Friday, September 16, 2011

5 Minute Friday: JOY

Linking up with Gypsy Mama for 5 minute Friday.  The rules are simple:  take 5 minutes to write, unedited, about a topic:  JOY.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  James 1:2-3


GO.

When I saw today's topic, my first thought was of my friend Angie who was diagnosed with lung cancer this week.  Next, it was found to have metastasized to her brain.  She went from being whole to being completely broken in the span of one week.  Angie made poor choices earlier in life and was living in new found freedom from addiction.  She was helping others find the same freedom.  Now this.

Joy can be found in this place though.  The testimony of a race finished well is sometimes larger than what we can do in years of service for Him.  I pray we, as Angie's church family, can help her to finish her race and hear 'Atta girl' when she arrives home, whenever that may be.

I also think of my mother-in-law who left us way too soon.  Too soon for us, I'm sure she wouldn't come back, even if she could.  She left us with such a grace and joy, a testimony of a race well ran.  The hubby's experience can give dear Angie's son hope and maybe a glimpse of the joy his mama will experience.

We don't know the why's of cancer, death, or any other trial we face here on earth.  But we can consider it pure joy when we face such trials because our faith is in Him who is our Deliever.

STOP.

Won’t you link up with us?

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.

2. Link back here and invite others to join in.

3. Go a little overboard encouraging the writer who linked up before you.

3 comments:

Jenifer Metzger said...

It seems hard to understand joy in this way but knowing the life that awaits after this earth is JOY. Great post.

Unknown said...

We used the same verse today, Allison. :) We can have joy in our trials because of Jesus. Just the truth. Many blessings sweet sister!

Pam Williams said...

Real joy, the kind that can only be experienced when we have a relationship with Jesus, transcends sorrow, overcomes loss, and beats happy by a long shot. I love your positive outlook and I am enjoying your posts, Allison. Thanks!
Blessings!
Pam at 2encourage.blogspot.com