You see, as a part of my journey in becoming a GRACIOUS GIVER, I'm realizing I live in a pretty desensitized place. I don't like messy. I don't like hurting. I don't like opening my eyes to the pain around me.
However, to truly see the needs of others, and become a GIVER I know I need to let myself get a little emotionally dirty. Ugh.
God knows I have trouble thinking outside of myself and my life, and because of this, He's showing me the pain that is happening right before me, the pain in which the PEOPLE IN MY LIFE carry. The pain I can acknowledge, but find easier to push away. He's intensifying it, and has been letting their stories ring in my head.
The murder of a child finally solved, but a family left broken.
The military wife eating alone again.
The death of a family member who few ever understood.
The diagnosis of a terrible disease on a beautiful girl.
The hurting soul of someone willing to grab at anything for happiness.
The near death of a toddler.
The unfaithfulness of a husband.
The family secrets that no one discusses.
The crumbling of a shiny life.
The reverse 911 call we just received about a missing seventeen-year-old-girl.
My eyes are opening to those around me, and my heart is breaking- only a tiny fraction of what God’s breaks every minute, but it is breaking.
What about you? Are your eyes closed to something in your life because it is easier to ignore?
21 comments:
Yes. We have to let ourselves see. Beautiful, Amy.
I think that some of us are more inclined to notice and feel the pain of those around us. It can be a heavy burdn, but those same people are also more open to the beauty in this world, so I think it balances out.
Mrs. 4444,
You are right...some people do notice and feel the pain all around them, but I never really thought of them in tune with the beauty that surrounds them as well.
Lovely post and lovely song. You are so right, too. You know Steven and I have been going through such a difficult time, but the one thing we are always saying to each other is that we can never forget the pain of today. Once things get better (and I know they will) the temptation will be to overlook the others still hurting all around us. It is our prayer that we learn, learn, learn, and never ever forget. Hurting people are everywhere just waiting for a glimpse of God's love which we could easily show with a smile, a hug, a listening ear. I don't want to forget how desperate I have been at times for one small reminder that someone cared, that God still cared.
Beautiful post!!!
Amy, what a deep & stirring post. You're going through some intense things. I admire this journey you're on to be a gracious giver. Wow. You have a new follower!
So much of what people suffer is hidden. We all walk through life, side by side, doing our best to appear that everything is normal, that we're all okay. It's good to let people see the truth, to let people share your burden.
Beautiful truth, Amy.
I'll pray for these people in your life.
Sweet post Amy, thank you Jesus that He is there to comfort in time of tears.
What a profoundly moving post:) I was up all night really moving through these very thoughts...as the wife of a terminally ill husband, it's easy to get caught up in the "why me" of it all...then I take a breath and just wrap God's love all around us...last week we were going through a particulary difficult time as my husband didn't get his paycheck for the first time in 22 years. It was frightening and I was completely scared...but then my teenager said this to me..."Mom, this is when you show God your faith...you show Him that you are ready to "bring it" and get your courage on..." He is so smart, that boy of mine:)
Thank you for sharing your empathetic heart with us!
There is so much in this fallen world that does break my heart. This was a beautiful post. And a lovely song. Thank you for sharing!
I believe that, eventually, each of us is called to focus by the Father that gave us vision. He asked us to love one another and if we are falling short, when we are falling short - He will find a way to refresh our view.
20 days after my 50th birthday I suffered a major stroke. I lay in the ambulance, distinctly hearing the EMT whisper above the sound of the siren. "I said 287 over 175. We're comin' in STAT!"
It was a new defining moment for me. It seems simplistic to say that I discovered a new perspective on life - but I did. Not suddenly - not right away - but slowly as time passes I see more clearly - feel more poignantly - embrace more fully - the worth of a soul, the potential of a moment, the enormity of the universe, and hear more distinctly the never-ceasing-repeating-replaying-internal-summons to return Home . . . and report.
Thank you, Amy, for sharing the prompt to pause and reflect.
This summer the president of World Vision came and spoke at our church. He said something like, while some see the world full of vacations and places to travel in this world, I see starving children and single mothers that need help. It's like he was saying that He sees what God sees - everything, and only when you know all the hurt that is going on can you really help and give.
I agree with you - this can be hard, but it brings us closer to God to see what His eyes see, and give with compassion to those in need.
Big Fat Mama
Oh Amy, I know what you mean. There is so much pain--so many stories--right around us, if only we open our eyes. Thank you for the reminder!
Hugs,
Genny
We were just talking about this in my small group this week-balancing being overwhelmed by the sad/negative things in life, yet not living by a spirit of fear.
I will always be one of those "faucet girls" that tear up at the mere mention of a Hallmark commercial, but I am grateful for a tender heart in a tough world. Beautifully written post!
Everyone,
I started back to work today...bye, bye summer, and so I'm not responding to comments on my blog as I would like to, but I want to thank everyone for sharing such moving stories. They've really been an inspiration to me this week.
Amy, hope you had a great summer -- my heart is with you as you head back to work. this is a great post!
Praying you have a good first weeek of being back at work!! :)
Big Fat Mama
I am very introspective type of person so I have to try and be more others-focused. My twin (a social worker) is very others-focused but struggles to maintain her boundaries. Thankfully God makes us all different with our unique strengths and struggles!
BTW, the song was beautiful and the video was heart breaking.
There is a song I like called, "Nobody's Got It All Together"...we have to try and stay alert to the Spirit's nudging...so we can know when someone else is hurting...and when we offer help or just a shoulder...our own hurts can be healed, too....
My eyes and ears are far too open.
But we can not carry on our shoulders all the pain and misery in this world.
Beautiful song.
SS greetings from Casablanca!
I don't like watching the news because I don't like seeing sad things.
Stopping by from Saturday Sampling
Powerful story! I am truly inspired to look harder and not ignore as I , like yourself don't do pain , hurt or mess if I can possibly avoid it! so thanks for these words...
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