Mention the word tragedy and just about everyone has a story to tell.
Some will talk about death, others may tell about divorce or a rough childhood or losing a job. Whatever the story, tragedy occurs when things go against the natural assumption that life will be smooth and fair.
Those who have encountered tragic events soon realise that life isn’t always fair and things don’t always pan out according to plan.
Done!
So here we are then, faced with a choice.
To allow tragedy to become our focus or to allow it to focus us!
Some of the most inspiring people are those who have overcome and are still able to focus. Big names like Mandela, Mother Theresa and Paul the Apostle.
Then there are those who don’t make the headlines, like you and me.
Yet we connect with the world everyday, at work and in our relationships.
Can we possibly know how others watch us make our choices?
Not for morbid fascination, but for inspiration.
The Cross turned from tragedy to focus when the disciples discovered that Jesus defeated death but a deeper sense of focus came later when they began to understand His Gethsemanic choice to trust God.
We are not called to die for the world, Jesus has already done that.
But we are called to inspire others through our trust in God. That is the most precious gift we can give when things don’t make sense.
If you are reading this, perhaps you want to share your story of trust. Click on ‘comments’ to type in your story!
4 comments:
Hi John it's me Estelle and it looks like I am the First to comment on your blog! :-)
Most of those who know me know that my family is in a bit of a rough situation but my motivation is to always keep going and to focus on the positives in my life (to name a few, God, my family and friends) and not the negatives.
We must all realise that God has a plan for us and the rough times will pass, it's not meant to last forever and yes, sometimes they won't make sense.
Value what you have and take each day as a blessing, love with all your heart and don't hold grudges because life is too short.
I keep a gratitude journal to express my thanks and write ten things each day that I am thankful for (no matter how big or small they are). Maybe others should do the same and realise what they have been given by God and Jesus.
Keep well and always remember to smile,
Estelle :-)
Thanks Estelle. You are an inspiration to us all. Bless you.
Hi John. This piece reminds me of a song I know called "Dance in the fire" by Mark Stanton Welch. The "fire" can be any tragedy/difficult time ; the "power" can be one's own resolve/focus to come through the problem and well as God's power working through us to get us through the problem. The lyrics go something like this: "There will be moments, there will be times,When life will seem crazy, like life is on fire. I can go running, I can go hide, Or I can choose power and dance in the fire. Oh, I'll take what I'm given, I'll swirl and I'll twirl and make it all mine. Oh, I'll never be shaken, as long as I face life and dance in the fire. Dance in the fire...choose my power, dance in the fire... I'll be strong." Keeping this in mind has helped me through some rough patches of late
Hi Lydia
Fire mostly has negative conatations but think of all the things that we are able to do because we have fire in our lives: electrisity, cooked food, education, computers, cars etc.
Looks like fire refines our lives...?
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