I've never been a religious person. Growing up, we didn't attend church and we never really discussed religion as a family. I had friends who attended church regularly and I would go with them occassionally but I always felt "out of place" because it wasn't something I completely understood. It's overwhelming to attend a Catholic service when you don't know when to stand, kneel, say "And, also with you", shake hands, etc. I always felt embarrassed that my family never practiced religion or attended church.
I've always believed in God. I pray and I ask forgiveness. But, as an adult, I still don't attend church. I just don't know where to start. And, I hate that my kids are growing up not knowing a faith and the goodness of God. It's something I hope to remedy in 2013.
In the meantime, I need some help from you guys. The past 6 weeks have been some of the most stressful in my life and I'm having a hard time trying to see the "good".
My mother and sister both moved away, my husband's job is at risk again, my office just laid off 5 people (with the threat of more coming), I've had 2 major car repairs and my cat died. Just to name the big ones.
I like to think of myself as a strong person. I can usually handle things fairly gracefully, pick myself up and keep moving.
But, today? Today, I feel like I have the weight of the world on my chest. This morning was the 2nd major car repair on my car. An unexpected $750 expense and money we don't have.
My husband and I make a decent living but the financial responsibilities that come with twins has taken its toll. I would not trade my life with twins for anything and we're making due but there's not much left at the end of the month.
I'm just having a really hard time understanding why everything has to happen at once. I feel like I can't take any more. I am stressed out. My mom always said that God doesn't give you more than you can handle. Over the last 3 years, I've handled A LOT and quite frankly, more than some people handle in a lifetime.
I know everyone has their burdens and what I'm experiencing is nothing compared to those families in Newtown, CT or anyone else in the world, really. I know there are people who have it much worse than I do right now.
So, help me get some perspective. What helps you during difficult times?
11 comments:
What helps me during tough times is knowing that God has promised to take care of His children's needs. Oftentimes it's not on my timetable, but I find that when I truly let God handle the situation, He takes care of it so much better than I ever could have. The hard part is actually letting Him take care of it! Just know that regardless of the circumstances, He loves you very much and wants to work things out for good for His children.
When it rains, it pours, huh?
Im sorry things are so difficult. Financial strain is the worst.
I really hope things start looking up soon. I find talking with good girlfriends, a nice glass of wine and cuddles from miracle babies helps. :)
Ugh. Big hugs, Suzanne. I think the main thing that helps when it's really hard is having support - the support of my family and friends, but mostly from Steve.
I'm sorry that you've had so much to deal with all at once. So sorry that you cat passed away.
I can relate to having a sister move away and having half of our family live far away, too. We also had 2 major car repairs done right before Christmas (one being when Steve's car was hit and the person just left the scene.)
I'm sorry you're worrying about your jobs, too...we've had that in the past as well.
I don't know about that saying that God doesn't give you more than you can handle. I think that sometimes you just get dumped on...and sometimes it's so hard to handle. It's okay to vent and feel frustrated.
I would just say continue to talk about your feelings/frustrations with your husband. See if you have a friend nearby that can go out with you once a week or so - even if it's just for an hour to talk or vent.
And as far as religion is concerned, I grew up Catholic and always went to Church. My husband didn't and it's something we've sort of gotten away from...I do go to church but definitely not weekly.
We talk about God with Zoe and tonight at bedtime she asked if we could pray together. So we did - we prayed for her to feel better because she's sick and for her birthmom because we miss her. I try to teach her about being a good and kind person; I think at 3 they understand that.
I'm sure I'm rambling...sorry. But just want you to know you're not alone. I'm sorry it's been hard.
Sending hugs. I think it is important to focus on each day - taking it one day at a time. I get overwhelmed when I start trying to make plans down the road or think about "what ifs." His mercy and Grace are "new every morning." And actually, I believe God does give us more than WE can handle because it forces us to rely on him and have faith.
