In Quiet in Crisis

Giving birth is a scary thing - I've been blessed to do it twice but both times there was a point at which mentally and physically I felt overwhelmed and I thought nope I'll do this another day. I actually tried to talk my husband into taking me home! One thing I noticed was my inability to make noise of any sort. On some strange unconscious level it seemed the quieter I was, the less reality the physical and mental meltdown held. This was in total contrast to the poor women in the room next to me! I guess what I discovered about myself is I'm simply not a screamer. Interestingly the medical staff told me they are more mindful of the 'quiet ones' because less alarm is raised when things go wrong. The danger is as we try and suppress or put on our stiff upper lip we can make ourselves unwell. Given the rise of diagnosis of mental health problems we can perhaps assume there are many people are going through life in quiet crisis.

We all deal with crisis in different ways like the woman next to me in hospital - you may be vocal, you may be a great communicator who works out solutions, reasons and understanding through interaction with other people or God in prayer. If this is you be encouraged that you've found a way to get purchase on the slippery rock-face of crisis. There are others who internalise in an equally healthy way. You may get your purchase through reading, information finding, meditation, reflective prayer or writing.

I am aware of a number of you going through different aspects of crisis (thanks to those of you who have shared privately via email- you are in my prayers and it is my privilege to encourage you). It breaks my heart to know there are folks going through awful situations feeling so very alone. For some of us the pain of life can be just too much, so gut wrenching that it feels like no one else could possibly understand. Beloved when you are paralysed in the moment of utter doubt, utter hurt, utter crisis there is one who understands. His name is Jesus and He gets you, He gets the situation from the inside out of who you are. He will sit with you till your head stops spinning and your breath returns. He will comfort you and nurse your brokenness back to life. You don't ever have to be alone - ask Him to meet you there humbly, quietly in your crisis for He cares. 

" Cor 1:3&4 'Praise be to the God and Father of out Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.'

very gentle Hugs this week

Ruth x

How's it Hanging?

I love watching house renovation programs; the idea of taking something dilapidated and giving it a whole new lease of life really appeals to me.  The sense of fruitfulness as planning, preparation and hard work, not to mention the skill of the tradesmen and how that all comes together to produce something life enhancing makes my heart smile. One of the things which fascinates me with these impressive structures are the front doors because they are the first reflection an outsider sees of the design preference of the folks inside. Regardless of design however doors have one thing in common, they hang on small or even invisible hinges.  When hanging a door there is a critical moment where each hinge and bracket must line up if the door is to be hung successfully on its turning point. Do you know, I think there’s an analogy to be had with here… Let me illuminate, the small choices we make and how we respond can have a hugely significant influence on the direction of swing of the door of our lives. Hinges can be positive, like falling in love or getting a job but many more hinges can be difficult and painful; when a loved one dies, we fail when it mattered - what holds us and what do we hang on then?

The Greek word for turning point is ‘Krisis’-  it relates to chariot racing and the point where the driver had to basically do a U turn before the home straight. During ‘the turn’ the balance of the chariot is most likely to be thrown off and a crash result. It’s where our English word crisis comes from. Rarely does it feel like it at the time but there is a plus side to this turning process. Krisis forces a change in our stance bringing balance to what really matters to us, shaking lose all the sawdust of superficiality. The turning action increases our awareness of the need for support from something beyond ourselves. Just as the door is stressed as it is hung it’s the stress of each hinge with each bracket as it turns which causes a secure fit. Guys you may not always feel it but you are secure in Christ. He will never leave you or give up on you no matter how things seem. In that point of crisis when you take a deep breath and panic pray for the wisdom, words of life or courage stay the course it’s then you are lubricating your spiritual hinges. Furthermore when we choose to work through the grind and friction of the bend with the Holy Spirit’s tools - graciousness, encouragement, love you now His stuff! We bring freedom, movement and an opening for God restorative power in the lives of others. If you’re feeling (please forgive the poor pun) a bit unhinged, know nothing can move you out of the will of God (Jn 10:28). 

Be encouraged every hinge, every bracket in your life is crafted by the hand of a master craftsman and will work according to His GOOD purpose and plan!

Hugs Ruth