SUNRISE SUNSET

No matter where you travel or live in this wonderful universe, your day will begin with a glorious sunrise. And no matter what problems you encounter throughout the day, the sun will set in a blaze of colour, slashing the horizon and seemingly sinking into the sea, or behind the mountains. Sunrise or sunset – they are both magical and truly awesome.

GOD’S PRESENCE

God’s presence is everywhere,

In everything,

Answers to our questions and troubles,

He does find,

Salvation for our souls,

He shows us the way,

Though it be through vales of sorrow,

He guides us every day,

Everything he touches,

Everywhere he goes

He winds a thread of gold.

©Helena Abrahams

HAVE HOPE

You dread sunrise and sunset brings no succour, no relief from worries. You are drowning in debt, at risk of losing your home, and there is no answer, no respite. When your outgoings far exceed your income you are left with mounting debt. Finding a second job is every one’s answer. You reply – “I can’t even find one”. Your energy is low, but you have to keep trying and you wish sunrise was a week away. Perhaps then the universe would give you

that extra time to solve your problems. Perhaps then you would greet the day with hope instead of despair.

Come with me and hold my hand. Just for a moment, and I know it may seem impossible, look up at the sky. See how the first rays of dawn are streaking the horizon, bringing light into dark. Allow yourself that leeway, that bit of light and hope. I know it’s not easy, but what harm can it do?

Step outside your cluttered mind for one moment and perhaps some clarity will help you do what you have to do. There is one guarantee in life, your day will be lit up by the power of the universe. No matter what, the sun will rise and bring light into your world.

WELCOME THE NEW DAY

If you’re in the throes of depression, feel like you’re deep down in a black hole and can’t get out, welcoming a new day is the last thing you feel like doing. In fact, you dread it and wonder how you will survive. Your mind is focused on your problems, tied up in knots you can’t unravel. You want to avoid the sunrise. Pull the duvet over your head and hide away from the light. No-one understands. People avoid you. You feel alone and unloved.

Stay with me awhile. Hold my hand. No words are needed. Rise with me and let us gaze through the window together. See the first streaks of light breaking through the clouds. Watch as it expands slowly, a gradual process bringing more light into the shadows of night. Don’t think of anything else. Just focus on that beautiful orb and see how it rises. For one moment, allow yourself to walk out of the shadows and absorb the beauty of the sun, the beauty of the universe.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

One night I dreamed a dream.

As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.

Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,

One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,

especially at the very lowest and saddest times,

there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.

“Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,

You’d walk with me all the way.

But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints.

I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.”

He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you Never, ever, during your trials and testings.

When you saw only one set of footprints,

It was then that I carried you.”

©Margaret Fishback Powers

YOU ARE NEVER ALONE

When grief strikes it leaves us feeling totally lost and alone – be it the death of a loved one, insurmountable tragedy, or the despair of a broken love affair or marriage.You may be surrounded by people offering condolences, offering a shoulder to cry on, or seming words of wisdom. You may smile and thank them, but your heart is broken, your spirit dull. You wonder how you will survive another hour, never mind another day. Trite words meant to be comforting, telling you it will get better, time heals, are like painful shards of glass tearing your skin.

All you want to do is nurse your pain in peace, in solitude. Your tears may dry up, but inside you are still crying, wondering – ‘why me’?

No matter what’s happening in your life, the sun always rises, but your eyes are clouded and cannot see the light. You struggle through the day feeling lost in a world that is too busy. The map that has led you thus far is shredded and cast to the four winds. You dread the setting of the sun, knowing it signals another dark night of sleeplessness. There seems to be no rest, no respite.

Come with me awhile. Hold my hand. Let me be your strength and see the world through my eyes. Just for those moments, let us watch the sunrise together. Wear your pain and sorrow more gently.

Stay with me awhile. Hold my hand. Together we will ease through the day and watch the sun set. Be not afraid. You are never alone.

ONLY YOU

Only you know how difficult it is

for you right now,

And no-one can alleviate your pain,

or understand your loss;

It is an individual experience and

there are no words that can console or

make sense of this loss.

Just know that not only

are you held in our hearts,

but also in the Lord’s;

He holds you,

Forever in his gaze,

Your hand in His.

EXPERT HELP

Getting expert help in the form of counselling is always a good idea. You may not agree or right now feel like you don’t want to talk about your issues, or expose your pain. There is nothing to be lost and a lot to gain. Having someone who can lead you back to a place of safety mentally and emotionally, could possibly be the greatest gift you give yourself.

Belief and trust will help you move forward. There will still be dark days when for you the sun never shines. There will still be moments of heart-wrenching pain and sadness. Allow those feelings and accept them as part of the healing process. Remember – there is no time limit.