Beyond the Dark

 

It's interesting how one's outlook changes through the years. There was a time when I thought our family was perfectly "normal" - no divorce, addictions, mental issues, different sexual identities, illegal doings.... The few of these things that did exist were not in our immediate family and were never talked about.

 

Only on rare occasions did I overhear adults speaking in hushed tones about such things; therefore, I thought they were practically non-existent. Little did I know...

 

They say that ignorance is bliss, but is it really? Children look to the adults in their lives to show them how to deal with life and all that it throws at one. Not acknowledging nor talking about problems is really not dealing with them at all and is of no help to those around us who care.

 

For when it finally becomes your turn to deal with something "unthinkable" - and your turn will come, I assure you - you will probably have no idea how to do that. Of course no one deals perfectly with the bumps in life's road, but even admitting the hurt, frustrations, and feelings of loss and inadequacy is better than silence. We are all imperfect beings, and helping each other through the rough times is of immeasurable value.

 

I now know that our extended family is a mixed bag, made up of individuals who struggle with all kinds of issues. As a group, we have experienced estrangement, separation, divorce, addiction, depression, personality disorders, mental illness, homosexuality, dementia, prison time, joblessness and homelessness...  For we are, after all, a part of the human family. If you have not had to deal with any of these things, you are indeed fortunate. Going through, or helping someone else get through, rough times can either steel and embitter us OR make us more compassionate. The choice is ours.

 

In this season of darkness, many are hurting. Family, financial, physical and mental problems weigh even heavier on those afflicted amidst the bright lights, hustle, bustle and good cheer that others seem to enjoy. With today a blur and the future unimaginable, many see little hope, if any. Those of us who are able try to offer some measure of help with encouragement, shelter, food, employment, money, and gifts, but often the need runs deeper still. And so we simply BE THERE - in thought, prayer, service, and person. God fulfills His promises through us - lest we forget:

There is a light out there somewhere

far away, flickering on and off

in the distance.

Small and wavering,

seemingly unreachable,

it casts a small glow

into the darkness.

 

 

I have no idea how to reach it

nor even how to begin

to wander in its direction,

for my heart is numb

and my feet are leaden.

Often I cannot see it,

yet I know it is there.

 

 

Silent within the tumult,

it beckons me still,

for I feel its faint echo

somewhere deep within

longing for its warmth

and aching for its comfort,

yet lost and alone

 

 

Somehow it nourishes,

sustains me to a degree,

while taunting and urging

to face in its direction,

take that first small, faltering step

even as I teeter on the brink

of all that is feared and unknown.

 

 

All around is darkness -

cold, and comforting in its way.

But I am not a child of darkness;

I do not dwell here willingly.

Somehow I must pass through,

come out on the other side

into the warmth and light.

 

 

I cannot ask, but you must know -

Reach out and touch me,

though I am stiff and ice-cold.

We will hold hands and walk

through the misery together

toward that flickering light

that offers a ray of HOPE.

 

 

 There is surely a future hope for you,

and your hope will not be cut off.  

Proverbs 23:18

 

 

...we who have fled to take hold of the hope

offered to us

may be greatly encouraged.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul,

firm and secure.    

Hebrews 6:18-19

 

**I am trying a  larger print for this post. 
Please let me know if this makes any difference to your viewing.**