All Kinds Of Storms

As I write this tonight, a lot of things are on my mind. I am hoping to weave them into a collective blog that makes a little bit of sense. I am at a friends' house tonight doing some dog sitting, and the storms are howling around Music City. The dog, a lovable animal named Jasmine, was quite scared - but is currently dreaming of the dog food section at Petsmart, and all that goes with it. 

At the very least, it got me thinking about how we all face our storms. And, yes, you might have figured out that I'm not talking about weather-related events. Hey, I will be honest. For the past month, I have been facing a "storm" of my own. While I won't go into details - (What, me not offering TMI?) the past month has been filled with a lot of nervous moments. Let me say - the job is fine, my health is ok....nothing to worry about there that I know of. But, there was something that was really pulling at me. And, it came....and it went....and it was one of the best nights of my life. Someone very close to me made me feel like a million bucks. But, it's funny how at this point last week, I was like my friend Jasmine - wanting to hide underneath the table! I'm learning that if you trust and pray, things always have a way of working out. 

But - not always. Many of my Facebook friends were shaken about the death of one of their friends this past week - apparently from a decision to take their own life. I didn't know the person, but my heart goes out to those affected by it. Growing up in the Church, I have always heard differing thoughts about suicide. I think that anyone will tell you it's sad, but there are some who don't really seem to have much sympathy - or even empathy at all for someone in that position. I don't think these people are as cold as they come off sounding, but it really makes me sad. Depression is not a choice that one makes in order to back away from a relationship or a situation that might be hurtful. Some think that it is. It's a gripping disease that is like alcoholism. I don't know if you ever "beat" it, as much as you cope. For some people, the night ends and the sun comes up - but that doesn't mean it's a won battle. You keep rising every day to try to overcome it. Some days, you do a lot better than others. But, one thing I will never do is judge someone who has made that - or any other decision. I am simply not that qualified. My windows have enough cracks in them, thank you very much. And, who knows how the loss of a job, a marriage, or a relationship can affect one? You might notice I am not saying any names on this one, because I would dare say that even those that have the "Perfect" lives, with 2.7 children and 2.1 cars in the garage (It's the average, after all!) have their storms they are going through. Some just are better equipped to face the night. Some aren't. That doesn't mean they are weaker or any less than. I can't explain how some find the light...and others don't - but I believe that God has a lot of mercy - more than some of us. Depression is not an "Out" or an "Excuse." It's as real and as crippling as any disease. It can take away your confidence in just about everything. 

In closing, I just want to offer this prayer of hope to anyone who is going through their own "Storm" tonight. I remember one night where I didn't care if the sun rose the next day or not. For some reason, it did. But, it doesn't for everyone. Those that it doesn't - and those that are affected by it - need to stay in our prayers forever.....Peace, Love, and Understanding. The world - and all of us - would be better with more of all three, don't you think?