
In an extreme trial, have you ever thought, “This wasn’t supposed to happen to me”? Maybe it was a scary diagnosis, the loss of a relationship or the shocking global pandemic that’s left you feeling overwhelmed and alone. You may have noticed adversity feels a lot like grief, and grief can feel like more than we can handle.
Here some compelling thoughts about 2020- shared on Instagram by Nashville author and That Sounds Fun podcasts host, Annie F. Downs.
“This year requires perseverance from us in ways I’ve never experienced before. It’s one thing to muscle through a hard season when you know the ending date or when you have some control. It’s quite another just to KEEP GOING, in pain or loss or frustration, with no end in sight.
I feel it in almost every area of my life. I wonder if you do too? I feel emotional fatique into my bones. I’m tired. I’m tired of not going to church and I’m tired of not meeting new people at social events and being careful about who I hug. I miss cheering at sporting events and traveling and busy restaurants and shows at the Ryman. I miss everything before this.
For sure I could list for you gifts of this season, and how God has been kind and all. I’m grateful for all the ways my life is priviledged, but also can’t we just allow each other to grieve what 2020 has stolen…? Because I’m tired and sad and mad at the whole thing. Can’t both be true? The best and the worst. The joy and the grieving
My tank of perseverance was running really low last week. I was fresh out of ‘WE CAN DO THIS, FRIENDS,’ and I didn’t know how to get it back. But this weekend helped. A run on the beach helped. Taylor Swift’s new album helped. The dance floor and meaningful conversations at a small wedding helped. Flying above the clouds helped.
And truth helps. Romans 5 doesn’t lie- our sufferings produce perseverance in us. And when we hang in there, it builds our character. And then, hope. All this matters for our souls. And knowing that helps. Because if anything is unprecedented, I’m banking on unprecedented hope on the other side of this, for me and for you.”
I love how Annie (who is one of the most optimistic humans ever)recognizes the sorrow as well as the blessing many of us are experiencing right now. I love how she reminds us of the truth from Romans 5:4. I’m praying and believing the hope on the other side of this chapter will be way more than we could ask or imagine.
My prayer for you is that even in these extra difficult days, you’ll begin to find hope and joy.
Here’s the link for my newest YouVersion Plan It’s called More than You Can Handle. The plan offers 5 days of devotionals, encouraging scripture references, and is super user-friendly. Grief Survivor was my first YouVersion creation. It was written for anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. I hope one of these plans will help you know you are not alone.
We invite you to stop by the Grief Survivor Facebook Page. Your stories of love, loss, life and finding joy inspire the rest of us more than you know! We’re all in this together.
*Phenomenal cliff climber photo credit: our fierce son-in-law, Nick Lewis!