A Verse to Live by

"No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength;
but with the trial he will also
provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it."
1 Cor 10:13

Friday, June 22, 2012

Don't Call Me Pollyanna!

I’ve been “called out” on my digital diary. Or maybe I just feel that way. I was discussing the blog with a friend and she noted how upbeat I sounded in my scribblings. But within the context of her statement I sensed the unspoken question, the: “but how are you really doing?”

That led me to begin noodling through why I birthed Bosomundheit and its intention. 1) It was to be a convenient pathway for me to share how I was doing with all of you. 2) It was not to be a poor-me page. 3) It would serve as an outlet for simple expression and creativity.

Now, after pushing this “thing” around in my head, I've realized this blog is more than those three surface-level objectives. It's steering me toward some true introspection and the occasional dive into the emotional weeds – for your benefit, for mine? I don't know, maybe both.

In any case, the Bosomunhdheit won't always (or even most often) be weighty. As for today, hold on, cause we're going into the deep end!

Make no mistake, I’m not a Pollyanna about any of this current bullshit. I get pissy. I feel wrung out. I am moody. Today, I wallowed awhile in some self-pity because I didn't feel my best. I raged -- yet again -- against Ron for not being here to help me. (Sedona hid during that tirade!) And then there are the days when I'm just too dog-tired to give a damn about anything.

In my garden.
Then the miracle happens – I feel the flame of faith fill me and hear the promise of a future full of hope and not despair. I am wrapped in love.

I behold all the gifts, all the beauty, all the life that surrounds me and these negatives begin to recede. For sure they’ll continue to lurk in the background and occasionally show their ugliness, but not for long and not forever. 

Let me reiterate: this view is not Pollyannaism; it is the promise of Jesus Christ in my life. 

Ready for more revelation? Here’s a little something from my hard-copy journal written at 8:25 a.m., Sunday June 10: I’ve been dipping my toes in the river of worry and the current nearly pulled me under. But Lord, you kept me from drowning. With your right hand you held fast to me and led me to the shore.” That's not just sappy prose. It's fact. It's real.

Deep abiding losses, coupled with the unanswered "whys," reside within me today and for as long as I will live. Without doubt, more sorrow will come my way. But there's no getting around it. My sorrow and pain are countered by ample servings of joy and pleasure - the four are inseparable for me, kind of like the salty-and-the-sweet: each necessary to enhance the other.

God did not promise me or anyone else a trouble-free life. Following is a verse I've read more times than I can count and it always brings me solace: "You will suffer in the world. But take courage. I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Think I’ve come full circle now. Off my soap-box and out from behind the pulpit. I’ve taken a leap of faith and shared some of my vulnerabilities and my greatest strength with all of you. Today, you got to see a little deeper into the life of the Bosomundheit Blogger!


6 comments:

Dianne Braaksma said...

Thank you so much for letting me into your world of thought! I love hearing how you are constantly giving this back over to God and trusting Him to carry you through. Your revelations are such a wonderful testimony of what an awesome God we serve! I love you, my friend! I hope I'll see you Tuesday night at prayer!

Dianne

Cindy said...

This is why you are my hero, my friend! You are a fighter and you stand strong in the truth!

Joseph Botti said...

Me likey.

Joseph Botti said...

Less than 1 more week till phase one is over. Good to see you hanging in there. Love, Joe

Michael Frey said...

Amen.

Lesa said...

Thanks for your heart-sharing, Laura. The hole in your heart from the pain of your losses (so much for such a young woman. . .) has dug a deep chasm into your soul--and that just IS. But!!
GOD, who fills it, fills YOU with HIMSELF . . . and it is so obvious that He is working through you and living in you . . .
I ask Him, "Why this?" for you; but I know that He doesn't always answer, this side of eternity. . . But He WILL allow us/you to see the amazing and good things He has in store through this, as you keep letting Him fill you with His Love. I believe that. Rom 8:28 is not a "pat answer." It is Truth!
Lots of love and gratefulness for you today, Laura.
Lesa