WHEN YOU LOSE ALL HOPE, YOU MAY BORROW MINE

The Art of Covering

Image by Ryan Parker of Unsplash

Perhaps it's the trial of a serious or prolonged illness, the heartache of a lost relationship or death of a loved one, or maybe it's the life of suffering you've created by the poor choices you've made? It doesn't really matter what, as one does not outweigh the other, and all suffering is painful.

What does matter is despite the lies despair will whisper in your ear, you know you are not alone.

Psalm 34:18, assures us, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” And this is the truth, whether we are aware of it or not. The Lord is near, but sometimes He and the hope he gives can feel lost or out of reach.

The Art of Holding is the first step in mending brokenness, precisely for this reason. As we wrap our chosen piece in cloth, we remind ourselves of the things that hold us.

The things that hold us are the people and rituals that carry our aching heart forward. The people and habits from whom we can borrow hope. It can be a mother’s love, an encouraging sister or friend, a favorite verse, your quiet time in the morning with God, or the adoration of a child. When we borrow hope, we allow these messengers to wrap their love around our most vulnerable and tender parts; we allow them to gift us light and life.

As you wrap your piece in the cloth of borrowed hope, let it lie for a few days and seek its meaning for your life.

Here are a few things you can do to fully explore this step:

Make a list of the key people that show up for you?

Have you told them how much you value their presence in your life?

Set up a time to meet or connect with these people, even, or especially if you would rather not connect with anyone. These are the people that will help you to heal. These are the people who know and love you best.

Cover yourself in gratefulness.

It will change your perspective on everything. I promise!

Here is a link to an earlier post I created with you in mind! 5-ways To Stay Grateful, Even In Hard Times will get you started!

Grow your relationship and time with God.

At times God can feel distant, but Jesus tells us in Luke 4:18 that his father sent him to heal the brokenhearted. He's already there, my friend. Draw close to him and he will draw close to you.

Here is a great podcast by Emily P Freeman on How To Pray When You're Sad

Consider how you want people (especially your children) to reflect on how you handled this trial.

Will you have set a positive example?

Will they have gained or lost respect for you?

Will you be proud of the way you handled yourself?

As you mend your vessel and yourself, remember you are not alone. And if you cannot find the hope you seek, you may reach out to me, and borrow mine.