Beautiful Story

It was a facebook link I stumbled upon that led to a wedding photographer’s website. It captured this beautiful wedding. From there, I hopped onto the blog written by the new bride and the groom’s family members.

Their lives and testimonies remind me what life is truly about. I want to remember!!!

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13

Sad day.

Around 4pm, my facebook newsfeeds start piling up with “RIP Mr. Welsh” statuses and well-wishes. Did I miss something? What happened to Mr. Welsh?

This happened.

I never had him as a teacher in high school, but I have heard ample stories about him as a teacher and as a coach. He was a popular one, one of those “cool” teachers that students felt comfortable joking around with. I remember my friends adoring him because he not only taught AP Gov, he exemplified life lessons to them. He was a changing-agent and an inspiration for many.

It’s a sad day because this is another reminder that people are so fragile. Whether they are the annoying kid brothers, or our admired mentors, everyone needs GRACE. It makes me sad, because I often just assume everybody else has got life figured out and has it together. It reminds me that it doesn’t hurt to show extra kindness, because everyone is going through their own struggles.

It’s also a sad day because he must have lost all hope and meaning to reach this point.

What is my hope in? If I lose my most important relationships or my most favored possessions, will I be okay? If I lose my honor, reputation, approval from people, will I still want to face another tomorrow? Where is my breaking point? How deeply rooted is my identity in Christ?

Desperation

Humans are really fragile.

surgeries, uncertainty about the future, heart attacks, accidents, cancer, broken relationships, losing a loved one.. the list can go on and on.

I have only witnessed a very small glimpse, but we are all one moment away from pure desperation.

The idea that we don’t need God is the biggest lie ever. A whole generation convinced that they can sit in the driver’s seat of their lives and “have it their way”; no,  it’s the greatest deception.

If we were really in control, why do we ever fear? No matter how we mask it, our security in success, fashion, talents, personality, fame, money really does not suffice and does not last.

I think Eminem speaks for all of us in his song:

“I act like shit don’t phase me,
inside it drives me crazy,
my insecurities could eat me alive” – Hailie’s Song

In that moment of desperation, what do you do? When you realize, you can’t do anything to save yourself or anybody else, what do you do? What happens after you hit rock bottom?

It’s a terribly sad thing to commit suicide. It’s a last attempt to escape suffering and hopelessness. Don’t escape, pray to God! This is why toughness does not save people, but love does. This is why Jesus came to die for us, out of love. This is why we need God, so so desperately.

Suffering is increasing. How many more earthquakes and heartaches before we wake up and start praying? When does it finally hit home for us? For me?