“How are you doing?”, and countless variations, is a question I don’t think anybody honestly answers. How many times at church, or work, or hundreds of other places does has a fake answer come from my lips? I’m good, doin’ fine, great, never better, wonderful, fantastic, great, marvelous, fabulous, very good, excellent, terrific. I won’t go so far as to call them lies and most of the time I probably honestly believe it. But how different would our fellowship be if we all answered that question openly. I’m struggling, hurting, confused, embarrased, aching, anguished, in other words I’m grieving.<\/p>\n
It’s a question I honestly can’t answer when someone asks. My mind swirls with thoughts of each emotion until he or she starts talking in a need to break the akward silence.<\/p>\n
I’m struggling with Laura’s question of God’s hand slipping. I had no idea that was even possible; thanks for a whole new realm of possibilities to contemplate.<\/p>\n
I’m hurting physically with a possible stomach ulcer. So much for the summer of George.<\/p>\n
I’m confused on so many levels of theology, philosophy, and sociology. How do I respond to so many people?<\/p>\n
I’m embarrased for feeling so down.<\/p>\n
I’m aching watching my wife struggle with so many of her own questions.<\/p>\n
I’m anguished over the heart-ache so many people have experienced.<\/p>\n
But I also know that all of that is okay, and these emotions are real. They make me feel alive. They make me want to lean on God. They make me want to pray. They make me want sit in silence and just listen.<\/p>\n
Father God only you know, even more that I do, all of my hurts and emotions. Take them Father. For I fear somedays they might overwhelm me. I need your strength and your will to carry me through. Help me Father to listen for your voice in the noise and rejoice that you have heard me. – Ethan<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
“How are you doing?”, and countless variations, is a question I don’t think anybody honestly answers. How many times at church, or work, or hundreds of other places does has a fake answer come from my lips? I’m good, doin’ … Continue reading