I sat with my anger long enough, until she told me her first name was grief.
It has taken me some time to realize this. Actually more than some time, it's taken me quite awhile to realize this. Grief.
I've been down lately because I feel like I've lost my voice. I haven't had the words, well that is not entirely true, I've had the words, I've just been afraid to use them. From epidemiologists to lawyers, from physicians to teachers, from historians to therapists, from influencers to pastors from essential workers to politicians. Everyone seems to know everything AND everyone has an opinion.
Not only do we have the omniscient with us, we are battling the one-uppers. One-Uppers are braggarts that are afraid of being perceived as small, weak, or insignificant. They engage in constant plays to give themselves a feeling of satisfaction and superiority.
Ugh. No wonder I lost my voice. We are in a world that is overrun with grief - whether they realize it our not. Not all grief is processed the same. And that is okay. Read it again. That is okay. Not all grief is the same and that is okay. Read it again. That is okay.
You may be grieving the school year your children are missing.
You may be grieving the loss of in-person worship services at your church.
You may be grieving the loss of a love one.
You may be grieving the injustice experienced in our communities today.
You may be grieving the lack of leadership in the government.
You may be grieving the office and collaboration.
You may be grieving the loss of a job.
You may be grieving the loss of your health.
You may be grieving the loss of a relationship.
You may be grieving the old routine
You may be grieving the loss of travel
You get it. The list is endless. Now I challenge you.
Just for today. The next time you encounter a negative Nelly or a one-upper - remember you do not know what they are grieving.
Just for today - take a look at everything with eyes of grace and give them the benefit of doubt.
There is so much hurt. So much anger. So much grief.
Just for today. Try faith. Try hope. Try love.
Gratitude and Grace.
Just for today. Keep Pushing Through.