Friday Five - Overcoming

Sally is preparing this Friday 5 just before she takes Chris into hospital for a cardioversion, right now we are all a little apprehensive. She writes......

But this whole thing has got me thinking, so many of us are overcomers in one way or anoither, so many have amazing stories to tell of God's faithfulness in adversity. And so I bring you this Friday 5;

1.Have you experienced God's faithfulness at a difficult time? Tell as much or as little as you like...

Every time I have gone through a difficult time -- I have found it difficult to feel God's faithfulness, however, God's love and faithfulness pull through. Time and time again, it's someone in the church community who brings it to the forefront. And... it's not always apparent that it is God's faithfulness at that time. It's reflecting back that I see it.

2. Have you experienced a dark night of the soul, if so what brought you through?

My darkest moments have been the times I have experienced bouts of depression. The rob and suck at my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual being. The darkness is so dark, that I can't see what brings me through while it is happening. (It's that dark curtain that surrounds me where I can see no further)

3. Share a Bible verse, song, poem that has brought you comfort?

John Rutter's The Lord Bless you and Keep you.

The Lord bless you and keep you:
The Lord make His face to shine upon you,
To shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

The Lord bless you and keep you:
The Lord make His face to shine upon you,
To shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

The Lord lift up the light
Of His countenance upon you,
The Lord lift up the light
Of His countenance upon you,
And give you peace,
And give you peace,
And give you peace,
And give you peace.

Amen.

I can listen to this over and over again

4. Is "why suffering" a valid question?

I think it helps us push through the dark questions, to explore who we are. I don't know why certain things happen in our lives, but I know that when I get through the suffering times, I can see how I have grown -- though I sure wish it wasn't so painful and sure wish that growth could happen without the suffering.

5. And on a lighter note- you have reached the end of a dark and difficult time- how are you going to celebrate?

I think that  reaching the end of a dark and difficult time is celebration in and of itself. Giving thanks to those around you who stood by you in the darkest of times. Give thanks to God!

Comments

[sally]

Thank you for this thoughtful play Cathy, and for the wonderful Rutter music.

[PS]

Thanks for the John Rutter selection. One of my favorites.

[QuakerPastor]

I love Rutter!
Your experience with depression speaks truth for me too!

[RevRosa]

We are truly sisters--the depression stuff and this piece is one of my absolute favorites. Thank you...

[Amy Stewart]

Few things touch my heart like the sound and sight of young children and youth singing. Thank you for that video.

[Mindy]

Very good answers

[Deb]

It is hard to see and know God is there in the midst of depression... and it always the people beside me that help me as well.

Thanks for the Rutter piece as well. :)

d

[Sue]

Thanks for this Cathy, especially the Rutter piece. Beautiful.

[mompriest]

I am totally with you on your response to #1...that is generally the way I describe it...at least before this latest bout of "absence of God" stuff...and, I suspect it's how I'll describe it when I look back a few years from now...

and I agree with #4 as well - it is how we grow...somehow.

I appreciate all your answers!