Your Monday Muse-Harry Connick, Jr.

Many of us today are feeling intense feelings, both empathetic and sympathetic. Our emotions are running the gauntlet from sadness and devastation to fear and anxiety to anger and impatience. We see the impact of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and, of course, we are remembering how we were all affected by September 11.

It’s difficult to not be like Eeyore from our Winnie the Pooh stories, walking through our day with a cloud over our heads wondering how to get through the next day, the next hour, the next five minutes.

It’s hard to feel like smiling, hard to shake off the overwhelm, the weight, and the pain. We’ve shed tears. We’ve struggled to get out of bed. We can’t focus.

But, the Bible reminds us that God is with us always, that He loves us always, and that He is with us always, and He will carry our hurts and our sorrows. We only have to cry out His name and lean on His promises.

“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

I know it can feel hopeless right now, but You are not alone. You are not walking through your day alone. You are not the only one feeling the way you do. You are not the only one hurting and crying out.

The Bible also reminds us, “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” Proverbs 12:25

Just one word can lift someone’s spirits. Just a smile can bring joy. Just a sweet card sent in the mail can lift the brokenhearted. Just a simple text or email saying hello can encourage those who feel alone.

Maybe today, you, like me and so many others, are struggling to see past the pain, but the best way to defeat the Enemy and to find your JOY is to look outside yourself and to give to others, to lend a helping hand, to reach out to those around you…and to simply SMILE.

Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Don’t fall away. Don’t forget.

God hears you. He knows you. He is with you. God LOVES YOU.

And, so do we!

Lambie Love,

Rachel