Sitting in the Ashes

I recently read a story about an army chaplain serving in Afghanistan. People continually ask him how he deals with not being able to answer the tough life and death questions, as well as praying over so many soldiers as they die.

I found his answer quite perfect. He calls it "sitting in the ashes." In the Book of Job, Job loses absolutely everything- all his worldly possessions, his family, and even his health. His friends choose to sit with him in the ashes of his destroyed house because they know of nothing else they can do.

I think what people don't realize is that "sitting in the ashes" is one of the best things you can do for a person. It is truly an art to be able to sit with someone and know the depths of their despair without trying to fix them. Somethings just can't be fixed, despite the fact that it's human nature to want to make things better.

When my brother died, I so often craved people to sit in the ashes with me; to not tell me cliches like "things will get better" and quote Jeremiah 29:11 and tell me not to cry. Some situations in life call for tears and grieving. Those times are made easier when you have someone who is willing to sit in the ashes with you.

Before Bryan's death, I didn't understand this. I was the first one to quote Jeremiah 29:11 (I do truly love the verse, but think about the ending before you tell someone this. Bryan didn't have a future). Even now, I'm not perfect at it, but I'm learning. I find it comforting that there are other people out there who get this concept.

Challenge: The next time someone you know needs a good cry, don't stop them from crying. Sit in the ashes with them. It'll make you a better friend!

Laughter is Good for the Soul

This is an update of my earlier post.  More to laugh at because the most wasted of days is one without laughter!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NbJQw9qmm0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcqOgnQyXp4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeFI9aPZvKI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzNhaLUT520 and in response: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMtZfW2z9dw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iNxZ8Dww

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ezfk7s1NyY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOYMU15bjlA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uuk-h2ZYNJU&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odhUPMYXpX4&feature=relmfu
OMG I LOVE them! More Sophia Grace and Rosie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJB-Wx7l8A0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skHsvM1NCyc&ob=av3e

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5jw3T3Jy70

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCF3ywukQYA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEqwKNNQBwc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ysqh1uzqGrc


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMNry4PE93Y
and his friend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ngccj6Rt4tc

http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/super-bowl-thank-you-notes-2312/1383299/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UakG94tANc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UakG94tANc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_Z0uckoOR0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAFQIciWsF4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2BgjH_CtIA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI0AfYMkXcw&feature=fvst

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTs5eKZ0i1E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx1XIm6q4r4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg