The Twilight Zone

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd May 16, 2016 - Filed in Devotional - 11,182 views
  When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, and didn't know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?' She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, 'Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.' Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' John 20:14 WEB
  
  Mary and the disciples thought that Jesus would be made king and boot the Roman occupiers out of Israel. Instead He was beaten, crucified, and entombed. As she stood at the tomb, grief stricken and heartbroken, Jesus stood right in front of her and she did not recognize Him.
  
  When my Dad passed away, it was like life was suspended for a time, detached, unreal, and just wrong. Everything seemed surreal and I hoped to wake up soon. But as days turned into weeks, months, and years, life without him gradually became the new normal. It was not easy and I still miss him, but our life goes on and we must adapt to the changes.
  
  When traumatizing things occur in life like suddenly losing a loved one, we seem to step into the Twilight Zone for a bit. It is our way of not yet accepting the reality that we cannot face. We all have to face times like this in our life, and if you live long enough, you will see all of your friends pass on before you.
  
  Everyone wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to die. If you want a sobering look at life, take a walk through a cemetery and look at the dates. This cycle is nothing new, but we are rarely prepared for it.
  
  The Holy Spirit is right there with us to bring comfort during these trying times, though we may not recognize Him, just as Mary did not recognize Jesus standing in front of her. He is 'The Comforter.' God gives us space during these times of grief and does not hold our anger or outbursts against us, because He understands what we are going through. He lost a loved One as well and He knows how it feels.
  
  Prayer: Father, send me the Comforter today for I need a touch from You. Fill me up God where I will not be so empty and dry my tears. Bring sunshine back into my life Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
  
  Note: Happy Monday! The highlighted group of the week is the Haven of Hope, a wonderful private group to support those who have suffered under abuse. For any who would like to join, please go to the Groups link on the site menu to find it on the list. There may be a delay in approval, as all member requests are personally approved, for privacy purposes. ALSO, the Guideposts booklets are now on audio! Just go to the Guideposts link on the site menu and click on any booklet to see the link for the audio version. Many thanks to Dennis Hubbell of JIOS Radio for his excellent work with the audio! If you enjoyed the web version or the audio versions, please feel free to post a shoutout on the booklet page :). FINALLY, because of a life transition for Linda, our FAAD leader, the weekly FAAD chats will be suspended until August. The chatroom will still be free each week for any who would like to connect. There may also be special chat sessions, which will be announced as they are scheduled!