"Love of God is pure when joy and suffering inspire an equal degree of graditude."

Steven Curtis Chapman's Wife, Mary Beth, was just named one of Nashville's 25 Most Beautiful People because of how she has encouraged people going through tough times. The Chapmans lost a little daughter, Maria, when she was run over in the driveway by their teen age son who did not see her.  She has just written a book about this experience and dealing with the trials of life. One of the quotes from the book says it all... "Love of God is pure when joy and suffering inspire an equal degree of graditude." It is amazing how a person's story can encourage someone else.

We all have stories that would encourage others if we shared them. In the Recovery Program at our church, which was a ministry I participated in, I learned the value of this.  We had small groups with two facilitators.  They were called Healing for Damaged Emotions.  On the first meeting of the class each of the leaders would tell their story to the group.  This showed the members of the group that they were not the only ones to whom damaging things had happened.  It also gave them courage and encouragement to tell their story. And one amazing side benefit was that we also benefited by our own sharing.  It was a blessing that someone else knew our stuff and we were not alone either.

They often did not immediately share their stories, but as they got more comfortable with the group they did tell their stories. In the process they were often unknowingly speaking into another group member's life as well.  Isn't it wonderful how God uses us to reach others for Him?
In the end many of the members of our groups came to realize that inspite of the pain they experienced during their challenges they learned and grew. They found out that many of the things that they value in themselves in the present were due to understandings gained during their valley experience. As John Bevere wrote about in Bait of Satan, God allows the fire of hurtful, difficult experiences to burn off our dross and purify our gold. While not many can say, "I like the hurtful experiences." However they do like it that He uses these experiences to make them better.

Which brings me to my title taken from the book written by Mary Beth Chapman. "Love of God is pure when joy and suffering inspire an equal degree of graditude." That is the next step, my friends. To learn to have gratitude not only in times of joy but also in times of suffering. This reminds me of the song, "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord."

Please click on this link to gp to You Tube to hear this song and see the wonderful video on You Tube. When you are done click on your back button in your browser to return to this blog.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRbxEPn6khw


Have a wonderful week
Love and God bless