DAY THIRTY-SEVEN: Don’t Stand Around the Edge of your Life by Mary Pat Palmer
Not long ago I heard something profound that I had never been able to put into words. It was in reference to people who stand around the edge of their lives. Wow! I have always been unable to put that feeling into words, but have been guilty of standing around the edge of my own life. I looked into the experiences of my life, but tried to not feel them.
I got up, went to work, helped with homework, cooked supper, attended ballgames, and got in bed only to start it all back up the next day. I was numb. It was easier to be numb than to have feelings about anything. I was afraid to be happy because that could be easily taken away. I was afraid to be excited about anything because that could be jeopardized. I was even afraid to be angry because that hurt too much.
Looking back at that time of my life, I realize that I was broken. I was going through an unwanted divorce, trying to raise a child, and feeling internal conflict at my home church. Satan was talking to my heart and mind saying, “Just stay here on the outside because no one really needs a broken, hurting woman for anything.” I went through the motions of my life, but wouldn’t or couldn’t jump in.
With the benefit of hindsight, I realize that God led me to
At Trace Crossing, I have learned how to get back into my life. I don’t stand around the edge wondering what great things my life has to offer. I feel it all now…the good, the bad, and the ugly. The people at Trace helped me realize that I can give all the junk in my life to God and I get back something beautiful. Trace Crossing is definitely a “whosoever church.” In my case, whosoever is broken and afraid to enjoy all the happiness of a life in Christ.
Didn’t Jesus spend most of his time with people who were broken in one way or another?
My Prayer for Trace Crossing:
Dear Father in Heaven,
Continue to be first in the hearts and minds of the people at Trace Crossing. Help us to be persistent and positive as we touch the lives of the hurt and broken. Help us realize that someone walking in those front doors may be carrying some painful baggage. Help us to help them carry it in and give it to God. Help us to be a shining light that is consistently present in the lives of the people we touch each day. We want others to see Christ in us. We want to be that “whosoever church.” In Jesus Name, Amen
1 comment:
Mary Pat, I am so proud of you for sharing this. Trust me, we all have baggage. Just as you said, some choose to be honest and give it to God while others hold back. That is the unfortunate part. As for the "whosoever" part, I really think it shows that we will love whosoever walks through those doors. However, with stories like yours, actually all of ours, we will hopefully give hope to the hopeless. I am so glad that you are a part of Trace Crossing and that you are finding that peace that you've longed for. I, personally, am lucky to fellowship with you at church and in the "front yard." I am very grateful for our friendship and look forward to more good times. Love, Tami
Post a Comment