“Think Positive” and “Look On The Bright Side Of Things.”
Some of you may cringe when you hear these words of wisdom. Yes, I said wisdom. Sorry, but Dear Reader these two comments are a big part of why I had such a speedy recovery from near death.

If you are depressed I do not wish to wound you further, so you might want to skip this post and look for my next one. However, those whom call me “friend” know that I speak frankly and directly. I do not want to be reckless or insensitive, but our outlook on life is a choice. It is up to YOU to change your perspective when it comes to your personal trial. Life is not fair. We live in a fallen world and it is only getting darker. God allows trials; He permits them for reasons…… often unknown to us. That is a fact of life in a Christian walk.

WHY DO WE WALLOW IN SELF-PITY? I am not talking about grief over the loss of someone dear to us. It may take years, even a lifetime to accept the loss. However, I am talking about STAYING STUCK in what we believe to be unfair. Stuck to the point where bitterness becomes a best friend and constant companion. Stuck to a place where we don’t want to serve others for Christ’s glory. Some may like the comfort and attention others give them when they see their prolonged and paralyzed state. Others may give up and decide they don’t want to try to move forward. The devil has convinced them that God is unjust and like the advice given by Job’s wife, they Curse God and want to die. Job knew that life was a gift from God and refused to take his wife’s advice. Instead of cursing God, he praised Him.

Wow, what a great role model! For many reasons, some unknown to man I am sure, our Savior permitted the hardships Satan devised and brought upon Job. The fact that this story made it into the Word of God as an encouragement to later believers blesses me. OUR TRIALS CAN AND DO BLESS OTHERS IF WE STOP PLAYING IN THE MUD PUDDLES WE HAVE MADE WITH OUR TEARS OF SELF-PITY.

I did not ask for a brain tumor. I do not believe I was ill because I was a sinful woman. I believe God permitted my tumor to prove His boast in me. I also believe it was allowed to test my trust, faith, and love for Christ. Finally, I believe God wants me to use my hardship to comfort others. I hated the idea of going through such a difficult trial and not finding any good in it. I STROVE to actively seek God’s face in prayer and searched the Word of God to find meaning, healing, and insight.

So Dear Reader, You have a choice. You can stay stuck and yell from the mountaintops to anyone who will listen that LIFE IS UNFAIR. You can also choose to wear your grief as a cloak of sorrow letting it warm your heart with the compassion. Compassion to reach out and tell others on the path of life that they are not alone in their tribulation and that God and you are willing to help carry their burden. Your choice!

Isaiah 53:3
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.