At one time in my life, I lived to exist. I existed as a child, adolescent, wife, mother, and yes, a Christian. Many of us do. We find that we are too imperfect to embrace our God-given liberty to LIVE. I would dare say that existing is NOT LIVING.
When we finally figure out what the meaning to life really is, we begin to live. All too often we "live" in the past. Past failures. Past hurts. Past disappointments. We can and should embrace those past "fill in the blank here" to find the meaning of those events. Embracing suffering does not sound healthy, but I say emphatically, "Yes it is!" We can take from those very events positive pearls and say, "This is who I am...I can be a better person as a result of "fill in the blank here."
Understanding that past events do not have to define you but are a small part of who you are today is the beginning of finding purpose. Embracing this fact can and will propel you into a future of possibilities. Once you reach this point, those circumstances that have had you paralyzed in the past can bring new meaning to your life today and for the future.
My Aunt Lynn lost her only child, Tracy Williams. Tracy's estranged husband shot and killed her before turning the gun on himself. She left behind two wonderful children. This was devastating to our entire family. It took nearly a year and a half for Aunt Lynn to find any meaning in life, but she has started Tracy Williams Foundation for women and children that have been abused. This honors our precious Tracy, but it also helps us find meaning to life. This has opened the door for Aunt Lynn's grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews to use their unique gifts and talents in Tracy's memory. But, most of all, the aim of the foundation is to help others get to safety from abusive spouses. In Aunt Lynn's words, "If this helps ONE person, it will have been all worth the effort."
I used Aunt Lynn's example because losing a child must be the most devastating thing to happen to a parent, but she has found a way to help others through her tragedy. Sometimes, however, it is not a tragedy that holds us back, but our own poor choices (sin). Other times, it is abuse. Whatever it is, John 10:10 tells us that that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. If we wait to live for the Lord when all is good again, we will never enjoy the last part of this verse. Jesus came that we may have LIFE and a FULL LIFE!
A full life resembles joyfulness. I saw joy in Aunt Lynn's actions and in her face as she would share what the foundation was for. There will be a ripple effect from Tracy's and Aunt Lynn's life. She is living again, not merely existing!
A full life resembles joyfulness. I saw joy in Aunt Lynn's actions and in her face as she would share what the foundation was for. There will be a ripple effect from Tracy's and Aunt Lynn's life. She is living again, not merely existing!
So...find meaning in your life and circumstances and "LIVE OUT LOUD!"
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