Sometimes the smallest amount of light can make all of the difference.
I received a text early one morning last week, that my co-worker had an ear ache. She was in lots of pain and was going to the doctor. I felt horrible for her. I had frequent ear infections as a child. They were terribly painful. I can remember doctor visits, ear drops and yucky pink medicine. I can remember my Mama rocking me in the middle of the night to try to soothe the pain and comfort me.
Those long nights as a child, have given me deep empathy for someone suffering from ear pain.
As an adult, I have come to see empathy as a gift that comes from personal circumstances and sometimes suffering, that can turn into deep, heartfelt encouragement for others in similar situations.
Have you ever noticed that some of the people who shine the brightest light have been through some really dark times? Those who have been through deep personal turmoil and called out to God and walked out on the other side, not only have a story to share, but they have a unique empathy because they have been there. They truly understand.
That’s why mommy groups, cancer survivor groups and groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, work so well.
There will always be suffering and turmoil on this side of Eternity. We can spend our time shaking our fists at the sky and ask, “Why me?” or we can call out to God and reach out to others who have been there. We can receive comfort and encouragement from both.
When we get through it, we have two choices. We can harden our hearts and close that door and lock it tightly. We can become angry and bitter or we can allow it to change us in a good way. We can allow our suffering to be used to help others in similar circumstances. We can become a blessing to those in need. We can listen, encourage and offer comfort and understanding. We can offer witness that God is still in charge and still good.
We can shine a brighter light than ever before because in the end, the darkness does not win. Light will always be triumphant. A text from a friend reminded me. Perhaps you needed reminding too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