It takes courage

One of my favourite Biblical verses is:

 “This is the day that the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” 

Psalm 118: 24 KJV.

When I am having a difficult day, it is a reminder; when things are going well, it is a thanksgiving;  when I need courage, it is all encompassing. All in all, it is a blessing.

Every one of us has a hidden list of thoughts and prayers that we keep inside and don’t reveal to our family or close friends. Often it contains names of people we imprint silently on our hearts. Perhaps we have been asked to keep them in our prayers. I will give you three examples (I have changed their names to protect their innocence).

Joy, whose life is upside down right now. Her husband died after a sudden heart attack. Then she discovered she was riddled with Cancer. Her two daughters are devastated and yet cannot look after her needs—neither has the space, time or ability to care for her. One has a child with a severe mental condition which needs full time care; the other’s husband is an abusive alcoholic, but she perseveres in that relationship because she believes in the vows she made on their wedding day. Joy has no income, and cannot afford to remain in her condo. What should she do? Where should she go?

Another scenario is a young man, Hugh, whose father beat him almost into oblivion when he discovered Hugh was in a gay relationship. Hugh was brain damaged in the attack. He spent a month having treatment, but was discharged afterwards to a hostel. That lasted for a week and he left as soon as he could. He is now on the street begging for food. His disfigured face revolts people and he is often hungry. His friends cannot help. His family are not willing, as they are all afraid of his father. What should he do? Where should he go?

Then there is a brother and sister, John and Mary, close in age, who once loved each other. They spent a happy upbringing, but are now barely speaking. This is due to a so-called friend, Alexis, who accused Mary of incest, and spread lies on Twitter about it. When John and Mary retaliated, their lives were further destroyed by Alexis overdosing on Oxycodone. She left a note asking them for forgiveness for creating such havoc. What about them? Where should they go?

These three situations read like a Grade B movie, or melodramatic soap opera. They are not, unfortunately. I am sure in your family or within your circle of friends, you have at least one similar scenario. Often our hands are tied and we cannot do anything to help. But one thing that can be done is to pray. I know people who scoff at that suggestion, but I do believe it works.

In my own life prayer certainly has played a big part. In times of grief or sorrow I do pray. I also use the Biblical verse above. And I also pray and give thanks when my prayer is granted. That happened in all three examples I shared:

Joy moved to another city with daughter number two, who after being beaten one time too many, called 911, and reported her husband’s actions. He was arrested and jailed. She then applied elsewhere for a good job which she got. Then she left her abusive situation to look after her Mom with help from the Cancer Society.

Hugh’s partner, Derrick, got physical and mental help for him with government financial aid. They now live in a halfway house together and are accepted. Hugh’s mother and his sisters visit regularly.

John and Mary eventually reconciled. They now meet once a week to have dinner together. Their lives are now more stable, as each has a partner who cares for them and helps them adjust.

Prayers of thanksgiving definitely are important. Remember the ten lepers — only one came back to give thanks to our Lord. Saying “Thank You” never hurts.

Thanks be to God!