~ Brad Dourif
Being broken open by life though never pleasant is necessary for our growth. Staring at the shard pieces of our dreams and expectations is at once frightening, humbling, and all consuming.
I was swept up in the 80's television series, Beauty and the Beast, a fantastical modern retelling of the compassionate bond of friendship between Vincent and Catherine. Reflecting upon the show's theme, I find it was less about romantic love and more about how jewels of transformation wearing tragedy's disguise are hidden within our adversity to be mined to the surface.
Sadly, of course, like any epic romance, their affair met a Shakespearean end. As Vincent lamented being parted from his love, his father advised he allow the full magnitude of his grief to "crush him" promising there would be light on the other side. Since the only way out is through, it took some time, but Vincent's willingness to walk through the devastation of acceptance made it possible for him to trust in the new life that awaited on the other side of his pain.
"Sometimes it takes falling apart to see exactly how or what loosened the mortar. Sometimes we find we are responsible for the how and the what. As unpleasant as it is when it happens, one cannot help but appreciate these times, for what you learn serves as a beacon."
~ Colleen Truscott Fry
A friend recently divorced after several years of marriage, disclosed how bitter she was at having to raise her children as a single parent. This was not her vision for her family and she quaked at the thought of redefining her expectations. "I adored my husband and I loved being his wife and I worked hard to keep our family together. I could not see past the painful ending of our union. Clinging to my disappointment had become a life line I depended upon for my survival and I spiraled down into disease and dysfunction. Instead of welcoming change and commencing into new life, I feared the unknown horizon and I questioned God's plan and His timing. My world was flat."
We are not destined to become prisoners of our blighted hopes. Romans 8:28 reminds us that when we love God all things work together for our good according to His plan. We can trust Him with our scattered thoughts and shattered hearts. When we submit in faith to the full experience born of our losses we can be transformed mind and spirit to see our potential gain.
As you approach the horizon, fear not to step over the edge into new promise. Your world is not flat and the unknown is not unknown to the One who loves you most and best.
What prevents your belief that new life awaits beyond your pain?
Are there potential losses you are currently facing that you are unable to see past?
What is the pay off for remaining in your self imposed prison of pain and prolonged misery?
"When you come to the edge of all the light you have known and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown; faith is knowing one of two things will happen. You'll have something solid to stand on, or you'll be taught how to fly." ~ Patrick Overton
