“Not one thing in your life is more important than figuring out how to live in the face of unspoken pain.” ~ Ann Voskamp
I collect coins. I especially love the coins I’ve found that are still in circulation. I once got change at a Taco Time for a couple of burritos in which I found a 1910 penny. That was amazing…
I think I love coins because each one has been on a mysterious journey. I also love the metaphor they so humbly illustrate with their flip sides. I really believe that every aspect of all our personalities has a flip side. I also think it is a possibility that there is a flip side to pain. As I laid there, pinned down by the crushing weight of my son’s tragic death, I suddenly started to wonder:
What is on the other side of this coin?
Not long ago, I decided to turn that grievous coin over…and see what was on its other side. Or at least to try. This coin is very heavy. It weighs so much it has broken my health and my heart many times. But I was surprised by the Grace I discovered on the other side of my coin. That Grace has started to slowly give itself a reason. Many reasons, I should say.
I know each one of us has struggled. Life is not easy for any of us. And everyone experiences their life’s struggles differently and uniquely -just like everything about each person is uniquely a miracle that was never before and will never occur again. That fact in and of itself should be a very good reason for each of us to cherish ourselves. God spent thought on each one of us. He cherishes each one of us that much.
I have wondered many times about why God would bother to create all the different colors He did. Or all the variety of flowers; some hidden deep within the woods, like the trilliums that only bloom once every seven years…
And all the wonderful and strange creatures under the sea that no one but Himself may ever even look upon. The Every Change of Shade in every moment. With all of this in mind, imagine the careful thought the God of the Universe put into the infinite hues of our personalities–shapes, sizes, colors, and every aspect of our brains that make each one of us the only us that will ever live. People are complex. So is pain.
But not too complex for Our Maker.
He holds the coin of the reasons. And I knew He would help me with the weight of my anger and bitterness. He would help me flip my coin over if I asked Him to.
For a long time I was too angry with God to even talk to Him. I think I have decided to stop just lying there under the weight of that coin. So I’ve started to talk to Him again. And I feel a little bit better now.
Who is on the other side of my coin…?
On the flip side of my coin, I have discovered- or perhaps I should say remembered the me I had forgotten. I was going to need her to unearth and do what I was made to do. This is the me I found:
This Tricia lives inside me and always has. But in the haze of a brain and a heart so overwhelmed with sorrow, depression and fear for so long, I forgot all about her and what she was like. It turns out that I like her a lot more than the person I had become. She is authentic and natural. Now that I found her … I am praying to be more like her again. For me, the first step in this journey lies within true and unvarnished communion with the true and unvarnished Christ.
The Bread and The Wine…
Holy Communion. Jesus holds the bread and He breaks it with His own hands. Then says to us, “This is my body, broken for you.” He takes the cup of wine and says to us, “This cup is my blood, shed for you. Take it and drink of it.”
Why we ask…? He hears the question before we ask it; He turns and looks at each one of us deeply–straight into our eyes. His answer:
“Do this in remembrance of me.”
What does He want us to remember? And what does He want us to do? A rictualistic once a week or once a month thing?
I don’t think that’s what He meant. I think He meant something more like this:
“Be willing to give your entire self to me in the same way I surrendered everything for you. Surrender to me as I surrendered to my Father. Deeply. Profoundly. Completely. Come to me and rest in my nail-scarred hands. Let my love break you with the same obedience I let my Father break me. Then I will make the blood that flows from your brokenness into…
wine.”
What then is The Remembrance?
I have sat in church for many years and eaten the little cracker and drank the little cup of grape juice. And prayed to be able to really examine myself before Him. But as necessary as it is, is that what He wants us to remember?
Suddenly, as I was pondering all of this last week, something occurred to me that for all these years had escaped my notice. My epiphany might be obvious to many other people. But for me it was a blazing light, so bright that it lit up everything around me.
For me, this is the true Remembrance.
At the Last Supper, Jesus broke the bread. He broke it with His own hands…and then gave the broken pieces to us.
To all who are broken and suffering, the Risen Christ extends this invitation:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Pain has a reason.
Maybe its reason is that we might at last find home…
Just what I need as I face another week of radiation.
I’m so sorry to hear you have to continue treatment, Rob. I’m glad my writing was able to
encourage you in even the smallest of ways.
Much love to you and Maree,
Tricia
Jiliparkvip sounds exclusive! Maybe I can become a VIP player someday. Gotta start somewhere, right? Go VIP with jiliparkvip!
