The Back Page
By Sue Ferguson
Here we are in May experiencing the beautiful signs of spring with birds singing and green grass growing. The red buds from the trees on our deck are indicative of the leaves that will soon show up. People generally seem happier to be out and about not having to layer up with coats, hats, and gloves. When we do get a quick blast of winter, it seems to give everyone something to complain about.
A friend recently sent me a quote that reads “If everyone in the world wrote down their problems and put them in a hat, would you risk grabbing one, or keep yours?“ This is very interesting to ponder, and very eye-opening. When you think about all of the different parts of our world and all of the things that brothers and sisters are facing really puts everything in perspective. Things that come to my mind are the people of Sudan and Myanmar where genocide has been occurring for some time. There is civil war in Ethiopia, and crisis in Syria where 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line. There are countless things I could list here, but the problems that these people face are so unimaginable compared to the things that we consider “problems.” Sometimes we get so caught up in ourselves, that we forget how lucky we are to live in a free country where we can practice our religion without persecution and we can go to a hospital and receive health care regardless of our economic status. Most of us have access to clean water and food, and in this town, those that don't have access to food have many opportunities to obtain it through resources such as the Caring Cupboard and Church Out Serving.
We all have bad days, and times where we feel the world is against us. Why me Lord? Why now? I feel everything that causes us to stumble can help us in the long run. I read a quote once that said “The bumps are what we climb on.” I can think of so many instances where my setbacks have set me up for comebacks. The biggest one of course was losing my husband, which I reflect on a lot here, but that one experience has shaped who I am today. It has given me the strength and empathy to help others who faced the same tragedy. God has a plan, and we have to trust it. There is a new song that I heard recently, and the words have been with me all week:
Meet me in the valley, I need you Lord.
Be my shield in the middle of the war.
Tell me that I'll make it when I'm not sure.
You'll be faithful like you've been before.
Meet me in the valley.
I love that vision of being with Him in the valley. I picture those who have gone before us walking in the valley of the shadow of death with Him. He is always with us. So beautiful. Whatever your problems are today, reflect on them briefly. Feel sad or mad for a time, but also remember those who face far greater difficulties and unimaginable challenges in our world. Pray for them while you pray for yourself, and know that He always meets you in the valley with His hand out to take yours.
