Is it really complaining or sharing your "troubles" when you're scared out of your mind with an illness? Maybe it's your own, your spouse, parent, child, sibling, etc.. At some point, we are troubled by something serious in our lives. I don't think that qualifies as complaining. Maybe some do.
The Bible tells us to be joyful in all circumstances. While I realize joy and happiness are two different things, I hope others realize that too. I am not very happy right now, but I do have joy. I do my best to share my joy. But I gotta be honest, I feel pretty heavy right now. Some days, I am scared out of my mind. Some days I need to talk about that! Not because I want to spread dissatisfaction, but because I need a few things: love, support, help!! If someone is expressing to me, that is what I hear loud and clear. Maybe it's the ears that need repair on some people, I don't know.
And that goes for all the others who are struggling with illness. Don't be silenced because someone has told you not to complain. It's not complaining when you need assurance. It's complaining when you stub your toe and go on and on about it! It's complaining when you have a hang nail and the whole room knows! It's complaining when all I ever hear out of your mouth is how much you hate who is in office but you've never once said "how do you feel???"
Yes, we can have joy despite our circumstances. I believe it and I know it. But when we know someone is struggling, more than this they just need to know they are loved and cared for. If you don't love or care for them, don't share this verse until they know you are there for them first. And a hug never hurt.
2 comments:
I love what you said about the need to be heard when struggling with significant illness. It's not complaining, at least not in my book. I'm sorry that you have to hear from others that it is. I'm also very happy to hear that you know joy in the midst of suffering. That truly is a gift from God. Love you my friend.
Father, in Jesus name, hug my sister Jami today so that she knows that she knows she is in the middle of your love. Amen.
Psalm 91: 1 He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
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