An unusual praise through tears .....

You are not alone, dear Sister. I work for a regional hospital and have been on loan to the Cancer Treatment Center since November. The job is pretty simple; I go pick them up in a hospital van, take them to their treatment and return home. Because it is a regional hospital they might live an hour and a half from the CTC. I usually get an earful.

The are joyful and filled with sorrow. They are at peace and very angry. They are hopelessly hopeful. They are angry with God, cancer and family that doesn't get it. They cling to their faith, hope their treatment will make it easier on the next person and lean on their family. They are strong. They are weak. They are filled with encouragement. They are filled with bitterness. They want to live. They want to die.

They sound a lot like you. The Good Book says, "...weeping will last for the night but a shout of joy comes with the morning." None of us know when morning will come. If nature is any indicator it is darkest and coldest just before dawn. I've sat in the woods many mornings when the world wakes up and it is spectacular. The birds start to sing, the darkness gives way to light and the cold gives way to the rising sun.

In Christ it all, eventually, gives way to an eternal and everlasting hope. If I was nearby I'd offer you a tissue and a shoulder. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability, fears and sorrow. Thank you for sharing your joy in One who redeemed you.

 

That's beautiful!

If we all thought "someone has it worse so this is nothing," none of us would ever think we needed help and prayer. That wouldn't be good. We ALL need help and prayer, in our own ways, for our own reasons, for our own needs, in our own seasons.

And just as important is that time of rejoicing. It's so beautiful to see a praise on here. :thumbs:

 

My wife had the same experience.

 

Scarlett,

Just because there is someone 'worse off' than you does NOT mean your pain is any less painful, your fear any less real or even your feet any less cold. God knows you - and all of us - have limits. At some point, we will all die (of something.)

There are two big dangers in dealing with pain: The obvious, one can become a 'professional victim' and the other is sealing yourself off and not allowing anyone to hurt with you or pray for you or just be friends. Isolation - especially emotional - can install resentment and hostility deep within.

Sounds like you worked it about right. And I'm glad you're doing better. Praise His name. And we keep praying for the others, right?