I’m glad I don’t live in a bubble.  That’s what occurred to me a few days ago when I saw a Facebook post by a friend about depression and mental illness, asking us to “like” or “share” to show our support and that we care for the many who have been affected by this affliction. I was so surprised, yet happy, to see my friend’s post. To me it was a bold–so different from all of the jokes, political posts, or feel-good slogans and quotes we see these days.  And my heart welled up in support because I get it! I know because I’ve been there, in many more ways than one.

I thanked God that I didn’t live in a bubble! I thanked God that I could relate! That I could reach out to those around me who have suffered, either directly or indirectly, because of a loved one struggling with emotional and mental pain. I was amazed that I could at last see the silver lining and was able to wholeheartedly and sincerely give thanks to God for the trials, as we are encouraged to do (even though it doesn’t make sense to our human way of thinking). “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (James 1:2-3).

I know what I’m writing about here is nothing new. There are tons of support groups and self-help books and therapies that encourage people to come together and share their stories and lives with others who have experienced the same struggles in life–from addictions to eating disorders to those mourning the death of loved ones. But it’s one thing to have knowledge of and even a belief in any given topic. This instead has become my own story of how, yet again, what I may have known or understood (or even misunderstood) about something has become a truth planted and cultivated within my heart, finally realized deep down inside through my own personal experience. Another 18-inch trek from head to heart. The journey has been hard, and at times painful, but worth it in the end to finally come to a place where I can see the hand of God at work in my life—pruning, sifting, refining.

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT)

I know we all suffer in this life, and looking back I have to say I’ve had my fair share. When I was much younger in my faith, fearing all the what-ifs that lie ahead, I thought I knew how I would ultimately respond to suffering. The problem was it was only head knowledge. I remember telling a friend that I could never imagine turning from God or losing my faith–ever! I loved Him too much. But up until that point I hadn’t really experienced serious hardship. So, when the trials did come, I fell apart. I packed it up, told God I didn’t understand and couldn’t do this Christian life anymore, and I strode off in the opposite direction and remained far from God for several long years. I learned a lot during that time on my own and was more than amazed when I turned back around and found Him right there, waiting, ready to pick up where we left off.

Well, as happens in life, a few years after my relationship with the Lord was restored more winds of affliction began to blow, pressing me at times into places I didn’t want to go. I don’t want to sound overly dramatic, but there were periods when I didn’t know how I could survive the heartache. Sometimes it came at me from several different directions at once. But you want to know what happened? I came to the end of myself and learned that I had no choice but to rely on God alone. He brought me kicking and screaming to that place because He ultimately wanted to reveal His all-sufficiency to me. He wanted me to know Him more fully and in knowing Him better somehow, the next time around, my faith held firm. God was proving to me that He is utterly trustworthy, and He was also allowing me to learn that my faith in Him was genuine. That’s right – I have been learning that my own faith is genuine. What I believe is not just a theory or theology or doctrine. It is faith in a Person–the Living God—and God’s Word says our faith more precious than gold. This type of faith, I pray, will see me through any future trials or storms that may come my way. Faith that has been tested and proven provides increased confidence to face the future.

What I love about being in a relationship with God is that He is also so personal, meeting me where I’m at. I’m getting to know Him as “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians:3-4 NET). A simple definition by Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary of “mercies” is “kindness or help given to people who are in a very bad or desperate situation.” A simple definition of “comfort” is “to cause someone to feel less worried, upset, or frightened; to give strength or hope to; and to ease grief or trouble.” These words simply state what God does for us, and what He in turn wants us to do for others.

Recently the simple words spoken to me by a friend who has experienced what I’ve been going through were like a glass of cool water on a hot day. By simply relating to me in a genuine way, I was comforted and strengthened. And that is why when I read my friend’s post on Facebook, I in turn wanted to show my support as well (and I mean truly show my support–as in comforting or encouraging others that may cross my path in real, tangible ways–not just by a like or share on social media). It occurred to me that if I lived in a bubble and never experienced any of the hardships or heartache I’ve known in my life, how would I ever be able to give a cool cup of water to another hurting soul that crosses my path in the future? I mean, I can’t help it, but it is so hard to accept help or advice from people who can’t relate and just don’t get it! They may mean well, but it’s just not the same as coming from one who has walked the same road. And oh how I cringe, knowing I have offered well meaning encouragement and advice without having walked the same road. I am truly sorry for any hurt I may have caused.

I do hope I can encourage someone else as I’ve been encouraged.  Sometimes just a kind word or a listening ear is life-giving to someone in pain and without hope, or just simply being there without saying a word. I also hope I can share with someone else how God has given me beauty for ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and how He’s turned my despair into praise to Him (Isaiah 61:3). In other words, I want to share that there is always hope in the Lord!

Holding fast,

Lisa

We also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

 

^{Photography by Danist Sol}