Rethinking Words of Comfort in Times of Distress

This entry by Tim Lawrence really got me thinking and I wanted to share it with you:

Everything Doesn’t Happen For A Reason

We’re often told that everything happens for a reason and we shake our heads in halfhearted agreement and take it as a battle wound that betters us. But does that really bring healing? Tim talks about how not all devastation nurtures or brings growth. Sometimes they’re just things we carry.

I truly recommend reading the article but in a nutshell Tim offers words that bring more comfort:

“Instead, the most powerful thing you can do is acknowledge. Literally say the words: 

I acknowledge your pain. I am here with you.

Note that I said with you, not for you. For implies that you’re going to do something. That is not for you to enact. But to stand with your loved one, to suffer with them, to listen to them, to do everything butsomething is incredibly powerful.

There is no greater act than acknowledgment. And acknowledgment requires no training, no special skills, no expertise. It only requires the willingness to be present with a wounded soul, and to stay present, as long as is necessary.

Be there. Only be there. Do not leave when you feel uncomfortable or when you feel like you’re not doing anything. In fact, it is when you feel uncomfortable and like you’re not doing anything that you must stay.

Because it is in those places—in the shadows of horror we rarely allow ourselves to enter—where the beginnings of healing are found. This healing is found when we have others who are willing to enter that space alongside us. Every grieving person on earth needs these people.

Thus I beg you, I plead with you, to be one of these people.

You are more needed than you will ever know. “

What are your thoughts?

Nearly Halloween

Halloween is five days away and it’s still mid to high 80’s temperature wise. It does not feel very fall-like outside of the grocery store. There are pumpkins and pumpkin-flavored everything to choose from but the weather makes it hard to believe Autumn is here. On a positive note, the projected weather for the first week of November is all in the 70’s (granted it’s higher 70’s.)

What do you all do for Halloween? I’m still trying to figure out how I feel about it as an adult. My parents didn’t want my brother and I to do anything that contributed to the holiday growing up but I find that a lot of the fun is not rooted in wickedness as much as that’s how some people try to push it. Spine tingling origin stories and rumors of ritualistic sacrifice and the like…when most of what happens is kids celebrating an event to dress up and eat lots of candy… Needless to say, I think there was a little resentment based on childhood and I’m moving on and trying to make the most out of it now. I don’t feel the need to go all out or attend any parties, but I’m not turning off all my lights and grumping.

My mission this year is to find a copy of Hocus Pocus and finally watch it. Usually when I bring that up, people gasp quite audibly. Haha!

I had an event yesterday but was hoping to be involved in my church’s trunk or treat event. It turns out that they were low on cars and my brother and his wife signed up last minute but since they are incredibly busy, I put this backdrop together for them.

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My boyfriend plays pool and a local billiards place is hosting a free pool day the night before halloween. There’s a costume contest and lots of goodies included. I told him if we dressed up, it would be funny to be the Woking Dead. A play on words is always fun. Two zombies who own a Chinese restaurant, anyone? Tasty brains, no MSG. 😉

First Bible Art Journaling Entry!

This is going to be a quick post. I found out about bible art journaling a few months ago and thought it would be a great way to absorb what I read and add time to reflect/worship in my own way. I realized I had enough swagbucks points to redeem an amazon giftcard so I got my journaling bible for free!

Here’s a link to the one I bought. I love the floral cover and vintage-y feel.

And here is my first entry. 🙂

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I used these pens for anyone interested.

I’m in a creative field and LOVE drawing and doodling but my hand lettering and layout skills aren’t as sharp as I’d like. But overall, I’m happy with it. It’s the words that carry the weight here. Does anyone else art journal?