Authentically Living in the Muck

Recently my work and personal life have seemed similar in ways I’d have never anticipated.

My wonderful boss advised: “I’m a fan of being authentic and living in the mess together.” 

This phrase, this song, broke me at church Sunday: "A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious mourn." HE is the reason for our joy in all seasons, at all times, even when things are just - sad. 

JOY

Living and working at Joy House, we have this word all over! God has faithfully been reminding me joy doesn't always look like giggles. Sometimes it looks like beautiful tears of surrender. 

JOY

My past and current trials are no secret and neither are the miracles and freedoms I’ve continually experienced through the steadfast pursuit of my King. A wise counselor once told me, "I believe God is allowing you the opportunity to experience suffering so you may have a small glimpse of what He went through." Powerful. Suffering is not bad, if we enter into it well. (Let’s grab a coffee and I’ll tell you how He’s kept, healed, and freed me and continues to keep, heal, and free me.) 

Elisabeth Elliot has said, "We want to avoid suffering, death, sin, ashes. But we live in a world crushed and broken and torn, a world God Himself visited to redeem. We receive His poured-out life, and being allowed the high privilege of suffering with Him, may then pour ourselves out for others." 

Many of you know, and have been praying, this month as my family and I have been going through the muck. Thank you for prayers. Thank you for checking in. Thank you for flights. Thank you for places to stay. Thank you for dinners and time together. Thank you for fun distractions. Thank you for being consistent and persistent. Thank you for hugs. Thank you for everything I can’t think of to thank!  

Keep them coming because it’s not over. But you know what? What I have been astounded by is how my going through the muck, my tears, my frazzledness, and my authenticity is building bridges in ways only God can do. 

Will you pray with me? 

Pray that I will authentically live in the muck well. Pray for healing. Pray for strength. Pray for peace. 

Pray for joy in the midst.