Yes, I have chosen "JOY" for my Word of the Year 2016...
But, because it is what is on my mind...and because it is so fresh...
I just can't find the joy in what has happened "down the road a mile or so" from where I live. I can't go on in the same ways I did just a couple of weeks ago.
So much, and so much more...
Where will it end?
Where is the joy in living when so much dying is all around us?
It's hard, I know; yet...
I woke up on a "normal" Sunday morning; only to learn during church of the shootings in Orlando. And, I did what I normally do on a Sunday.
I woke up on a "normal" Monday morning; and the news continued on and on and on to talk about the shooting and the victims and the shooter. And, I did what I normally do on a Monday; but I avoided listening to the TV.
But, these weren't normal days, for me or for anyone. These were just a couple more days following another tragedy; another shooting; and more violence...
And, for many, life didn't go on as "normal"; their life had changed in an instant of violence never to be forgotten.
We hear sooooo much of it taking place all around us.
And...
Where is the joy?
Where is the happiness in the "happiest place on earth"?
But, then I start hearing stories of what people are doing for one another, in the aftermath of this - and other - tragedies.
People reaching out in the ways they can to help each other cope, grieve, go on in the only ways they can.
And then...
Another tragedy in the same city...the "happiest place" that may no longer be known as the "happiest place on earth". That "magic" place that may hold different meaning for many people.
Yet...
The good can be found; and the joy can be found and...
We do go on;
But, we don't forget...
We won't forget...
Can't forget!
Didn't realize you lived so close to the tragedies of last weekend. I don't think God has joy over what happened, but any joy in the situation has to do with God''s moving because of it. A friend of mine posted the following on her Facebook page:
ReplyDeleteI have been listening to testimonies from many whose lives were saved in the night club shooting. Many testified how they prayed and ask God to save them and He did! We never know why some and not others, but we see that God heard the cries of many and rescued them. Now the battle goes on for the terror that they experienced. My prayer is that these lives will be forever changed, not with a life of fear and torment, but with a revelation of who God is and what He desires for each of their lives. We serve a Mighty God!
Yes, Barbara, we do serve a Mighty God; and though He doesn't make these things happen, and certainly doesn't have joy over them...He does take what has happened and uses people's strength and courage to make something good out of it all. It's hard to imagine that; but He does...He will!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and commenting (I've been off computer a lot lately; just now getting to my blog!) And thanks for sharing what your friend wrote.