I Hope You Find Strength In The Midst of Your Troubles
We’re already in the middle of 2020 and a lot of things have happened already. The world has changed, and we have encountered various trials that challenged us and strengthened us. Through it all, it was God who helped us and gave us hope.
This post will try to provide some of the past and current resources that may be of help as we continue to pursue the second half of this challenging year.
I pray for God’s blessings, providence and protection for all of you. Do pray for me, too, and may we all find consolation in God’s infinite love and mercy.
Jocelyn Soriano
A Time for Healing
These difficult days may still be a time of healing for all of us. This includes mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Whatever your wounds or hurts may be, our God who heals is there for you.
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A TIME FOR JOY
This may not be a time for dances,
but this is a time for prayer.
This may not be a time for clapping,
but this is a time for songs.
This may not be a time for merriment,
but this is a time for awakening.
This may not be a time for running,
but this is a time for rest.
This may not be a time for kisses,
but this is a time for hugs.
This may not be a time for laughter,
but this is a time for smiles.
This may not be a time for parties,
this may not be a time for noise,
But this is a time for healing,
and this is a time for joy!
A Time for Hope
For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory… – 2 Corinthians 4:17, WEB
There are times when we may wonder if God is ever fair as we consider the suffering of many in this life. Is it fair that some are rich while others barely have something to eat? Is it fair that some are strong while others linger in a bed of sickness and pain? Is it ever fair that others enjoy the love of special people in their lives while others remain utterly cold and alone?
Indeed, if all that we have is this earthly life, everything would seem to be unjust. But in the light of eternity, we can see things in a whole new way.
Not that our knowledge of heaven could ever take away earth’s wounds today. But that this small light can give us hope, some consolation and strength, and faith to rise again each day.
There is one day we can look forward to. A day of justice and mercy. A day of fullness, of joy and of love.
In that day, it is those who have hungered who shall be filled. It is those who have grieved who shall shout unceasingly with joy!
Only then can we truly say that we have suffered but for a moment; we have been alone but for a day. And every wound our hearts have suffered have carved out more space for happiness for us. A happiness that far far outweighs all our tears and pain.
“A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The beggar died, and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom.” – Luke 16, WEBBE
“Faith is a loyal Wife.
Charity is a Mother.
An ardent mother, noble-hearted.
Or an older sister who is like a mother.
Hope is a little girl, nothing at all….
“And yet it is this little girl who will endure worlds.
This little girl, nothing at all.
She alone, carrying the others, who will cross worlds past.
As the star guided the three kings from the deepest Orient.
Toward the cradle of my Son.
Like a trembling flame.
She alone will guide the Virtues and Worlds.”
(Charles Peguy, “The Gateway of the Mystery of the Second Virtue”)
A Time for Courage
More than ever, this difficult time is a time for courage. It is not the courage of the violent. It is not the courage that feeds upon unreasonable anger. But it is a courage that desires to change what is unjust with wisdom, righteousness and mercy. It is a courage that is wiling to wait for the right time but is never idle in doing what is good.
“It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare.” – Mark Twain
This Warrior
This warrior is old and weary
Her heart is bleak and sad
Her feet are bruised and bleeding
Tired of all the places that she trod.
O, where is rest when you need it?
Where is silence when things are bad?
For someone who longs for shelter
It’s enough to sleep beneath the stars.
To sleep and dream of the good old days
To watch the sunrise when you awake
What blessed day when wounds are healed
When hope returns and you forget your fears.
Yet time goes on when rest is over
When you need to hold that sword again
And you fight on for all that you care for
With every ounce of strength that still remains.
“Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” - Matthew 10:16 (WEB)
“It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
“We have to be braver than we think we can be, because God is constantly calling us to be more than we are.” – Madeleine L’Engle
Please share this post and pray for others around you.
Jocelyn Soriano is the author of “To Love an Invisible God” , “Mend My Broken Heart” and “366 Days of Compassion”.
“The deepest wounds of the soul are healed only by compassion… People do not merely need to be clothed, they need to be embraced with love. A love that enters into their own fears and frailty, a love that suffers with them and stays with them through their darkest hour.”
I will betroth you to me forever. Yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness, in justice, in loving kindness, and in compassion.
— Hosea 2