Yesterday one of our very best friends from Georgia passed away unexpectedly. Last night I hugged one of my dear friends whose daughter is leaving today for college and whose husband is battling cancer. The precious young lady who used to cut my hair will bury her mom today.
When I wrote Tuesday’s post about knowing God holds it all together, I had no idea what the rest of this week would bring. I had no idea I’d be overwhelmed by grief and aching for those who are facing the darkest kind of days.
Tuesday I wrote,
I understand what it is to look around and be certain God is in control but also wonder why He is allowing my circumstances.
Yesterday, Casiday looked at me after I told her about our friend and said, “I”m so glad you didn’t die when you had your heart attack.” And we talked about the way we can feel both glad and sad at the same time. Because we ache for these friends who have lost a husband, father, and son … but we are thankful for the way God protected us when I had my heart attack. We are both.
And that is how it should be.
Today’s Prayers for Girls prayer is based on 1 Corinthians 12:26
If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
Two months ago, I wrote this sentence prayer for moms to pray over their girls, “May she learn the value of suffering and celebrating with fellow believers.” That’s the thing, isn’t it? In our lives, one way we reconcile that tension between God’s sovereignty and the suffering around us is to build relationships. We strengthen each other during the hard days and celebrate with each other during the happy days.
This is why relationships matter. This is why we dig deep into people and invite them into our messy lives. It’s why we eat meals together on holidays and prepare meals for the grieving. It’s why we watch each others’ kids play ball and dance. It’s why we share send people birthday messages on Facebook and share the little moments of life on Instagram.
People matter. Relationships matter.
I heard a story once about a man who, when he died, met Peter at the Pearly Gates carrying a bag of gold. Peter told him he couldn’t take the bag into heaven with him. After much arguing between the two, Peter finally agreed to the man’s request. As the man walked through the gates, Peter muttered, “I don’t know what that bag of asphalt is so important to him anyway.”
It’s so easy to lose sight of what is truly valuable. All that gold we store up here on earth is the asphalt of heaven. The true treasure is people.
Maybe today you are facing a hard situation. Invite someone into your struggle. Let someone be a friend. Even if it just means letting that person pick up your kids from school or bring you your favorite snack. Let God use the people He has placed in your life to bring you comfort and companionship.
And if you know someone in a hard place, go to them. Don’t wait until you figure out what to say or how to help. Just go. Because most of the time, it’s our presence that provides the most comfort. Give a hug. Whisper a prayer. Just be there.
Our job isn’t to keep it all together. His is.
It’s true.
And sometimes the way He holds us together is the people around us.
Sometimes the way He holds it all together is by bringing us all together. Share on X
Fayelle W Ewuakye says
So beautifully said. So helpful. Such good reminders.
Teri Lynne Underwood says
Thank you, Fayelle.
xoxo
Paula says
This is such a wise post about how we handle things in our lives that we can’t control. He not only gives us Grace to get through the hard times, He gives us people to hold our hand while going through it!