The following article was left in my other blog at Masterwordsmith@Writers.Inc. today by a dear blog reader from US named Walt. It is very timely because something terrible happened to my other half today.
It is always difficult to smile in the face of tragedy and disappointment but my spouse has been a pillar of strength in the thirty odd years that we have been together. During such times, one would have been completely devastated but somehow, he has the inner strength from above and said calmly that there will be recovery and no matter what, we will have to sail through every single storm in life and there is always hope as long as we believe in God. At the point of blogging, he just left with my son to buy fish for his new aquarium even though he is completely devastated. My son asked, "Papa, are you sure you are up to it?" to which he replied, "Life still goes on."
Was it coincidence that I posted the slides on Beautiful Thoughts this morning? I doubt it. There is a purpose for everything. Slide # 2, 6, 10 and 11 seem to be so real and most comforting now. Was it also coincidence that my post in my other blog today is on Positive Thinking or was it a reminder from above?
You know, I am constantly amazed by the resilience that my spouse has. If it had been me, I cannot imagine how I would have taken the news. Many of my friends and even those from cyberspace who have met him have always called him Mr. Cool and indeed he is. He is the stabilizing factor in my life and it is from him that I learnt the meaning of faith, hope and love.
When I went through the challenges in the past few months, he never spoke a word of rebuke or condemnation but only words of comfort, consolation and strength. So, I am smiling through my tears because I know that as long as there is tomorrow, there is always hope and God will heal, restore and rejuvenate. And I thank God that he has left the house with my boy for I held my tears till now as I blog this. Somehow, writing about it seems to give me a cathartic release and I pray the tears will wash away the sorrow just as the lyrics of the song seem to calm my broken spirit. Yet, I lift my head to the heavens and believe, yes, we will prevail and God will make a way.
Thank you Walt, for your timely message.
So dear reader, if there be any one of you facing bad times, remember they will make us better, not bitter.....God bless you all....As you read the post...please enjoy this song by Don Moen which was written when one of his loved ones died in an accident (FOR NON-MUSLIMS ONLY). Please click here if you want to know the background of the song.
"God will make a way" has always breathed strength, hope and faith into my spirit whenever I go through very challenging times....Yes, God will make a way...even for Malaysia...
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THE VALUE OF A SMILE by Francie Baltazar-Schwartz
“The value of a smile is priceless, yet it is the cheapest, easiest, most rewarding and most sincere gift to anyone that crosses your path. A smile makes a person’s day, anybody’s day even a stranger’s day. A smile is infectious. Start infecting people with your smile today.
A smile is nature’s best antidote for discouragement. It brings rest to the weary, sunshine to those who are sad, and hope to those who are hopeless and defeated.
A smile is so valuable that it can’t be bought, begged, borrowed, or taken away against your will. You have to be willing to give a smile away before it can do anyone else any good.
So if someone is too tired or grumpy to flash you a smile, let him have one of yours anyway. Nobody needs a smile as much as the person who has none to give.”
16 comments to When The Storms of Life Are Raging
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Unknown Dear Dr. Saravanan,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your very caring message that is so sensitive to not just my feelings but also that of my hubby.
Yup, I am there for him and younger boy too.
*sigh* I seldom cook these days and tonight I cooked a lovely meal but sadly, no one, not even me who enjoys eating :-) could eat.
Sometimes, I wonder why God tests me so much. Each time after I weather one storm, there is a calm and then another one hits. Is it that I failed in the previous test or that God knows that I have to be honed for the clay has not yet become what the potter desires? *sigh*
Frankly, this time, I have accepted it much better than all the other tests. I remember Martin Scott Peck's opening line in "The Road Less Travelled" which goes sth like "Life is difficult. The sooner you realize it, the easier it becomes." Such wise words.
Indeed I pray that things will be better...Thanks for the offer :-)...You are a real friend and I am greatly blessed.
You take care too and I will rest...and play my piano for music can calm the beast within :-)...
Thanks again...I am deeply touched by your message and caring message and truly appreciate it.
Warmest regards to your lovely wife too...
cheers
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romerz Dear Paula,
Not knowing what it is that made you cry, I don't even know where to begin to offer words of comfort as you have done for me so many times since you knew about my dad's health issues.
All I can say is that "time heals all wounds" and I say this from experience. What may seem harsh and insurmountable today, given time, we will probably laugh it off one day (not that I'm trying to make little of whatever you are going through right now).
Take care. Things have a funny way of working itself out.
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Unknown Dear Romerz,
Thanks so much for your very sensitive, caring and sincere comments during my time of distress. I am feeling better now after a good cry and am much stronger than before.
Indeed, we are praying that things will work out but it takes a lot of time but I believe God will make a way.
