I didn’t set out to write a blog. I only started this page to give my family and friends updates on Jeremy. Shortly after he graduated to Heaven, it took on a life of its own. After much prayer, I followed my daughter’s advice, changing the name and labeling it “blog.” Since I wasn’t actually a writer, I still didn’t really know what to do with it, so I began by posting my journal entries. Needless to say, I’m absolutely blown away by what God has done.
Yesterday, I was talking to a grief therapist about the blog, and she asked what I would need to hear, if I were one of my readers. Much to her surprise, I told her that I probably wouldn’t read my blog. Why? Because I want to know there is going to be a happy ending. I would rather follow someone who is on the other side of the valley of grief than someone trudging through the trenches with me!
That got me thinking about biblical authenticity. Can you imagine if David had never written a Psalm until he had his life all together? Think of how much rich treasure we would have missed! Imagine the Bible without Ecclesiastes or Lamentations. Obedient authenticity made these biblical authors relatable to average, hurting people. Like you and me.
In the years after Karissa died, I was invited to speak at several events. Each time, I refused, because I couldn’t yet tie my story up with a neat little bow. I was still in the middle of the messy and was afraid I couldn’t offer hope. In fact, it took me almost ten years to be able to do so. I regret that. How many blessings did I rob myself of during that time? How many others were robbed of a blessing, as well? I didn’t know that ministering in the midst of grief would turn my own eyes Heavenward. I didn’t realize that my brokenness could help someone else find wholeness. I didn’t understand that hurting in community can lead everyone to healing. And I didn’t yet see that hope isn’t found in happy endings.
How is it possible to help others in the midst of our own tragedy? How can we offer hope when we don’t get the happily ever after? The answer is Jesus. Our help is Jesus. Our hope is Jesus. No, we can’t promise that anyone’s story will have a fairytale ending here in this life, but we can absolutely promise that there is a happy ending to be had in the life to come. For everyone who accepts Jesus’ gift of salvation, there is an eternity of abundant joy and pleasures forevermore. (see Psalm 16:11) And the suffering we experience in this world cannot even be compared to the glory that awaits us in the next. (see Romans 8:18)
What if one of the ways God plans to redeem our story is through sharing it with others? What if our healing will come only as we help someone else? What if we are the only Bible our community will read? What if God put us in this valley for such a time as this? What if this IS the Kingdom work? Shiela Walsh puts it this way: “My brokenness is a better bridge for people than my pretend wholeness ever was.”
I don’t know about you, but I want to be a bridge. To healing. To wholeness. To Jesus.
