Door of Hope

Currently I am reading "Splashes of Joy in the Cesspools of Life" by Barbara Johnson.

Though the second chapter deals with grief following the death of a loved one, the words and the recovery, are similar in other losses or tragedies...

Even in situations faced with the day to day issues of caring for someone with dementia and hearing loss; whose symptoms may be getting somewhat worse, with random outbursts and ugliness.

In Mrs. Johnson's words, I find there is hope:

"...the heavy mantle of (grief) that has been weighing you down is lifted.  You will actually be able to hear music again.  The birds will be singing, the sun will be shining, you will realize that God has brought you through.  You have survived, and you can lay down your agonies..."

Yes, the time comes when you get through it; when you can find those "splashes of Joy."  And, with the Joy, comes Hope:

"I will...transform her Valley of Troubles into a Door of Hope."  (Hosea 2:15 TLB - The Living Bible)

Perhaps there is something to learn in the pages of this book!

Reading on into Chapter 3, titled "We Must Understand That It Is Not Always Necessary to Understand", I find more doors and hope references:

"There Is a door of hope, you know, and you not only can find that door, but you can walk confidently through it with a smile or even a chuckle when you get to the other side."

I will continue to Learn to Lean!  And will continue to read the words found in this book; a rather old one with words that may appear dated, but they are oh so timely in words I am needing to hear!

This book, and other resources, may not be referring to the Joy and Hope we have through our Savior; but they are words of reassurance...

Those times when He speaks to be me through the words of others in a book, or a quote, or another blog post, or even in the dialog of a movie.

His words make their way to those who need to hear them, when they need to hear them!

"Those who need to hear them"...

Like me!

Perhaps you have the need to hear a word from Him...

Just be open to what the words you read or hear are saying to you.  It just might be what He is saying to you through them!