A Season

It's been a season of loss at Ralphcrew. I've seen suffering at home and around the world but always felt very insulated against it. Not anymore.

Still, we can still count our blessings, because it's not like we've been tortured for our faith. We haven't watched a child die. We all have our stories of pain and loss...and so many of you have suffered and lost much more than we have, but loss is loss. When it happens to you it's personal, and it's painful, no matter the degree.

What do we do with our pain? This is what matters. This is what will define us.

Will we build protective walls around our hearts so no one can ever hurt us again? Will we go on the offensive, seeking to hurt and destroy those who have wronged us? Both? God forbid. We only hurt ourselves and possibly innocent bystanders!

Ideally, we will follow the example Jesus set. We forgive, over and over again. We forgive those who know not what they do. We accept the suffering without fighting back. We are not surprised when it comes, we know to expect it on this side of heaven.

When we know better, we do better. We press on.

Maybe we find that one loss has created room for something different. Maybe God shows up and brings dry bones to life! Maybe we find beauty in exchange for ashes.

I find myself longing for the day when we can look back and all of this makes perfect sense. Until then, Ralphcrew will keep on keeping on!