Moving Forward In A Bog

Yup...this is the scene. You've made it through what at the time seems like the worst thing that could happen. You know that you are still struggling to understand why it happened or how you can fix it. At this time you can't imagine yet that things will get better for you. It does seem like you're moving forward in a bog with no direction.

This is the time to realize how much the Lord has already blessed you. You need to be thankful for the people supporting you, not complaining that things are not going the way you expected them to go.

The above photograph, an autumn scene from last year, reflects my current mood. It seems like everything is dying, yet we all know that spring will come again. Just like I know in my heart that though I'm moving forward in a bog right now, I will see spring again.

I think of this tree, seen here on the left, as symbol of growth and promise of a better tomorrow. I hold onto to hope and press forward to the light.

A boost when it was needed most

It did seem for a time that all was lost. I wanted to throw in the "towel" and let the organization die. I told myself that no one cared. Of course that wasn't true. I had much to learn. I realize that. I couldn't do it either by myself. I knew that too. Yet amazingly so many others have came to my rescue...they stayed when it seemed that everything was falling apart at the seams. They told me not to quit and gave me a reason to continue.

Yes, the society is still in a critical phase. There is no denying that. I could wallow in self-pity and shame for some minor offenses or I could pick myself up, admit that I failed and move forward. Moving forward after a crisis isn't going to be easy. It is going take guts and courage to face the ugly naysayers who long to pull you down to their level.

It would be easy to give in to the naysayers. It takes courage and guts to stand up for what you believe and be willing to sacrifice everything for them. I had to tell myself that it was God's will that this situation happened, and that I was being tested. Would I stand up for him? Yes. I can't do anything else...God hates sin. There is no compromise here. Sin is sin. To believe that God will accept sinners who keep sinning is wrong and dangerous. If we condone sin, what is the unbeliever to believe about us? Yes, as painful as it still is....I believe that this happened for a reason. Have I learned something? I have. I learned a lot about the people around me, and about my own strengths. I realized that this whole situation is bigger than just what's currently happening in the society. Everyone needs to ask this pertinent question. How willing are you to stand up for what you believe in? Would you crumble at the least provocation? Or will you stand and reach out to others who need to see your stance?

I appreciate the strong Christian who is willing to make necessary sacrifices so others may know God and follow him. They give me a boost when I need it most. It is through their example that I see the Lord working. It is through God's word that I gain strength to face each day.

Rough Seas

I couldn't write last week. It is hard to write this week. I am going through some rough seas in regards to the organization I'm running. My Vice President quit for no reason at all. I'm feeling a bit sick in the stomach that two of the programs I attempted to run have fallen flat on their "faces." I know I do have support in getting the organization back up on its feet, but I'm wondering if it's all worth it.

I shouldn't quit. I know that. Too many are depending on me to keep things going. I have to admit that I don't want to quit either. If it remains a social club, would I be okay with that? Maybe...it wouldn't take much to make it that way. Some of the other historical societies do that. Yet I have a yearning to do more.

I can see why so many young and not so young people quit now. I sense the same frustration as they do whenever they come up with new ideas. All too often they get "shut down" and told that it can't be done. This is how I feel now. It is hard to admit that I'm ready to let the rough seas take me.

Is there any hope for me? Will I find some meaningful work soon? I hope so. I know that I can't go on like this much longer. I do feel like my heart has been ripped out with the whole situation. I am tired and like many of us long to go home to God. Yet I know my work is not done here. As much as it pains me, I have to move forward. Will I survive this agony? That I really don't know...All I really know is that God does care for me. He will give me the strength to move forward.