Kath writes:
Her observation that "But we can say that in the midst of the not alright-ness, God is still faithful, still good, and actively working good," just seems so appropriate to the situation right now. What happened is NOT all right, but she's making such progress, and we can rejoice that God is good. Praying for you!
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Back to normal life
Toben and I decided we need a term for the opposite of deja vu. For those times when (instead of feeling like something has happened before) there's a feeling of something that's supposed to be happening that isn't.
Pretty much the feeling we had all weekend around here. I felt like I was waiting for something, that there was something just out of reach that was supposed to be, a shadow of reality not quite materialized. Hmm...like a trip to Arizona, perhaps.
Any ideas?
Anyway, we're back to real life around here, and it was good to wake up this morning at home as planned, right where we belong, looking ahead to a new week. I'm hoping Audrey feels the same way when she wakes up later. This weekend kicked her tail and left me feeling very much like this as a result:
If you're a mama, you get it. Do NOT mess with my girl.
And being faced with questions I can't answer, her feelings of disappointment and rejection turned inward so she thinks she did something wrong, holding her while she cries and her heart breaks with the exhaustion of plans being made and cancelled, made and cancelled...well, yep, that picture pretty much sums it up.
Yet.
God did work a whole lot of good out of the circumstances of this weekend. How do I know? I made a list this morning. (Of course I did.)
And the thing is, the list doesn't erase the heartache, it just sits next to it. The good God works out is an AND, not an OR. So often, I think we feel like we have to deny the bad to find the good. And I just don't think that's right.
The cross of Christ was something God worked hugely for our good. But that good didn't erase the agony of it. The pain, the sorrow, the separation was real, and to deny it would somehow cheapen it.
We don't have to pretend like everything's alright when it's not. But we can say that in the midst of the not alright-ness, God is still faithful, still good, and actively working good.
In Lamentations 3, Jeremiah (who most believe to be the author of the book) remembers his sorrow, recalls bitterness, acknowledges affliction. We sometimes forget these verses:
I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
And jump straight to these ones:
Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Funny isn't it--that we know the end of this verse so well. But there's something to be learned from the beginning too, I think. Somehow God's compassions seem even greater when they follow on the heels of "well remembering" the things that have hurt.
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In the comments section, leave the link to your favorite Simple Wife post. Be sure to include your name, blog (if you have one), and a sentence or two about why the post is meaningful or encouraging to you. The Simple Wife Archives are posted Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.
I missed this the first time around, Joanne, since I have just recently discovered your blog! I SO MUCH appreciate this fresh insight into an old familiar verse...in the midst of the 'not-alrightness' God is faithful! --and in 'well-remembering' the hurtful things, God's compassion seems even greater!
Posted by: Susan Moher | February 19, 2011 at 12:45 AM
Joanne, It was a verse that got me through so much of my life. But it is good to read it again today.
Toben, I listened to you on the radio (via computer) yesterday. You did such a great job.
Posted by: Maribeth | February 19, 2011 at 06:09 AM
This "repost" was a God Wink for me this morning. God has been dealing with me all week through the word "affliction". And, it's funny that I thought of you,Joanne, when he did. I've read how you enjoy following the rabbit trail through the Word.
This week I was led to "affliction" verses like: The Lord gives bread of adversity, water of affliction (Isaiah 30:20), Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word (Psalm 119:67), and Do not recoil from afflictions, since they are among my most favored gifts (Jesus Calling).
Joanne, I just wanted you to know that your words impacted me today and gave me hope to not run from God but into his Word.
I think I'll grab my new Bic Crystals and dig deep :)
Posted by: Julie | February 19, 2011 at 07:19 AM
great archive post!!
Posted by: tara | February 19, 2011 at 09:42 AM
Great post.. good to see you, J get chance to write/type.
bug hugs..
I only just found your blog not long after your health hit.
hugs and prayers...
Posted by: Jennifer Camplin | February 19, 2011 at 10:09 AM
The LORD, my Lord is teaching me so much through his servant, Joanne! I found a link to her blog just after her stroke. Have read so much and been blessed by her love for Jesus and for her family and us, her blog friends. I fell more in love with her after watching the videos of her and her girls reciting Scripture they memorized together. (Psalm 91!!! God knew this is just what they would need. He is SO GOOD!) He knew Joanne's family would need the support of extended family so he told Toben to move back to CO, just about 6 mos. before her stroke. Coincidence? I dare say NOT! I could write much more about all that God is speaking to me through this one life...This one humble servant who said "Yes" to her God. I am so grateful to have "met" you, Joanne. I am in awe of our GOD and full of hope and anticipation to see what more He is going to do in your life! I am praying for you, that you will continue to "hang tough" for Jesus, no matter how hard it gets...so you will be LIVING PROOF of God's awesome power. That by His power, you may fulfill every good purpose of yours. 2 Thess. 1:4-5, 11-12
Posted by: Deb | February 19, 2011 at 11:44 AM
correction: 2 Thess. 1:11 that by His power HE may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
Posted by: Deb | February 19, 2011 at 11:46 AM
WOW! This post from back in November says so much. I have been walking in a "severe mercy" since Jan 23rd when I came down with Shingles. (On my left side-no less!) God had put an exclamation point on His call. It was through LPM blog that I was alerted to your need for a major miracle on Jan 11. I knew of you through your blog and had visited your site many times, although had not commented,(up until the stroke) but received such sweet and joyous ministry through your loved and be loved lives. It was very clear to me, I had been called to partnership in prayer for "such a time as this!" Your Toben has been so amazing, as has been your girls, your sister and Mom and Dad, all your family and loved ones...everyone shining like bright lights for Jesus through a very dark time. What an example for faith you all have been as you grapple with the incredible reality of regaining your mobility and life back. We cheer you on dear Joanne! You go girl! I can just see you in those darling spectator brown and white high heel boots one day...maybe sooner than we think!
Posted by: Pam Houston | February 19, 2011 at 12:56 PM