Flowers amid the pain

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

Uh oh! Just realized while editing this, that I’m on the same old topic again – my old hurts. I’m very sorry. But memories will not disappear, and as long as they don’t, the suffering returns. In the past I have expressed a lot of pain, trying to find where God might be. I always did find God. So glad he is here – with me over and over! I could not have survived without him.

Some of you may have experienced abuse and understand the pain. Professionals have said that “psychological abuse” brings greater damage and leaves deeper scars than “physical abuse.” Pain from physical abuse goes away in time. But the pain from psychological abuse sits deep within, often remaining throughout a lifetime.

I have a tough time with memories of what I went through. Try as I might, they will not go away. A simple trigger or awakening after sleep brings back the pain and has me suffering all over again. I sink into a deep hole of depression.

And thus, my moods go up and down, depending on where my memories take me.

Despite this, God has given me the gift of creativity. He has helped me find joy in photography. What joy it was to photograph a bouquet of Gerbera daisies over the last few days. I was happy with the pictures. And now I’m taking some of this joy and sharing it with you – hoping that the good feelings will rub off.

So good it is to have things to distract us from hurtful thoughts! So good to have activities that have the power to bring us joy!

When I work with flowers, I’m sure that God is in them. Look at the pictures I share here. I can’t resist bringing you more than just the one at the top of this piece. Enjoy the colour and the shapes. Do you see God there? Can you possibly imagine flowers as beautiful as these and God not being in them?

This is the season for flowers. Why not leave you thoughts behind and turn your attention outward – to the beauty God created – to the gardens in your neighbourhood.

…and don’t forget your camera.

May God bless you all.

marja   (Don’t miss the pictures below.)