Over the past several days I have witnessed the horrific images of yet another devastating natural disaster. My heart cries out for the Japanese, so many still suffering and living in fear of the potential for more tragedy.
A friend of mine called me Saturday on her way to take her child to the ER. As someone who is already living in the midst of other saddening news, I prayed and ached for her.
Not without hope we suffer and we mourn.
William Wordsworth
And so I have been pondering suffering today. Imagining the possibilities which lie beyond current circumstances. We tend to ask ourselves a resounding "Why?" or "Why me?" . But what if we could be assured that with suffering comes great fruit; and giving ourselves over to experiencing pain means also opening ourselves up to great love and joy.
I know I try to avoid pain at all cost, mostly by numbing it. But what if I am also numbing myself to joy at the same time? As Theodore Roosevelt states, maybe I am settling for a gray twilight that knows no victory or defeat.
"Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt
So do you embrace uncertainty and adversity as it comes?
How do you dare mighty things in your life?
and let me whisper... not without hope...
image: heather spriggs thompson for gathering spriggs
This is a beautiful reflection and so important for me to live....but so easy to forget (or ignore for pain avoidance). May the people suffering in Japan and your friend with a sick child be comforted by hope. And may that same hope fill your thoughts and heart this day too.
Posted by: Elizabeth | March 14, 2011 at 10:06 AM
I love that quote by Roosevelt. A lot of his words have been helping me through the hellacious last couple of months, helping me be brave, take heart, press on through tears, grief and much pain. Today was another pain-filled day, but after a good cry and writing out what is on my heart, I feel heaps better. My circumstances haven't changed, but my heart is strong and hopeful again. That makes me happy. :-)
Posted by: Krista | March 14, 2011 at 04:19 PM
Great post Heather. As you know, I have been numbing myself for far too long. I am trying to open up and feel what needs to be felt. I know that it will only make me stronger.
Posted by: Stephanie Ryan | March 14, 2011 at 08:59 PM
Beautiful~! My soul aches for all of those hurting right now.
As far as the how-to on dealing with things personally, I have a God that I cry out to and am comforted by. Not that things are always rosy, because they certainly aren't, but His strength becomes my own. He is my hope.
I agree that life was meant to be lived fully, and that means experiencing ALL aspects of the walk - not just the good!
Posted by: ClassiclyAmber | March 15, 2011 at 08:03 AM
very powerful and important word you have for us- thank you so much
Posted by: Kathi | March 15, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Love this post.
Thank you.
Posted by: Dawn | March 15, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Krista,
Thanks so much for stopping by despite your tear-filled day. I am so sorry! So sorry you are dealing with heart ache once again. But honored that you came by to share your true heart with us hear. You are very dear cherished soul!
Posted by: Heather | March 15, 2011 at 10:37 PM
Stephanie, I know, me too. Here's to us walking this path of healing together! Thanks for being a part of my life.
Posted by: Heather | March 15, 2011 at 10:39 PM
Amber,
Thank you for not only stopping by but sharing your Great Hope and reminding me that He is our true hope. And it is there we find our solace.
Posted by: Heather | March 15, 2011 at 10:45 PM
I love this post <3
Posted by: emily | March 16, 2011 at 02:47 AM