Fun97bet, eh? Sounds like a good time. If you’re looking for no-pressure place to have a little flutter this might be it. Give them a try: fun97bet
ID888Casino — The website is easy to navigate. And they had many games to select. Here is link id888casino
JLJL4, I’ve seen it pop up a few times. Seems to have a focus on mobile betting. Good if you are on the go a lot. Access at jljl4
345egame surprised me! Lots of interesting games I haven’t seen elsewhere. Pretty good overall! 345egame
Yo, kg777app is legit! Been scoring some wins lately. The app is pretty smooth and easy to use, which is a big plus for me. Definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for some online action. Check it out here: kg777app.
Yo, heard about h555gamedownload. The download process was quick and easy. The games they offer are pretty cool. I’ve been spending a bit of time there. If you need a new game to download might want to check it out. Go here: h555gamedownload.
Slots are so fun, but waiting ages to deposit is a real buzzkill! I’ve heard the 333jl app casino streamlines that with quick GCash deposits – sounds perfect for instant play! Definitely checking that out. 👍
OK9O is my current go-to lately. It’s straightforward, easy to use and the games are fun. See for yourself: ok9o
Yo, checking out sv388tructiepph for some live action cockfighting. Looks legit. Hoping for some good fights and even better odds! Time to see if this site lives up to the hype. Check it out here: sv388tructiepph
Heard some good things about 95vnvin, so I’m gonna deposit a little something and see what’s up. Hope they got a good selection of slots and maybe some even better bonuses. Wish me luck. Check them out yourself: 95vnvin
Just discovered a sleek new gaming hub for Asian players offering slots and live dealers at betao. The secure verification process feels robust, making this platform a solid choice for serious enthusiasts seeking premium digital casino experiences today.
Dice games are so fascinating – the math behind them is surprisingly complex! Seeing platforms like JLPH embrace both classic & modern options is cool. Quick sign-up via jlph link makes it easy to jump in & learn, plus instant deposits are a huge plus!
Interesting read! Understanding player psychology is key to any game, even casual fun like exploring platforms such as 333jl. Tailoring experiences to regional preferences seems smart for engagement. Good points!
Dude, this analysis is deep! Makes me rethink my betting strategy. For smooth access, checking out pinoy time ph game seems key. Convenience is everything, right?
Smart bankroll management is key with any online gaming, especially with high-stakes platforms. Seeing sites like 1plusgame com prioritize security (2FA!) & quick Peso transactions is reassuring. Responsible play first, always! 👍
I was looking for a casino that takes the night sessions seriously and this place delivered. The live streams are crystal clear and the croupiers are super friendly. My win streaks have been much better since I switched over here. rajahoycasino
I have been a regular here for months and the experience keeps getting better with every visit. The live dealer games are top notch and I enjoy the interactive chat features. It really feels like sitting at a real table from the comfort of my home. Thank you for keeping the excitement alive every single day. mexokcasino
I have been playing here for a few months and the withdrawals are always smooth. The interface is super clean and I love how quick the customer support is. Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for reliable fun. bigwin66apk
The JILI titles on this platform are seriously next level and I love how quick the withdrawals are during peak hours. It feels like the staff actually cares about regular players and the bonuses stack up nicely without crazy wagering traps. Trust me your wallet will thank you later ph8998jili
Been playing here for a few months now and the community is super welcoming. Customer support responds quickly and the bonuses keep me coming back. Definitely my favorite place to unwind after work. brbg777
I have been playing at this spot for a few months now and the experience feels so smooth on my phone. The customer support is always awake and ready to help me with withdrawals. Honestly it feels like a second home for my evening gaming sessions. Check it out here ph333jl
Great vibes and even better wins! I had a lucky streak last night and the withdrawal was processed almost instantly. Visit dtg288 for some real action.
Really enjoying the current promotions. The gameplay is fluid and the wins feel rewarding. Jump into pkq98 and see for yourself.
[5254]takabet Official Login | সেরা স্লট গেমস এবং দ্রুত উত্তোলন,takabet অফিশিয়াল লগইন করে সেরা অনলাইন ক্যাসিনো বোনাস লুফে নিন। আমাদের অ্যাপ ডাউনলোড করে দ্রুত টাকা উত্তোলনের সুবিধা পান। আজই যোগ দিন! visit: takabet
The payout process is surprisingly fast. Had a great run last night on ph91jili, highly recommend it to everyone!
Just had a massive win on my favorite slot today! The graphics are crisp and the game loads fast on my phone. If you are looking for a lucky streak try winjiliph777.