October 15, 2017

Lions and Unicorns


In other words, save me from my enemies, both physical and imaginary.

Our imaginations can sometimes do far more damage than real enemies, creating scenarios that will never happen, tainting our days with fears and anxieties that never materialize. Small hurts and injustices become massive pits of sorrow, books of over the top self-sacrificing scenarios which will never (and should never) be written. Thank goodness. Who would want to read an epic sob story? Whereas, stories of heroic self-sacrifice lift our spirits and encourage us. The difference? In the inspiring stories, the hero’s goal is to overcome the difficulty, not wallow in it.

At least my imagined scenarios only go so far. After conjuring up the lowest possible point my life could reach, my faith kicks in.  God will preserve and rescue me. Always.

If only God and I remained, it would be enough. I do believe that. And so, faith pulls me back from the brink, spins me around, and shows me how much I have to be thankful for.

I doubt Daniel worried too much about fanciful problems when he faced the hungry lions. He didn’t lay there, immobile and terrified, imagining all the horrors that might befall him. No. He immediately turned his thoughts toward God in prayer.

“My God has sent his angel, and shut the mouths of the lions, and they have not hurt me.” Daniel 7:22

If He can shut the mouths of lions, will He not also drive away the unicorns if I ask Him?

October 11, 2017

If I Knew Then What I Know Now...



Some have posed the question, “If you could go back to high school, would you?” 
For myself, no.  I don’t want to go back and live my life over. Once is enough. 
Another popular question, “If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?”
I would tell my younger self, “Don’t be anxious over things not in your control. Everything will work out one way or the other. If it is the other, you’ll survive.” 
Oh, but would she listen, even to that? I doubt it.
I have let go most of my worries only because I have walked through the fires and experienced God’s miracles. Had I not suffered and God had not rescued me, would my faith have grown? Would I be able to give my troubles to God and leave them there, along with the anxiety and fear? 
I still fall now and then into that dark abyss, but not as often or for as long. Most dismal circumstances can lead to immense good. I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. And I believe. 
No wonder Jesus said, “Blessed are they who have not seen, and have believed.” 
"So, my younger self, don’t fret. Don’t worry. Trust God and do the best you can with the knowledge and experience you have, and most of all, forgive. Forgive others and then forgive yourself. God has, and you should too."