Grief

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Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

10 Things I Just Don’t Understand

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Years ago I worked for a man who modeled an excellent response to frustration. He would return from a meeting or a business errand, go to his office, sit motionless for a few minutes (eyes closed, most likely praying). Then he would stand up and say, “there are some things I just don’t understand,” laugh a little, then go about his day. Here are 10 things “I just don’t understand.”

  1. How forgiveness can be restorationless.
  2. How restoration can be directionless.
  3. How help is available to those who can afford it.
  4. How “we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.” (Marcus Aurelius)
  5. How there are some who think that if they can’t win, it’s ok to change the rules. 
  6. If “that made me mad” or “that made me happy,” then “that” can make anyone do anything. 
  7. How “all roads lead to God,” yet each road has disagreeable distinctives concerning God. 
  8. How people can blatantly do evil while simultaneously deny responsibility for their actions. 
  9. How is it ok to work harder, not smarter?
  10. That evil will increase in days to come.

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