Because of a certain post, on a certain persons blog I felt the desire to join The High Calling blogs. After joining and reading through the posts of hundreds of people who had dedicated their lives to God and took time to share their experiences I felt almost like I was so.....childish. I felt that the trials and troubles I had posted previously where so insignificant compared to some of the stories I read about. [Example: a seventeen year old boy suddenly being confronted with the death of his father.]As I read through others I also saw lives filled with joy and happiness, lives blessed by the hand of God.
Being only sixteen I have been through more than people would ever guess looking at me. The scar on my finger from the surgery to remove a bone tumor is barely noticeable, you can't see the curve in my spine from the scoliosis. You can't see the healed mental and emotional scars I have gained over the years. When I tally these up and compare them to the stories of these other people I feel pathetic for ever thinking I had been through such hard experiences.
But then I had to remind myself that not everyone will be tested the same way, not everyone is going to go through the exact same tragedy or sorrow. I don't know the exact reason God put me through the things he did, but I do know it has made me stronger. And I can imagine that the others who have gone through things less severe, or more tragic have emerged stronger as well, more grounded in their Faith. I know I have, the things I went through have made my Faith in Christ grow. These things happened to me all in the years leading up to my Salvation, why didn't they happen after I had been saved? Why did God decide to let them happen when I was still a wicked, unsaved sinner? I don't have an answer, God works in mysterious ways.
Thinking again of the HCB, I think I will be back again tomorrow to read more of the lives of Christ's children, because today I found hope, faith, courage and strength. What will I find tomorrow?
My Faith looks up to thee, Oh Lamb of Calvary, may thy rich Grace impart, strength to my fainting heart.
Dani... thank you for sharing this. I'm moved by the fact that reading those posts over at The High Calling has touched you in some way. And I think that while it's difficult to compare experiences (some would say yours are far worse), I believe that it's when we come together in community like this that we can more fully understand God's grace and mercy. I think that our collective stories are far more powerful than any of our individual stories.
ReplyDeleteAnd as the Social Media dude for the network, I'd like to just extend a warm welcome, and let you know how much I appreciate you being a part of this crazy but beautiful group!
We're so thrilled that you found encouragement and inspiration at The High Calling. Thank you for joining--and for posting such wonderful words about the site. :)
ReplyDeleteDani, this is a beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of a Proverb... "each heart knows its own joys and no one else can share its sorrows." I always took that to mean that each of us feels what we feel quite fully. Whether joy or pain, it is real to us in a way that others can only guess at.
Your pain, so real. So important for you, and for those who love you. Your story? Part of the whole story, for which I am grateful.
Thank you so much Dan, I love the HCB community and I just love reading the stories of so many people who express their love of God in so many different ways.
ReplyDeleteIt was my complete pleasure Dena!!
ReplyDeleteWow L.L, that actually made me feel better, your completely right, each of our own pains mean something for each of us. Thank you so much for all of your guy's support, I appreciate is so much!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dan and L.L., Dani. No one's pain is "better" or "worse"--and in His grace, we can find a fellowship of suffering with others who don't have the same trials as us. That's because we have the same Savior, who offers us the same grace. We're glad you've decided to align yourself with THC, and hope that we can be a comfort and encouragement to you as you walk the trail called LIFE. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so moved to see how God is causing the stories published at The High Calling to intertwine with your stories. We can all feel less alone and get a glimmer of how God is working through them in order to work in us.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you joined the community.
Your right Dena, and I had to remind myself of that. Sometimes though, you can feel so insignificant compared to others, but yes your completely right.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann, I am overjoyed being able to go there and see the stories of so many Christians!
ReplyDeleteIt does make you feel less alone :)
I appreciate your visit and comment which led me here. I will be spending some time reading your posts and your beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I love your blog :)
ReplyDeleteDani, we're glad to meet you! I second what our editors have said to you. Comparing yourself to others is always a trap.
ReplyDeleteThis doesn't mean we can't learn from each other's stories, of course! But each story is simply one example of God working in the world through someone's life.
We don't know what that will look like for each of us into the future, be we know for sure that he will work through our lives and our work.
Welcome!
(Also, based on your fav. books, I recommend you look into the Foundling by D. M. Cornish.)
Thank you so much Marcus, yes you are right. I do realize that now.
ReplyDelete[I loved that book Marcus! good taste :]