sweet life and sometimes, that really sucks. It would be so nice if following Jesus was a promise that life would be easy and comfortable; sweet even. Unfortunately, we were never given that promise. No where in the Bible does it say "Cast aside your trials and tribulations, for I will make your life simple and easy. When you follow me, all worries, sadness, and fear will be forgotten."
Now, perhaps that would make Christianity seem much sweeter to some atheists.
Alas, we were never given that promise. Instead, if anything, life would more than likely become harder once we took the plunge (or perhaps the lifeline) and gave our lives to Christ. But that's okay. Sometimes life is going to suck, for us or others, and its okay. Its okay for life to not work out and for there to be seasons of sorrow, disbelief, and anger. And sometimes life is sour and all we can say is "its okay."
That is the phrase I have found myself repeating over and over the last few days to one of my friends as she deals with a family loss. Its okay. Hopefully, she knows how much meaning I intend to convey in those two words...
your emotions are okay
your anger is okay
I have been there too
the Lord has not abandoned you
I am here for you
what you are feeling is normal
it will be okay
you are okay
its okay
Sometimes its sour, but its okay.
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