Sharing the Load -- (Exodus 17:12; Matthew 11:28; Ecc 4:9-10)

A couple of weeks ago, I posted about trauma and the impact it has on our family. The impact it continues to have. I have shared on social media some details of our continuing story. It's a tricky balance between telling OUR story as it impacts me, and honoring the girls' privacy and right to control THEIR story. I'm by nature pretty open. The girls, however, are not yet at the place where they are ready to let everyone into their messy world. I do respect that. 

This is a challenging season for my family. And while I cannot always explain exactly why or what is going on, I can say that we are so thankful for the support of our family, friends, and community. Every day.

I am also thankful for my faith. And maybe this is the time to share a bit more of my own story.

I grew up around the Catholic church. My folks always believed in the ideals of religion. They believed in God, Jesus, and the 10-Commandments. They believed in truth, love, neighborliness. They taught me to honor those things, and laid a good foundation.

Awww...I was so cute! Love those shoes!

We didn't go to church every week (more like once a month...ish). I did go to mid-week classes, and I had my first communion. I did VBS, and knew about felt-story boards. I read children's bible stories. I learned to ask the interesting questions (get my mom to tell you about Father Murphey!).

When I was 11-ish I spent the summer out of state with my aunt and uncle and cousins. It was my first big trip away from home. I think it was also my first encounter with live-out-loud Christians. The kind of believers that frame everyday decisions around actual discussions about God's will and plan for us here on earth. Family prayer time people. Grace at every meal people. Church is fun people. Memorizing scripture people.

It was there that I first heard about having a "personal relationship with Christ."

In many ways, that phrase has become a trite throw-away - another church code that is off-putting to outsiders. But to me, it has been my life-line. Ever since that summer when I came to know the Lord, I've been on a journey of relationships.

There are entire books about the "names of God" or the different facets of God. Our God is multifaceted and awesome. For me, the facet of God that I always return to is the ever faithful friend.

So now, as my family navigates some very challenging times it is that faithful friend I turn to most.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

- Matthew 11:28

And some of the rest He has given me is in the fellowship of wonderful people. Family and friends. People sharing their own struggles and triumphs. People reaching out with (virtual) hugs and prayers and compassion and understanding.  People I've known for decades and people I've only known for months. We were made to live in community - and this is exactly why.

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.  But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 

-Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

I struggle. I struggle with my own boogey-men of anxiety and depression (both clinical, and yes, I'm being treated). I struggle with trust. I struggle with confidence.

But I don't struggle with faith. I know that I can count on my Lord and the people he sends me. I know that however dark it gets, He is there for me - and so are those amazing individuals who stand with me, with our family.

Sometimes it's so overwhelming. Sometimes we get worn out.
It's good to have friends to share a cup of tea, a few laughs, and a moment outside the whirlwind!

This is (most of) my ladies grow group from church.
We came together for tea and coloring last week, between storms.

When it comes to practical help, so many of you have asked (wonderfully) what you can do.
If there is something, I promise I will reach out. But for the most part we are dealing with the figurative demons of the healthcare system and the more literal demons of emotional scarring. The only weapons I know with which to fight demons are prayer and persistence. So please, pray with me - pray for us. Don't stop. This is just one part of what will be a very long, weary journey. And reach out. If we can, we will always answer. If we can't, then pray even more.

But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 

-Exodus 17:12

I love you, my friends, my readers. You are truly gifts from God (yes - even those of you who don't believe!). Thank you.