Remembering: Part of the Journey
Today, one decade and one day after a most horrific event known as 9/11, marks the 10th anniversary of these daily devotional postings. Persons reading this devotion probably remember exactly where they were when the news first reached them on that day. If you were in a place where televisions were playing, you can probably remember pictures of what you saw replayed time and time again. Quite a bit of media time in recent days has been spent remembering, retelling the story in a variety of ways. Remembering is part of the journey.
I wonder if one decade from today we will remember the devastation that occurred in 2011—there have been more billion dollar plus natural disasters this year than ever recorded in a single year (at least that is what I heard on TV). Right now the east coast is trying to work through hurricane and rain events that have left many communities in ruin. I hope we can remember these stories too—they are also part of how the drama of life unfolds.
In bereavement groups this past week, we spent time remembering. We concluded that: in order to journey on, it is good to pause and remember. Remembering helped us to see the changes that have been initiated to be better prepared for our future. I hate that 9/11 happened, but I am grateful for the ways I’ve grown. The events of that day reshaped so many aspects of life. Many people are better equipped to respond to tragedy. While we remember, I trust that we will continue to press on in our efforts to make the world a more peaceful place.
--Ben Keckler
09.12.11
Showing posts with label growing with difficult times. Show all posts
Showing posts with label growing with difficult times. Show all posts
Monday, September 12, 2011
Friday, December 4, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, December 4
Growing Through Difficulties
“You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.'”
--Psalm 91:1
If you haven’t heard of Matthew J. T. Stepanek, you need to be introduced. He was a courageous young man, who died far too young. He had a rare form of muscular dystrophy and learned so much from his handicap that he should be called “handicapable”. Starting at age 3 he began composing poetic pieces that touch the heart. If you are still looking for Christmas presents, you might want to purchase one of the books. You will not be disappointed.
Mattie obviously struggled with some difficult things in his life and emerged as a person who embraces today’s key verse. Here is an excerpt from the introduction to one of his books, Hope through Heartsongs:
It would be easy for each of us to stay shocked, angry, hurt, or sad with all the difficult things we face in life. And even though it is difficult and sometimes almost overwhelming to examine feelings related to loss and loneliness and alarming turmoil, it is the only way we can grow, individually and together. We cannot let sad or traumatic events, or even acts of terror, be the death of hope. In spite of each struggle, we can and will find hope if we choose to do so.
Have a blessed day and a good weekend.
Prayer: God of this world, help us to see that the hopes and fears of all the years are met as we encounter your presence within. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.04.09
“You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.'”
--Psalm 91:1
If you haven’t heard of Matthew J. T. Stepanek, you need to be introduced. He was a courageous young man, who died far too young. He had a rare form of muscular dystrophy and learned so much from his handicap that he should be called “handicapable”. Starting at age 3 he began composing poetic pieces that touch the heart. If you are still looking for Christmas presents, you might want to purchase one of the books. You will not be disappointed.
Mattie obviously struggled with some difficult things in his life and emerged as a person who embraces today’s key verse. Here is an excerpt from the introduction to one of his books, Hope through Heartsongs:
It would be easy for each of us to stay shocked, angry, hurt, or sad with all the difficult things we face in life. And even though it is difficult and sometimes almost overwhelming to examine feelings related to loss and loneliness and alarming turmoil, it is the only way we can grow, individually and together. We cannot let sad or traumatic events, or even acts of terror, be the death of hope. In spite of each struggle, we can and will find hope if we choose to do so.
Have a blessed day and a good weekend.
Prayer: God of this world, help us to see that the hopes and fears of all the years are met as we encounter your presence within. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.04.09
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