Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
I have been in bed most of the last 48 hours. My XGeva injection (which I received Wednesday morning and receive every 28 days) has, for the last two months, been knocking me on my bum for a week or two after receiving it. I am so weak and tired I'm barely able to get out of bed. I feel as though I am going downhill fast and I tend to be a bit emotional because I'm so tired and worn down.
Today, in the midst of feeling this way God in his awesomeness reminded me of his love, his faithfulness and to love others....
The first was a friend wrote to share a piece of her journal entry... "What is life all about? Doing good and being comfortable? No! It's about glorifying God in all that we do, no matter what the situation. May others see God's hand and light upon us so that we can draw others to Him. Donna Barkley is an excellent example of this. Thanks for being a wonderful example of how to live, you encourage many and more importantly, please the Lord!"
Then I received these pictures of my boy. First one -I immediately texted back ....... Ahh, The face I love more than life itself! In this picture I see my son healthy, peaceful, joyful and the light back in his eyes! Hopeful!
Then he sent this one with the caption...
"My friend T. We're the only black people at oak tree..ha!
In this picture and in his caption I see my son having fun with friends - laughing and enjoying life again.
My gratitude for where Owen is now and how hard he's working leaves me speechless really only able to thank God for his promises for my son.
In the midst of such personal affirmations from Christ I have felt such profound sadness today due to the news of a high school boy who hung himself yesterday on a playground. I cannot imagine the magnitude of pain his family is feeling although there have been times my own prayers were nothing more than sobs and moanings to God.
...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26
God knows this family's pain at the loss of their boy. Just as he knows my friend's pain at the sudden loss of her dad and my suffering with cancer. These things are hard and some unimaginable yet I still believe God is in charge and He is GOOD. And only He could give peace in the midst of such darkness. Let's cling to that peace -HIS peace and let it cause a reflection of Him from us onto others.
It's really simple. Look around for the shadows and let your little light shine. Remember that old childhood Sunday School song, This Little Light of Mine? Go ahead... Let It Shine!!
Ironicly -Not really -Just God's amazing timing ... my friend Kelly Wing sent me this picture as I was finishing writing this last night.


