Thursday, June 12, 2014

Thankful Thursday

“The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering.” Ben Okri

The news is full of heart wrenching stories - terrible accidents, horrible sicknesses, natural disasters, horrors of war. And yet in those stories are the people...people who will somehow manage to pull their lives together....to rise above the awful.....to grasp onto hope and eventually shine incredible courage. 

I wish there was no brokenness, no pain, no devastation in anyone's life....but I think Okri is right....we really are greater than our suffering.  Grateful for.....

-people like Maya Angelou, Eli Weisel, Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman and so many others who show me that suffering can be overcome, and so never give up. 
-a family member who fought and overcame cancer is now living with greater courage and joy. 
-friends fighting eating disorders, who refuse to give up, but chose to stay in the fight, showing amazing courage. 
-everyone of us who struggle and fight to overcome painful stuff in our lives....
-and for Him being an anchor, something rock solid to hold onto. 

Blogger Sandie Holland had a double mastectomy yesterday. Please pray for her. 

Happy Thursday Guys....stay safe out there.


8 comments:

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Nikki,
The news is indeed filled with horror stories and people's lives are changed every day due to sickness and death. The past week had our part of the country in shock and tears with three of our RCMP officers shot and killed in Moncton {which is where I am from originally.} I still have family there. It's been a very sad time. But as I listened to the funeral services on TV, I was encouraged by the gospel message that was presented by two of the pastors who spoke. Even in the face of such tragedy, there was hope given to all who listened.
Many folks down through the centuries have also gven us hope and there will be many more. We are thankful for them. Until the Lord comes back to take us home to be with Him, we live our best lives so that others can see how good and sweet our Lord is. He makes this life worthwhile no matter what we do. Thank you once again for your encouraging post. And God bless Sandie Holland. May His hand touch her life and raise her up to be a witness for Him.
Wishing you and your dear family a beautiful weekend.

Hugs from PEI,
Sandi

Sharon said...

There are bigger battles going on than the eye can see. I believe that every time we take a stand against our pain and struggles, and choose to see God in it all, we win a mighty victory - both here on earth, and in the great spiritual war that wages in the heavens.

May God give us strength. For He has already won the victory!!

GOD BLESS!

Launna said...

Although I really wish there was no suffering and pain, I know to truly appreciate joy we need to see both sides... How I do wish it was easier. One day, hopefully a lot of this suffering will be gone:/

I pray Heavenly Father watches over Sandie and all people that need him..

Nana Jul said...

I'm so glad He holds all things together! He is my ROCK! He is my Hope! I also agree with Sharon.
keep shining for Jesus Nikki!
Love ya
Jul

Connie said...

It is true, there is so much suffering and pain and struggles. We are blessed to have an Anchor.

Joy said...

Yes,, with God we are all overcomers.

Margie said...

I have so much to be grateful for and I am, truly I am.

G-d bless you!

Connie Arnold said...

There is truly much pain and suffering in life, but the One who suffered greatly to save us is with us through all things, bringing joy and blessings. Blessings to you!