Yesterday, at church, I sat down in front of a friend of mine. I turned to her and said, “When you are suffering, isn’t this the hardest place to be? Here, everyone knows your business.” She and I started talking this common language of suffering. What a relief to hear another heart that hurt.
I didn’t have to pretend. I didn’t have to excuse myself. I didn’t have to worry if I seemed too happy.
I have been suffering. This is a wonderful biblical term that can include anything from dealing with difficult relationships, to the death of loved one, to physical illness, to persecution.
Mine is a specific brand of suffering known to many women. I have cleared my schedule and dealt with this at the feet of my Hope, My Restorer. Closer than my breath, He has stayed near, leading me into healing.
Jesus is the only one who can heal emotional wounds. That is so humbling.
True mourning and true healing is a process unfamiliar to me, but how grateful I am to bend under it.
I know that some day I will write and write about it, but for now it is still an active process.
Thank you to those of you who have written me, or spoken with me. In this world of blogging, it is refreshing to be reminded that this is about relationships. Real relationships. Your notes meant so much to me.
I am really looking forward to catching up on everyone’s blogs. If you have done something fun in the last couple of weeks that I can’t miss, please, leave me a comment.
Also, the May edition of Exemplify Magazine is out! The theme of this month is faithfulness. I learned so much while writing that article, so be sure to pop over if you have the chance. It is always an encouragement to me.