A tip of the hat to Kelly Lovell who pointed me to this piece by John Roedel that I’m reprinting today.
John is a comic, husband, and father of three boys based in Wyoming who has written about lack of faith, mental health wellness, grief, and the joy and pain of raising a child with autism in the form of simple conversations with God.
Yes, scripture tells us about becoming:
This is why we are not discouraged. Though outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are renewed day by day. Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine.
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 GWT
But sometimes we need to hear that scripture in a way that hits closer to home. In a way that connects.
Today, may you be renewed. Today, may you find courage.
Today may the wearing out and suffering you’re facing give way to this truth: The future God has for you goes far beyond anything we could ever dream or imagine.
Today, may this bring you hope.
–Pastor Steve.
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Me: Hey God.
God: Hello…
Me: I’m falling apart. Can you put me back together?
God: I would rather not.
Me: Why?
God: Because you aren’t a puzzle.
Me: What about all of the pieces of my life that are falling down onto the ground?
God: Let them stay there for a while. They fell off for a reason. Take some time and decide if you need any of those pieces back.
Me: You don’t understand! I’m breaking down!
God: No—you don’t understand. You are breaking through. What you are feeling are just growing pains. You are shedding the things and the people in your life that are holding you back. You aren’t falling apart. You are falling into place. Relax. Take some deep breaths and allow those things you don’t need anymore to fall off of you. Quit holding onto the pieces that don’t fit you anymore. Let them fall off. Let them go.
Me: Once I start doing that, what will be left of me?
God: Only the very best pieces of you.
Me: I’m scared of changing.
God: I keep telling you—YOU AREN’T CHANGING!! YOU ARE BECOMING!
Me: Becoming who?
God: Becoming who I created you to be! A person of light and love and charity and hope and courage and joy and mercy and grace and compassion. I made you for more than the shallow pieces you have decided to adorn yourself with that you cling to with such greed and fear. Let those things fall off of you. I love you! Don’t change!…Become! Become! Become who I made you to be. I’m going to keep telling you this until you remember it.
Me: There goes another piece.
God: Yep. Let it be.
Me: So…I’m not broken?
God: Of course Not! —But you are breaking like the dawn. It’s a new day. Become!!!
–John Roedel.