My heart hurts.
I have a heart blister.
No, that’s not a profound thought or a scholarly witticism or even a nugget of literary genius. It’s not a reference to a physical malady, nor is it an awkward stage, a crisis moment, or a plea for sympathy.
It is, to put it simply, a candid summation of a long season.
A season of brokenness.
A season of pinpricks to the soul.
A season of mourning so intense, at times, my joy has dimmed.
While it’s not necessary to go into detail, I would just like to say a brief word about this season. Weathering it has been difficult. As it so often is with severed relationships, this has been a time of struggle, reflection, assessment, and prayer.
If you’re experiencing (or have experienced) a similar situation, understand:
- Each person is valuable to God.
- We can love without condoning.
- We can choose to take the high road.
- People may not change, but circumstances might.
- With Christ there is always hope.
Transparency for writers is sometimes a delicate balancing act. What to share and when to share it are sources of great angst for us creatives.
If our writing ministry is genuinely God-focused, is it wise then to shift gears and draw open our own curtains of self-exposure? Dare we relegate God to the back-burner while making our humble admissions? Sometimes, there seems to be a fine line when distinguishing the two.
Over-sharing has so become the accepted norm in today’s me-me society that, often, God gets left in the dust in our attempt to be honest and/or helpful. Our motives for connecting may be less than pure.
*Gasp*
I know. I used my outside voice just now.
Well, if you know me personally or if you’ve visited here before then you’re aware that what you see is what you get.
If you’re not familiar with me yet, then here’s quick recap: I love Jesus. I want to share Him. I won’t mince words about it.
I love to laugh.
A smile is always preferable to a frown.
Kindness moves me.
Unpleasantness saddens.
Love motivates.
The Truth heals.
He wins.
It’s all good.
******
Have you ever experienced a “heart blister” season?
How did the Lord use it for good?
******
Reminder: I’m adding new goodies every week to my end-of-the-month giveaway stash. You can check out the rules, including all the juicy details, here. (So far, the goodie stash includes a $15 Bath & Body Works gift card, some delicious-smelling candles, and some cutesy nail files.) Enter to win!
Photo Credit: Darren Robertson/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Blessings Always,
Comments 6
I wish I had one of those special medicated Band Aids to send you to take away that mean old blister. Instead, I’m sending you a big *hug*.
I’ve had several heart-blisters in my life time. I think God sometimes uses these blistering times as a way for us to get to know ourselves better. We come out on the other end, knowing just how tough we really are.
I’m always here with a scone if you need a friend!
Author
Loree, thanks so much for your kind words.
You’re right. Times of “seasoning” test us, but God has a way of using them for good. And ohhh…a scone sounds wonderful right about now!
Cindy, you’re in my prayers. Praying for God’s soothing balm upon your blistered heart. I have had a heart blistering season and I’ll say it might have been the toughest in my life. But I learned to trust God more than ever. As you said, He wins. It’s all good.
Hugs, friend!
Author
Jess, thanks for the hug! So blessed that when people disappoint, God never does.
Sometimes the cares of this world weigh us down. But Jesus said He would give us rest, His yoke is easy, His burden light. Praying you can surrender this burden to Him, and let Him carry it away. Hugs!
Author
Patti, thanks for the beautiful reminder of our Savior and for your kind words.