Sitting in church today, grumpy and petrified for Steven’s future, I barely listened to the sermon. During my mind meanderings, I heard Pastor suggest we all think of church as a hospital for those with broken peace. Yes, that is me! Broken peace! I started listening more closely, and he was speaking to ME! To paraphrase the sermon, church welcomes everyone looking for peace. Everyone is living their lives often faced with many challenges, tragedies, illnesses, possible prejudices against them and sadness. As much as I would like to think so, life is not all daisies and sunshine. Steven’s life sucks, and will continue to suck. How/why that happened or why God would “let” that happen is of no consequence. It happened. It is.
My peace was restored when I realized that in the scheme of this whole eternal universe, the time spent on earth is only a drop in the ocean. Because the existence of “God”, (not a Jewish God or a Catholic God or even a Muslim God,) just GOD has been confirmed in my life; it has been proven to me that He/She is there. Waiting. For me and for Shaun and for everyone else, especially those who are suffering. While life may be challenging and emotional right now, it won’t be like that forever. He/She will be there forever, welcoming me.
So, for today at least, my peace was repaired in church.
I will see if it can last til next Sunday!
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Raising 5 Kids With Disabilities and Remaining Sane Blog 
Comments on: "Church is Like a Hospital" (15)
Reblogged this on rennydiokno.com.
This is so true. I wish the best outcome for Steven.
Well said. 🙂
Reblogged this on Laughter: Carbonated Grace and commented:
This is the latest blog post from my favorite blogger and describes my take on church and religion. Some people seem to survive and be good effective people without it. Some of us can’t. Jesus came for the sick, weak, needy, and sinful. And I am in need of grace in all of those areas.
I am so, so sorry for what you are going through. May you feel God carrying you with new mercies each morning!
When the Lord is in your heart anything is possible and peace is always restored. I never let go of his hand as I go through my days. Blessings to you and your family.
At this point in my life (somewhere just past the midpoint of my goal of living to be 100), I don’t practice within any religion but my spiritual sense is still always active. Right now I’m going through the greatest challenge of my life (and I’ve lived through many great challenges) – my 25 year old daughter is being treated for a rare and serious cancer — malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. There is nothing in her history that explains how she could possibly have this cancer, which is caused by exposure to asbestos. Anyway, I’ve been doing a lot of praying during the last six months. When I’m at points of feeling desperate to bring holy aid to her, I find that I do two things.
1) I fall back on my traditional upbringing and religion training and I get down on my knees and pray the Memorare:
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
2) I close my eyes and take three deep breaths. I bring myself to a state of calmness (as best I can) and I focus on The Universe. Visually, behind my closed eyes, it’s as if I’m looking into outer space and that I am surrounded by it, but in my soul/being/subconscious it’s as if I become one with the grandness and strength of what I think of as Oneness. From that state I call upon my mother, my grandmothers, and all women through all of time – the collective ancestral female power of love. I ask that they direct the power of their love in a healing way toward my daughter, that they surround her in the light of love they are capable of.
We know how much love we have for our children Now imagine that times millions. That’s the power I call upon to heal and comfort my daughter. I know they hear my prayer and they respond.
I’ll be thinking of you this week and will pray for your strength and Steven’s. I’ll also pray for the mercy of the court, that it’s insight and compassion guide Steven to what is best for him.
Thank you so much for your inspiring words.
amen!
If I weren’t able to avail myself of God’s perspective on life, I would have given up long ago. Thanks for the insights!
I’m so glad the Lord spoke to you today. Strangely enough, through a very boring sermon (not our pastor speaking), He reminded me that He is at work even when we don’t see anything happening. It was what I needed to hear today. Thinking of you and Steven and praying about it all.
Reblogged this on Tell It Once And For Autism.
Reblogged this on mgwebbuddy.
Oh my. I am so glad that you found some peace.
I’m glad the sermon helped Linda! I’m sorry for what you are going through. XX