The Blessings of Adversity

It’s easy to celebrate the blessings of health, friendship, family, and nature. Focusing on these gifts makes us happier and more peaceful. Because sometimes life presents us with surprising challenges, we can learn to be grateful for difficult times as we discover that these times can bless us with wisdom, patience, and understanding.

Some of our greatest strengths are refined in the fiery furnace of adversity. Think about the times when you’ve overcome some serious difficulties. Notice the qualities you developed from enduring well. Contemplate the strengths you gained. Trials can transform our lives for good when we allow the Lord to refine and mold us by the things we suffer.

Here are a few examples of things I’ve learned from adversity:

I grew up desperately poor. After my dad survived a horrific car accident, he was left disabled and lost his business, his livelihood, and his savings. He struggled to support our family on a meager part-time income. I had two outfits a year, sewn by my mother with a dollar’s worth of fabric, and a pair of school and Sunday shoes. There was no money for vacations, Christmas presents, birthday parties, or outings. Eating out, go to movies, even buying a television set was not possible.

From that experience, I learned to appreciate the simple things. Time with friends and family. Spending time in nature. Reading library books. Writing. Using my imagination in creative play. Enjoying the privilege of a free public education. Loving the opportunity of learning new things. I discovered that the best things in life are free. That adversity has blessed my life in countless ways. I am more grateful for simple blessings. I celebrate life more fully. I am content with what I have. I have compassion and empathy for the poor.

My father became very ill with leukemia when I was in high school and died when I was a teen-ager. Because we had a close, loving relationship, the loss was hard to bear. I grieved his loss and still miss him very much. My mother struggled with health problems, and since I was an only child, I was left to face the world alone, or so I thought. During that difficult time, I discovered how much God really loves me. I realized He understood my pain and was willing to help and succor me. My greatest adversity became my greatest blessing.

Caring for my son, who has some serious health challenges for eight years, gave me the gift of patience. Caring for my dying mother, who became blind and unable to walk, gave me the gift of courage and fortitude. Caring for my neighbor, Beth, who was paralyzed after cancer severed her spinal cord, allowed me to reach inside myself and unlock my inner gifts of compassion. Those experiences, although very difficult, blessed my life in beautiful ways. I would not be the person I am today if life has been easier.

When I developed back and knee problems recently, I have learned to value the peace of meditation and solitude. I celebrate the songs of birds and the beauty of clouds in ways I never have before. I have discovered that life is more that being constantly busy. I have learned that peace can be found found in silence, in gentle thoughts, and in loving attitudes, and that peace is not a result of doing but of being. Jesus taught us this when He is the great I AM. He is our peace. He offers us a peace that surpasses anything the world offers.

As we trust in Him, worship Him, and follow Him, He gives us a peace that is perfect and pure. Jesus told Gideon that His name was Jehovah-Shalom or the Lord is our peace. May you find peace—even during your adversities—as you give your heart to God, who is peace.


© Carol Brown

Angels

I believe in angels, some who are heaven sent and other who are living. I have never seen an angel, but a number of them are described in the Bible. Jesus taught that children’s angels are active and alert. He said, “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” Paul taught, “Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

One of my angels on earth is Patti, a friend who gives great advice, listens with compassion, comforts me when times are tough, and loves me unconditionally. The woman is a saint, and I don’t’ know how I’ve been so blessed to be her best friend. Since I’m an only child, I consider her not only my best friend but my sister. She was at my side during my mother’s funeral, helped me during our move when I tore a ligament in my leg, and seems to understand everything I feel and think .She never ends a phone call without saying, “I love you.”

I felt the room fill with angels when my mother died. I know my dad was there—and my mother's mom—but I don’t know who the other spirits were. I just know there were a lot of friends and family waiting to welcome here when she left mortal life. Since she had six brothers and sisters who had passed on, I’m sure there were excited to seeing their loving and kind sister.

My mom had the blessing of seeing her deceased mom a couple of times. Both times she was very ill and in trying circumstances. Her mother comforted her, gave her some sage advice, and then disappeared.

