When I read the paraphrased quote from Tolkien on the picture before the beginning of your article and Romans 8:28 underneath, I paused for a while trying to wrap my head around the connection. Yet in reading the article I am finding an incomplete connection for myself personally. I know that sadness, grief, anger, rage, and numerous other emotions that rise up in us when sad/bad things happen in our life either personally or even outside our personal experiences and connections.
I can wrap my head around my husband's diagnosis of lymphoma because this is an older adult. And yes, I have spent more time married to this man than without him in my life. And yet I can wrap my head around this quote and Romans 8:28.
The part that is hard to wrap my head around is when children/young people succumb to suicide, are the victims of murder/human trafficking...and the list goes on, or are born with genetic disorders that ravage their bodies and the lives of their families. There is where I struggle.
I shared this beautiful essay on my FB page a few days ago. My dear cousin (we are in our late 60's) had commented, "Thanks so much for sharing this!" I learned today that her daughter, a dear Christian mother of 3 boys, has in recent weeks found out she has bone cancer. I reread this essay thinking about this young mother, and her mom's comment of thanks. So poignant and layered in meaning to me now. The faithful Christian life has so many ripples when we toss our stones of faithful words on the sea of life, many of them rippling into eternity. Thank you Pastor Sauls for the time and thought in tossing out these faithful, encouraging words.
Thank you for writing "All Sad Things....", and for your personal transparency. We all feel shock, helpless, anger/rage,sadness, anxiety..every human emotion with loss, especially with the recent Covenant School murders. A true pastor lives & feels with others "in the trenches". God alone offers genuine hope & comfort. As an older psychiatrist, I believe the same is true. Please continue your excellent work "in the real world".
Thank you so much for your hopeful and encouraging words. I haven't felt much hope since Monday morning, and it's wonderful to be reminded of Romans 5. This post is a gift. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this. God has gifted you immeasurably with the ability to communicate his truth in such a powerful but winsome way. As a former pastor’s wife, I am so grateful for you.
When I read the paraphrased quote from Tolkien on the picture before the beginning of your article and Romans 8:28 underneath, I paused for a while trying to wrap my head around the connection. Yet in reading the article I am finding an incomplete connection for myself personally. I know that sadness, grief, anger, rage, and numerous other emotions that rise up in us when sad/bad things happen in our life either personally or even outside our personal experiences and connections.
I can wrap my head around my husband's diagnosis of lymphoma because this is an older adult. And yes, I have spent more time married to this man than without him in my life. And yet I can wrap my head around this quote and Romans 8:28.
The part that is hard to wrap my head around is when children/young people succumb to suicide, are the victims of murder/human trafficking...and the list goes on, or are born with genetic disorders that ravage their bodies and the lives of their families. There is where I struggle.
I shared this beautiful essay on my FB page a few days ago. My dear cousin (we are in our late 60's) had commented, "Thanks so much for sharing this!" I learned today that her daughter, a dear Christian mother of 3 boys, has in recent weeks found out she has bone cancer. I reread this essay thinking about this young mother, and her mom's comment of thanks. So poignant and layered in meaning to me now. The faithful Christian life has so many ripples when we toss our stones of faithful words on the sea of life, many of them rippling into eternity. Thank you Pastor Sauls for the time and thought in tossing out these faithful, encouraging words.
It’s almost “Happy Socks” day again. Praise the Lord, he is alive!
Thank you for writing "All Sad Things....", and for your personal transparency. We all feel shock, helpless, anger/rage,sadness, anxiety..every human emotion with loss, especially with the recent Covenant School murders. A true pastor lives & feels with others "in the trenches". God alone offers genuine hope & comfort. As an older psychiatrist, I believe the same is true. Please continue your excellent work "in the real world".
Thank you so much for your hopeful and encouraging words. I haven't felt much hope since Monday morning, and it's wonderful to be reminded of Romans 5. This post is a gift. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this. God has gifted you immeasurably with the ability to communicate his truth in such a powerful but winsome way. As a former pastor’s wife, I am so grateful for you.
Your words feel like a balm this morning. Thank you!