I went through suffering and when this happens... the beauty goes aside. I'm not able to see suffering as something beautiful and it's just very hard to focus on other things than the soul in pain. The best advice I got for these times is to cling to the Cross.
I always ask the questions is this my fault? I still live under the impression that if I'm doing everything right... nothing bad is going to happen. Yet, it doesn't work like that. Everyone suffers, either physically or emotionally, either it's visible or not. Bible verse from Matthew 5:45 says:
For He makes His sun to shine on bad and good people alike and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil.It's just hard for me to accept. There's also a time that our loved ones suffer, and we're put into a position of watching. I don't know what's worst. The part of the suffering is lack of understanding. Many questions with no answers. Helplessness of which leads me to greater surrender and trust.
Jesus is my light (like the one that appeared on my picture above!) so what else can I do?
While going through the difficult time recently, I developed ideas to help me to cope with the suffering. Surprisingly, there are quite a few options and doing something feels better than not doing anything at all.
Crying
That's very natural almost automatic reaction. It softens my heart and brings some relief. There's a point though, that you don't even have strength for the tears anymore.
Praying
I always pray but when in suffering I do even more. It's also said learn how to pray in good times when your prayer life goes smoothly and it's easier to grow your spiritual muscles. When life gets hard you can rely on what you learnt already.
With my last experiences, I discovered Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on a completely different level.
I go to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St. Rene Goupil Catholic Church in Sterling Heights and I spend there my time with the Lord. I feel like Mary, who sat at Jesus feet, recalling His words of this being the better part. There's comfort in God's presence. There's peace that illuminates from Him.
Learning from others
Obviously, Jesus and His suffering is my first teacher but I'm also trying to get to know the people, who went before us, the Saints.
St. Kateri is the first Native American recognized as Saint by the Catholic Church and she is a great example of suffering.
Exercising hope
"All shall pass", I like to say this to myself although my brain answers automatically but "when"? Am I really not patient? Maybe. Nevertheless, the seasons always change, and we must not give up. No matter how hard, it'll come to the end, not necessarily the one we wish for, but it will stop and new will come.
Forcing gratitude
There's always a bright side. We may not see it initially, but God will reveal it eventually. Little things are what we may still be thankful for.
Finding support in others
Not even organized groups, just surround yourself with compassionate people. There are others, who genuinely like to help. They'll listen and lift you up.
Searching for joy
My IF events make me happy so I'm planning a new one! Details will be ready soon.
Perspective
I completely don't know, how to look at the suffering as a good thing but... For one, I grew closer to God, again. It's often said, when in danger or trouble only there we go to God. And secondly, suffering shapes our character, if received in the right way. We do grow more patience, understanding, compassion and appreciation.
Lord, please help, all those who suffer!
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