Recently, I visited an elderly woman, Lucy, who is alert and wise. Lucy told me that ten years ago her husband collapsed after suffering a heart attack. Lucy called the paramedics, who tried futilely to revive her husband for half an hour. Then they placed his body in an ambulance and forgot to secure the door. His body fell out of the vehicle on the way to the hospital, and Lucy was devastated. Not only had her beloved husband died, but his body had been desecrated. A lawyer contacted Lucy after reading a new article about the tragedy, and Lucy decided to sue.

Lucy told me she was afraid to be alone after her husband died and turned on every light in the house before she went to bed. She also was depressed and anxious, worrying about the upcoming lawsuit. One night her husband came into her bedroom and sat beside her on the foot of the bed while she was trying to relax enough so that she could sleep. He said nothing, but looked at her lovingly.

Lucy felt instantly at peace, and she knew that she should drop the lawsuit. She followed her husband as he walked out of her bedroom, down the hall, through her kitchen and then faded through the wall. She said she slept peacefully without leaving any lights since that night.

I believe God sends angels to comfort, protect, and bless us. When our car was rear-ended on the freeway, and we swerved in heavy traffic--our car rotating 360 degrees, crossing several lanes of traffic, and screeching to a stop without hitting another vehicle to being hit again--I suspect angels may have been protecting us. When a friend or family members says or does something that is SO comforting, I believe they are angels on earth.

Sometimes the smaller acts of kindness can make such a difference in another’s life. Just knowing that someone cares about us and understands us is a priceless gift that our earth-angels give us and something that we can give others. What priceless blessings!

Who are the angels in your life? What experiences have shown you that God sometimes uses angels to watch over, protect, and comfort you?


© Carol Brown

About Storms and Flowers

During the past weeks in our desert city, we've seen a lot of rain. The stormy weather had produced a plethora of flowers which are lingering from spring into summer. As we hunger for sunnier days, we are surrounded by a fragrant array of roses, lilies and violets.

Sometimes we face the tempests and storms in life which can appear so unexpectedly. Storms can either strengthen or destroy us. If we hang on, trust in God, and allow Him to strengthen us, storms make us stronger. Then, after the storm comes the calm. Some day the Lord will return and heal this troubled world. He waits to comfort every broken heart. As we face great challenges and sorrows, He will sustain us as we seek His help.

Now, amid the calm which follows another desert storm, we are surrounded by more flowers that we've ever seen. When we endure adversity well, we learn compassion, patience, and mercy. As God's perfect love enfolds us, life is beautiful.
© Carol Brown

This Too Shall Pass

It has been raining in our desert town daily--for weeks. This is atypical for June. We miss the sunshine, but the flowers are thriving, grass is green, and water bills are low. Although we miss sunny spring days, we are blessed with water after many years of drought. Our reservoirs are full.

Life includes storms and sunny seasons. For some, one storm seems to follow another. Others' days are bright with few interruptions of darkness. Many experience some days of storm and sun and other days that seem partly cloudly.

While flying, I am amazed that we can fly above cloudy skies until we reach the bright, clear horizon. Although fierce storms may darken our days, the sun shines beyond our view.

The Son is the Light and Life of the world. Either He will calm the storms we face or give us strength to endure them. We promises that He will never leave us or forsake us.

Abraham Lincoln said, "An Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence, to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words: 'And this, too, shall pass away.' How much it expresses! How chastening in the hour of pride! How consoling in the depths of affliction!"

Although all the storms of life may not calm until the Son returns, we can trust that He will eventually wipe away all of our tears. Our trials will some day ease. As we trust in God and give our hearts to Him, we will eventually enjoy eternity with our Heavenly King. What glorious news!

© Carol Brown

Enfolded in the Arms of God's Love

When I was 19, my father died of leukemia. I was devastated. We had been dear friends, and because my mother had been ill most of my life, my father had played a prominent role in raising me.

