So many thoughts flood my mind this morning. Thoughts of narratives, exegesis of scripture, loss, and pain. Now, how do all of these connect together?
I have no clue.
Here is what I know:
-People do not comment on writing that exegetes a scripture. Even though this is something dear to my heart and lacking in the church today.
-People do want to hear your story - narratives. I Google-searched "why people want to hear your story," and there are over 2 million articles on the subject.
-I am in a season of life consumed with suffering (that at this point seems trivial in light of God's big plan). People don't want to hear about suffering - it can be depressing. Yet, how are others going to know that God specially meets us in the midst of our suffering?
So, all these thoughts are rambling through my brain when Matt calls. A colleague of his committed suicide. A prominent figure in Atlanta, a very moral person. Her company must have shared in detail about her taking her own life. It is sad stuff.
I have known several people who have committed suicide, and my heart is always sad that they just had no hope that things would get better. Thankfully, to the Christian, God's Word gives us the foundation of our hope - Jesus Christ.
Perhaps Elizabeth Elliot says it best:
"There have been some hard times in my life, of course, as there have been in yours, and I cannot say to you, that I know exactly what you are going through. But I can say I know the One who does. And I've come to see that through the deepest sufferings that God has shown me the deepest lessons. And if we'll trust Him for it, we can come through with unshakeable assurance that He is in charge. He has a loving purpose. And He can transform something terrible into something wonderful. Suffering is never for nothing."
So, dear friend, you may think I share too much, you may get tired of scripture references that point you to God, but how are you going to know where to go "when your Jordan gets deep" unless someone tells you?
