Right Words, Wrong Context

A woman in her late 40’s had just emerged from a particularly hard year of loss; especially, in the months of August, September and October.

 

She had an active relationship with Christ, was regularly seeking HIM in HIS Word, was faithful in her service through her church and was strong in her faith.   Anyone who knew her would have described her as “always happy, with a smile”. 

 

Normally, she wasn’t one to ‘share her business’ so-to-speak, on social media.

 

However… “this” year… 2013… had ended with losses,that combined, hit hard, and she was still grieving:  at the end of August, she lost her beloved 100# plus “best dog ever”!  In September, she lost her grandmother.  And… in October… out of nowhere… she lost her eyesight!  (She was seeing like you do, when under water, in a swimming pool.  She was considered legally blind and could still read, at the time, with a plethora of magnifiers.  She could barely make out the single, giant 9 x 13 sized “A” on her specialized eye chart.  And, she could no longer drive.  Her vision continued to decline.)

 

On the first day of 2014, she made this post on social media that read:  “Goodbye Stinkin’ 2013… Ready for 2014 - - it *has* to be better!!”

 

There were some likes… and, most comments were supportive, with some,simply agreeing, saying “Amen”.

 

But, one commenter said:  “… I’m reminded of the words of Paul to be content in all circumstances.”

 

Hmmmm… As you’ve, most likely, already figured out, the “she” in this story was “me”.

 

Sister and Brother Believers… “WHY” do we do this?

 

I, simply, hit the like button and didn’t try to explain my reason for the post.  But, as you can see, her comment cut to my core and I’ve never forgotten it, even 10 years later.

 

Perhaps, this is one of my experiences that God used, to form and fashion within me, a sympathetic, non-judgmental ear, when working one-on-one with women.  We CANNOT know what anyone is privately dealing with… even those in our church!

 

You’ve heard me say:  “God NEVER wastes a hurt!”

 

Okay… Honestly… this comment wasn’t all that bad.  In fact, it “is” true!  It “is” Scripture!  And, I’m certain that the writer of it, meant it as encouragement… or, maybe, even as a charge to me; feeling that I just sounded a bit whiny, for me.

 

I know this particular blog entry is pretty different from what I normally write.  I could, now, launch off in many different directions; bringing out spiritual truths for this and for that.

 

But… as we enter into 2024; I am feeling, like many are, that there’s ‘something’ rumbling!  Something big is coming down the pike!

 

As we move into this year, let’s make it a year that we draw closer in relationship with HIM!  Let’s seek HIM in HIS Word – “Really” search for HIM!!  Let’s develop an ear to hear HIS Spirit!  Let’s QUICKLY OBEY HIS voice!  Let’s stretch our prayers to commune, both ways, with HIM!  And… may we WANT HIM, “MORE” than in what we want HIM to do for us!

 

The Bible has much to say about our words.  They matter!   Matthew 12:36

Michele McGaha

Co-host of the Sandpaper Marriage Podcast

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