It's All About Them

Sometimes getting up is easier said than done. Life happens. Control what you can, manage what you must, but whatever you do, don't give up.

Recently, my cousin lost a son to gun violence. He now wakes up to a new reality of inexplicable loss, yet unanswered questions and the effort to ensure his son has not died in vain. There are others close to me for whom this is also true, who became beacons of light for many. Being an example was not their goal. Making it one moment at a time, one step at a time, one day at a time is what they reached toward. Yet, they've made a difference for someone else.

This is not a post about death, rather it's an exposition of the power of renewed purpose in the face of adverse circumstances. In spite of difficulty, I see them rise each day and create beauty in the midst of it all. They are strength wrapped in pain, fortified by struggle, unified in shared sorrow, comforted by memories. They are unending resilience who celebrate the life of their loved one yet ache at the loss.

Is it hard to do? I imagine so. Are they sometimes bereft and inconsolable? I imagine that too. Knowing the right things to say or do when it gets tough often isn't easy. What is acceptable support? It differs. The key is not causing further injury.

Sometimes, there is nothing we can do. Accept this truth. I'm sorry. I don't know what to say. A hug. Silence, giving them space to process, accept, breathe, figure out how to move forward. These are all options, but every situation requires something different. Pray before approaching. Remain quiet if you are unsure. Even expressions of love may be rejected. Don't take it personally. After all, it's not about you. It's all about them.

Live Right

Talk about a RIGHT NOW message.  “Don’t have to tear nobody down to lift yourself. All you gotta do is Live Right”.

I have to live this out daily and I find that it is easy to choose to Live Right because I know that it is a command from our Heavenly Father to love one another the way we love ourselves, and it pleases Him when we obey.

It is also wonderful when our right choice helps to improve the quality of life for someone else, reveals God and draws them to Him. Doing what is right is not always easy, but if we  continue to obey it can become a lifestyle— to give, to embrace, to return a soft answer (even when it’s hard) or keep our mouths shut when we should — A simple yet powerful command to “LOVE”.

Jesus chose to be in the presence of thieves, murderers, harlots, hypocrites— consistently revealing the power of that right path He walked daily. He did not look down His nose at those less fortunate; His spirit was embracing.

Some of us are addicted to anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, lust, lack of self control, wallowing in self pity, lying, gossip, backbiting and so many other things that not only destroys others, but keeps us bound to the “dust nature”.  If you are ever tempted to  respond incorrectly toward someone else, or look down at them, always remember, “but for the GRACE of God, there go I”. “Live Right”.