I will continue to pray for God's healing upon your dad and that He will give you and yours strength as you all look after him.
Thanks for popping by and for your encouragement.
Blessings to you and yours
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ocho-onda Dear Paula,
Whatever is troubling your husband, I hope he can take comfort that you will be there for him as he did for you with love, support and understanding.
I am always more concerned for the silent ones - it is a good sign when the whistle hisses as it means that the pressure release valve is working ! Anyway, I am sure you know your hubby better.
Here's a poem I wrote. The message is within.
HOPE
Hope will comfort and soothe your aching heart,
When darkness lifts its haunting veil gloom will depart,
As sunshiny days will eventually reappear,
As surely as daylight at night's end will be near.
Life is not unlike a book of several chapters,
Each awaiting anxiously to be turned now not after,
Its entire story will neither start nor end,
Until its empty pages you do attend.
A tale can never be too forlorn or depressing,
Be brave even dark clouds have its silver linings,
Will the hands of Time remain obediently still,
While the Force of Life surges on with uncertainties forever real.
Take care and God Bless.
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Unknown Dear Ocho-Onda,
I am deeply touched by your words of comfort, wisdom and by your beautiful poem that moved me to tears.
Every single word of your poem breathes new hope into my spirit and much comfort for my soul.
And yes, we must have hope...for without that, it would snuff out the spirit within us, the will to live, to overcome, and ultimately to survive in this cruel world.
Even though I have never met you nor know of your identity, you are a true friend and a sensitive, caring one at that. I am greatly blessed, dear Ocho-Onda.
I truly appreciate your kindness, empathy and encouragement...
Take care. God bless you and yours always.
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Starmandala Your hubby is a very fine man and well loved by all who have met him, even if only briefly.
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Unknown Dear Antares,
Thanks for your love,, concern and validating comment. Hubby, my younger boy (older one has yet to meet you)and I love you very much too...
Hugs and much love,
Paula
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Anonymous Dear Paula,
Honestly, I don't know what to say. All I say is I am going to pray. For the strength to carry on. For the strength to face this difficult times. That God will show you His Mercy and Compassionate face and help you and yours in this time of need.
Hugs and Love,
Andrea
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Unknown Dear Andrea,
Thanks for your empathy and compassion during such trying times. Each of us has to travel along our designated rocky road of life which sometimes becomes smooth and other times turn rough. Nonetheless, the journey is made easier by people like you and the others who have become my friends and who care...
I believe God will make a way...really and that He will carry us as we ride yet another storm in life that will mould us into what He wants us to be.
Thanks also for your prayers. You take care too ok and may God bless you and yours...
cheers
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Walt I wept because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet’
Jeepers Paula, I cannot take the credit, half of the time, I blog in an altered state, and do not remember what I said until I read it the next day. In these devastating economic times, I can only imagine the worst, but even if he lost his job, with the grace of God, and the love of his family he will recover, a be better than before. I've been through the fires many times. It was bad very bad, I was never the same after; but that is the good part. As for you Paula my friend, you know the fire all too well, but you still carry heavy burdens from the past. All this has to be purged from your soul, for it will keep you spirit weak, and your body sick. I've been there, it is no fun.
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Unknown Dear Walt,
Thanks so much for your empathy. Those who have gone through the fire come out shining and are purer than before. I guess I am not shiny enough yet and I believe God will not test us beyond what we can endure.
Oh - I had loads of emo baggage but with the support, advice and encouragement of friends, not forgetting their prayers and genuine friendship, I have left it all behind when I letit go and let God....
I deeply appreciate your input and it is uncanny how your comments are in synch with the events in my life!! Thanks!
Take care and God be with you, my friend.
cheers
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Walt I have heard talk of a common soul, perhaps they really can share more than one body.
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Unknown Dear Walt,
Indeed I also wonder along the same lines!
Take care Walt and please get enough rest.
God bless you!
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Walt Good heavens, it must be so, or how else did you know I needed some rest?
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Unknown :-) I think you are right, Walt, cos I just typed it by instinct!!!
Take care and have a great weekend..
cheers
Doc Hi Paula,
you are so right about your husband being Mr.Cool. But he being cool means that he has good coping ability or he could also be hiding his fear and insecurities out of love for you and the family. Which ever it is, if it's a problem that you cannot fix, then just be there for him. Right now he will need your shoulders and your ears. He might not tell you so, but he might just need it.
Whatever the season, the only way to see calm is by riding the storm. All he needs is time, love and tenderness.
Hope things get better soon for your hubby and you. If there's anything that i could do to help, you know how reach me.
Take care and take rest. Regards to your hubby and your boys.
cheers