The Struggle is Real

 

In third grade I remember asking a question repeatedly on a daily basis:  “What if. . .?”  The teacher, annoyed I am sure, answered to her best ability.  I voiced concerns, fears and desired answers to every scenario through those two simple words.  Eventually the teacher ran out of answers and simply said, “Quit asking what if?”  Then, to solidify the quit asking idea, we had a play that year with a theme pertaining to always asking questions.  Continuously throughout the play a statement spat at the main character (who always asked questions):  “Stop asking questions, you are always asking questions all day long.”

Although I did not play the main role that day, I did ask questions in life all day long.  See, I am one who desires an answer to everything.  Why did this happen?  What can I do to fix a problem?  When will this be over?  Where do I go from here?  How could this be prevented?

Good questions; but, without solidified answers.  Life cannot be predicted. . .only trusted into the Hands of our Creator.  Wish I would have realized such at a younger age. 

Today, I ask that famous question in order to confirm purpose.  “What if. . .?”

A particularly dark day comes to mind when contemplating such powerful words.  My world flipped upside down around age 15.  I was trucking right along with friends, an amazing boyfriend (hottest guy in the school – now married to him), a place on the basketball team and complete family at home.  Abruptly life changed and my mind could not cope.

The dark day comes quite a few years later after much time spent surviving on life’s roller coaster.  One small break in all the twists and turns of life brought a thought of exiting the ride:  a way to remove myself from such sickening spins, crazy curves and dreadful dips.  I sat still, the world stopped and in that moment removing myself seemed the better decision. . .

I don’t remember much from the evening.  

As I recall such an evening now, I ask, “What if. . .?”

What if my plan superseded?  What if I had a stronger method?  What if my mom had to work later that day?  What if. . .

In this situation the question does not stem from fear.  In this situation the question holds a deeper meaning.  The answers stare me in the face on a daily basis (literally).  The answer comes in four simple words:  I would have missed. . .

Meeting Jesus at the Cross in surrender at age 27.

Marrying my best friend.

Holding my children.

Serving God in a realm of positions.

Just to name a few. . .

In the thicket of life, the mountain in front of us blocks the sunshine on the other side.  Our eyes cannot see a way over, around or through such a time.  We need help!  That is why God created you and me.  We are to shine light onto other’s situations to help them through and into the sunshine. 

The struggle is real.  The roller coaster does not stop when pain strikes.  The mountain does not move without help.  Be that hand to someone else today.  If you need a hand, simply open up your clenched fist and speak one name. . .Jesus!  He will lead others to you to help in such a dark moment. 

I am here and confident that God placed me as a vessel to take such a past and turn to good.  Doing so deadens the grip Satan tries to have on my life.  I pray this story helps someone, motivates most and provides a light to all!

With Love     

Sheree Craig    

Live life. . .One Day at a Time