What God does

So, how do we face the fact that God didn’t stop our suffering? We do this by awakening ourselves to what God does do, the way God does come to us, the way God does impact our suffering, and the way God uses it to make us strong, resilient, sensitive, and powerful.

First, the way God does come to us…

It wasn’t like an imaginary friend. It wasn’t like the cowboys I wrestled with, the Native Americans who I pretended to be (in my young mind, noble and able somehow to transcend suffering). No, it was a presence that was with me all the time. I couldn’t articulate it, but I could feel it.

It paired itself with a crucifix on the wall just outside my bedroom door. This man was naked and hurting (so much like me!) yet He, too, appeared strong, above the hurt. This was “Jesus,” and Jesus was the son of God.

I didn’t know what it all meant then, of course, but it is my belief that God pairs himself with the attempts of our minds to make sense of what is happening to us. God uses the images and the knowledge we do have to lead us to three truths: what is happening to us is wrong; it won’t last forever; and, we are loved. These truths, aligned with the grace of our God, work effectively to safeguard our minds, our hearts, and our souls until He can lead us out and onward to healing.

More on the way God comes to us next time.

Reflection

In what way did you realize this same presence in your young life? Looking back, did you sense what was being done was wrong, it wouldn’t last, and you were loved?

Prayer

God, looking back is not easy, but I want to see You there! Show me how You were with me. Show me how You cared, how You told me I was loved. Help me to see the strength within me and to know that strength is You, Your love for me. Amen.