Sorrow and suffering

 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God."   2 Corinthians 1:3-4  NRSV

“We go through what we go through to help others go through what we went through.” ~Author Unknown

Throughout the past 18 years, I've been given the privilege to see that while some of my own experiences at times have been very difficult, they have also shaped me to view the world in a way I could have never seen before my struggles.


I think back to the countless discussions I've been honored to have with a variety of folks going through difficult circumstances. Without the softening of the soul that my own suffering had brought, I would have missed really seeing and hearing what people had to share about their lives:  their hopes, their fears, their passions, their pain...I would have missed the depth and richness of the human experience shared with another soul.

I have to be honest, there are some times, especially lately, when I feel so ill that I do not have the energy to focus on anyone else's needs.  There are also times, when I'm feeling ok, when I become selfish and choose not to listen and care for others. It is all part of the journey and part of being human. At the same time, I do believe it helps me keep moving forward to know that God can use my struggling and challenges to help others. It reminds me that no matter how my physical and emotional being has been compromised, I am still part of the Body of Christ, and the very things that I struggle with the most, are the things that can encourage others the most.



Sorrow and suffering are not things that we wish for...ever...and yet, the aftermath of these two can powerfully strengthen and soften us to hear and help bear another's pain and sorrow in the future.  The journey of chronic illness is hard, and sometimes it just plain stinks.  And yet...it can open a door to deeper understanding of others' experience, a deeper connection with others who are also on the path of life, and a deeper connection with the Lord who was, who is, and who is to come.

Lord, the world understands suffering and sorrow as things to be avoided, and yet we see in scripture that suffering and sorrow are part of the fullness of human life.  Along with joy and hope, help us to see sorrow and suffering as partners that can open up our lives in new ways, so that we can be those through whom you bring blessing to others.  Amen.