Hope and Healing
For many of us, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a difficult time to get through. The empty chair at the table, the financial hardship, the estrangement of family members, the reflection on past “failures,” or the anxiety about an uncertain future are some factors that cause one to feel down and depressed in what is often called the “most joyful time” of the year. This truly can be a tough time for some, even the strongest among us.
While the advance of psychology has helped us understand a lot more about depression including the use of medicine to help one get through, I believe that the fellowship among believers is a major relief therapy for depression. I think being honest with one another and listening carefully is one answer to healing at a time of personal loss. While this is a time to amplified loss, as a congregation together we can make this a time of amplify healing and caring. Call those who are grieving loved ones; be sympathetic listeners; extend a helping hand to those who can’t get around with ease and volunteer to ease the load by being available.
On Friday, December 19, 2014, 6:30 p.m., our church will hold a Christmas, “Hope and Healing Service.” This is a time to listen to one another and determine how other families get through the difficult times and especially those that occur during ‘family holidays.’ It has often been said that sharing your problems often solves them. The advice you receive from one who has walked in those shoes is often the best you will ever receive. Remember: you may never get over the loss of a loved one but you will get through it, by the grace of God and the love of friends.
See you in worship on Sunday,
~ Mai
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