What Do You Think? Wednesday
Some things are just worth revisiting, even when we have plans to go elsewhere. Such is the case today. I had another special obligation that I wanted to share, but in my quiet time this morning God made it clear that I had to return to the special obligation that the Christian has to follow the Bible. I wrote about this on November 23, saying that “I find it liberating not to have to develop a blueprint for my life, then on my own have to seek out the contents to build my life and manage them to maintain my life.” I have been liberated through the Bible and am experiencing the great joy that comes from this freedom, particularly during this rough season of seeing about my mom, who has been in the hospital for more than a month.
Yes, the trips to the hospital are numerous and the hours spent there are long. Yes, I have to, along with my siblings, be a watchdog for my mother’s proper care and still care for my husband and children, continue to write, eat right, get some sleep and have some time for me. All of this comes with fervent prayer and fielding texts and calls from my mom’s friends and other loved ones near and far. My schedule is grueling and my face and body feel the effects, but I can truly say with the song writer that “it is well with my soul,” but for some reason some people don’t seem to believe me. They ask me how I am doing. I expect and appreciate that. But what I don’t expect is the repeated questioning that people’s tone of voice suggests, and as one person actually said, “How are you really doing?” Perhaps they believe I should be riddled with worry and that my voice should quake when I speak of all that my mom has had to take. Maybe my face should be flush and constantly gushing with tears. Maybe they expect that I shouldn’t believe God.
Of course, no one would ever say that, but “How are you really doing?” can mean don’t believe God. I understand how people could probe further. Recovering strong black women learned well to wear the masks, those of sterile feelings and super strong veneer. I understand people want to really see my face, make sure that I’m really okay, but I what I want to know is “When is the Bible really true in our lives?” Is it only true when times are good and not when we are going through? Is God indeed a refuge, a place that I can run to and be safe (Psalm 62:8)? Is He not a person that gives me peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7)? Can God not keep my mind in perfect peace if I keep my mind on Him (Isaiah 26:3)? Are these scriptures only glorious platitudes and not places for us to strive to be? I could go on, but I want you to chime in. How have people responded to you when you reflect God’s strength in adversity? Do you fall apart and STAY apart, forgetting the strength available in God’s Word? Please, tell me what you think.