The Sparkle Back

  Going to church , I was filled with anticipation . Anticipation with how Linda would react to her surprise . What was the surprise , you ask ? Not only did we pray over her as a congregation but  our Associate Pastor sang a song that he wrote for the three of us  ( Linda , Doug and myself ) or anyone going through a trial in their life .
  The song dealt with the question " Where are you God ? " Where are you during our struggles and pain ? Beautifully written and beautifully performed .
   As I drove to church that morning I prayed that today Linda would get her sparkle back . I purposely headed  her way after the service . Yes , the sparkle was there but she hurried out the door not wanting to stay and chat .
  I have to say that I felt bothered for about a minute . Not really the response I was looking for from her . It dawned on me the stage she was at . Yes , stage .  No matter what we are experiencing in our life , there are stages we go through .
   Right now , Linda is tired and fed up . She is angry at her situation and wishes it was over already . She wants to rave and rant . She wants to curl up in a corner and shut everyone out  so she can be herself .So why doesn't she do that ?
    Linda's stage is the one where our emotions are hanging on a thread . We have to put on our game face for everyone . We have to be positive and upbeat  because if we are not , people around us crumble . People may say be whatever way you want to be , but , they really don't mean it . If we act anyway other than positive  , people assume we have given up . We call this stage the suicide stage because all the people in our lives assume we are suicidal when we crumble up and become depressed .
   Believe me , we are not suicidal nor have we given up . We are just plain fed up !
   People have golden hearts . I have found this out during my illness. They mean well and want to help . The stage she is in right now , folks , all those famous comments people make to be encouraging just plain irritate her .
  " God only gives you what you can handle "
  " A positive attitude will beat this "
  " You need to stay positive "
  " Believe and it will happen "
   Please don't get me wrong . Please don't stop using these encouraging comments . It's just that right now , she needs to go through this stage . She appreciates everyone and everything and that's why she runs away in the presence of others . She doesn't have her game face on  .
  She has not given up . She just needs some alone time with God to let out all those frustrating emotions . She needs to let Him know how she is feeling .
 My , this has turned into a lengthy one ! Have a Blessed Week  everyone .