Good stuff and bad stuff

^"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope."  Jeremiah 29:11

This verse has been an anchor for me in the Interim ministry journey over the last dozen years. I found, early on, that congregations that go through transitions, particularly difficult transitions, have a hard time seeing the "good stuff" that is a part of them and it is all too easy in the times of loss and disorientation that come with transitions to only be able to see the "bad stuff".  To me, their gifts and abilities and faith shone through brightly, especially as I considered all that they were facing. Much of my work early on in the process would be to keep pointing to hope and to promises that God had a future and a plan for them.  Over time, they too would start to believe they had the gifts and talents to make it through the difficult territory.

As I sat here tonight pondering the past couple of weeks and my own journey through chronic health territory, a phrase from the movie "Pretty Woman" came to mind.  Vivian had just shared some of her history and the decisions that brought her to that point in life, and she says "When people tell you enough bad stuff about yourself, after a while you begin to believe it."  To which Edward replies, "I think you are a very special, very talented woman."  And she responds, "The bad stuff is easier to believe."  

In the territory of transitions, whether it be as a group, or as an individual going through long-term mental or physical health issues, it is challenging to keep remembering the "good stuff" about ourselves and our future.  It is natural and understandable, that after a long period of difficulty on many levels (which those with chronic illness often experience-- it is RARELY a simple or easy situation, but most often complex)  that even the most resilient, the most optimistic, the most STUBBORN :-)  people become discouraged.  After a while, the barrage of internal and external challenges can make the strongest person start to believe the "bad stuff" about themselves. All of us have Achiles' heels when it comes to things about ourselves anyway, so in the transition times, that's where the stress can wear us down.

Yet, in the middle of this wilderness journey, there comes a loving, tender voice that says to each of us "No matter what you see, no matter what you are experiencing right now, this is not the whole picture: For surely I know the plans I have for you, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. "
The One who made you has not given up on you, and will never, EVER, give up on you.  Jesus shows us that in technicolor. 

If you are someone who cares for someone with chronic illness, a very important thing you can do when you see your loved one becoming discouraged is to remind them of the "good stuff" about themselves.  Share with them what you see and appreciate, and be a cheerleader (of sorts) to help them to not believe the "bad stuff" that this journey is trying to make them believe.  The physical, emotional and spiritual strain of long-term illness cannot be overestimated. It is an incredibly difficult journey that can also open up new ways of thinking, coping and being.  You play a vital role in your loved ones life, and you are where you are for a purpose and a reason as well.  I thank God that you are where you are and supporting and caring for those you love.

I know it is easier to believe the "bad stuff" folks, for I wrestle with it too, but that stuff isn't the whole picture by a long shot.  Even now, just as we are, God has a future of hope.  It can be hard to believe, and hard to see at different points along the way, but don't give up, and don't believe the "bad stuff" about you.  God knows exactly who you are...and loves you dearly.

Lord of all, you see us for the broken people that we are in so many ways; you see us for the precious jewels we are with amazing gifts; you see us and know us better than we know ourselves. Help us to trust your word that you have a plan and a future for us, even now.  Thank you for the people who share this journey, and for the love and support that is given.  Strengthen and sustain us all.  Amen.