After his funeral, I returned to the university. On the drive back to school, my boyfriend told me that he had a scary criminal record. I was desperately poor and became very ill and needed surgery, but had no health insurance. I didn't know what to do, so I turned to the only One who could help me: God. On the half-hour walks to campus each day, I conversed with my Father and told Him about my fears and frustrations. I explained my situation in detail to Him--knowing that He already was fully aware of it--and asked for His help.

On those walks, I literally felt enfolded in the arms of God's love. And I knew that He knew me. I knew that He loved me and cared about me and that He would help me endure my trials.

And He did!

Because of His grace (and a lot of studying on my part), I graduated from college with high honors in three years and completed my master's degree in the fourth. God led me to a man who loved God as much as I did. We married, and I had the surgery I that needed.

We worship an awesome God. He loves us and is mindful of everything we need. He longs for us to talk to Him and share our joys and sorrows. He waits to bring us peace and happiness as we face challenges and trials. Visit with Him today and let Him hold you in the arms of His love.
© Carol Brown

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Yesterday I spoke to a large group of troubled youth at a high school. As we discussed addiction recovery steps, which included accessing the help of a Higher Power, one young man said, "I don't believe in God. He just doesn't exist."

I replied, "When you hit rock bottom and have no where else to turn, hopefully you will discover God's power. Recovered addicts say they needed the help of a Higher Power. Some things are just too difficult to do alone."

After the class, I learned that this young man's father killed himself two weeks ago. His mother is consumed with grief, and his uncle, an addict, is the only adult who shows interest in the youth. I saw pain and anger in this youth's eyes as he bragged about his addiction and defied me to convince him that he had a problem. I could teach,respect, and encourage him, but I could not change him. He will need to make that choice.

Sometimes we need a friend to console us. That young man certainly does. Each of us needs someone who truly loves and respects us. "A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are,” we read.

Friends and family can be a great support, but sometimes no one truly understands our pain. No one, that is, but God, who described Himself as "a man of sorrows acquainted with grief." He knew loneliness, rejection, pain, sadness, and every temptation and suffering known to man. He understands us.

God doesn't go on vacation, put us on hold, or send our requests to voice mail when we need to visit with Him. He immediately hears every word we utter and answers every prayer. He can bring good out of what others intended for evil. He will strengthen, sustain and uphold us as we face adversity. All we need to do is ask for His help.

What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.
© Carol Brown

You Are a Child of God

A few months ago I taught a group of children at Church that they are children of God. I reminded them that in Psalm 82 we read, “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.” I testified that each person on earth is a divine son or daughter of God.


One young girl asked, “Does that mean people in other countries are children of God, too?” Yes, I replied, glad that she felt safe enough to ask to question. I showed her a picture of Jesus embracing children from various cultures. She appeared surprised and, with childlike faith, smiled in approval.


I testified that “the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”


I told the children that in my greatest adversity, I was enfolded in the arms of God’s love and knew that he loved me. I explained that through my greatest trial, I had come to feel God’s perfect love for me. And then I asked, “Do you know that you are a child of God?”


All the children smiled and nodded. They sat a little taller in their seats and beamed joyfully. All but one little boy, a visitor. Sad and forlorn, he looked down at his feet after I asked the question and shook his head.


I wanted to rush over to him, to hold him in my arms and comfort him. I longed to tell him how precious he is, that he is a person of infinite worth. I wanted to tell him that God knows Him personally and by name. I wanted the boy to understand that his Father knows every time he is happy and sad, that God numbers every hair on his head. I tried to explain some of those truths to the children, but time was short and the class ended. The boy shuffled out of the room amid the throng of children and disappeared.


I hope that some day he discovers who He truly is, a beloved child of the Most High, beautifully and wonderfully made. That belief will transform his life. He will stand tall and smile, knowing that he is a person of infinite worth.

May you feel surrounded in the arms of God's love today. May you recognize that you were bought with an unspeakable price, and may the love of God sustain you and comfort you throughout the coming days.
© Carol Brown