I have no words of wisdom for you. I wish I did. My only outlets for dealing with stress is to hit the gym and pound out my frustration on the treadmill. Or I eat! Lol!
I'm not a religious person either (meaning attending church) but I believe and I pray for strength and patience to help me get through the tough times.
I'm thinking of you. I hope that this run of bad fortune lifts soon.
I came across your post through another blog, I hop you don't mind a comment from a "stalker," :)
Simply put, it's Christ. Not religion (as there are many out there), not my own strength, but having a personal relationship with Him. In the last 5 years my husband has suffered through 2 unemployment stints, a cancer diagnosis, with possible MS to boot, my brother was killed in an accident, my son's painful divorce, and more smaller things that life tends to bring to us. Being a Christian does not mean you now reside on easy street - it means you have a God who loves you and wants good things for you and he brings peace to you in the hard times. He truly brings new mercies every.single.morning. He hears us when we call on Him! We live in a fallen world, full of sin, and evil, but He reigns and in the end, He will bring us back to perfection. It's promised in the Bible, and it's a promise He WILL keep! I know this is a hard concept for many, a God who created us, loves us with a love beyond comprehension, one who wants good for us, but one who allows us to go through tough times. It's during these tough times that we draw very close to Him and I can tell you personally, He IS the one who has gotten me through them. I hope you seek him out on a personal level, I truly believe that by your post, he is moving you to seek him and find him. It's an amazing relationship you could have with Him, an eternal relationship!
take it day by day. Don't get stuck thinking about the big picture all the time or you will drive yourself crazy. Just get up every day, take care of your kids, go to work, and put one foot in front of the other. Pretty soon it will turn into a week, then a month, and then a year. And remember: if the worst DOES happen and someone loses a job, you will get through it. I promise. You are strong!
so. i struggle with this all of the time. but from a different view. i grew up in church. being AFRAID. and always feeling like i was letting someone down. i liked that i had an idea of what was good and bad and had good morales, but as an adult? i know that i can think for myself. what i miss about church is a sense of community. a close knit group. a family of people who would help you in a second. but i agree with some of the other responders who said that it is about god, not religion. it's not about the building or how often you attend.
i feel the same stressors about the financial stuff as well. my husband works part time and is only teaching one class this semeseter. we really have to be smart about how we're spending money. one thing that helps me keep it in perspective is looking at the people i treat in clinic: most are precariously housed, they eat their meals at a food bank, they have no jobs, no health insurance. and i realize that you really just have to take it one day at a time. you can't let it consume you. make the best decisions you can in the moment. that's the best that you can do, you know?
i use exercise as an escape from it all. (maybe subconsciously i feel like i can RUN away from it all??). then i come home and EAT. then drink. and i play with my kids and try to see things from their view. :) they don't need super expensive things. they need me. and their dad. and imagination.
hang in there, girl, you're strong. you'll make it. pls email if you want to chat offline :)
xx
Wow. That's A LOT to be dealing with.
I agree with Anonymous. It's in Christ alone that my peace comes. And that's not to say that I don't struggle with worry or anxiety (cauz I do) but I believe He is worthy of my trust.
Pray. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him to make Himself known to you. The Bible says that all who seek Him WILL find Him.
I'll be praying He makes Himself real to you too - and reveals His power!
The things you are dealing with are very real, and I'm so sorry that you have so much stress. I can't even imagine all that being piled on at once!
I'm not AT ALL trying to Bible Thump you here...but one great book I've read lately is "Believing God" by Beth Moore. I've finished it and would happily mail it to you if you are interested.
Take care, friend!
Try KLOVE radio. It has pulled me out of some dark times. All God's promises from some amazing artists! Keep the faith Hon!
The bible says better is the end of a thing than the beginning. God says you will go THROUGH trials and tribulations not sit and stay in them. When you are feeling such great force against you, take solice that blessing is right on the other side.
Post a Comment