Thursday, April 01, 2010

He is my crutch


I was saddened to read (on Jane Brocket's blog) that the garden writer Elspeth Thompson had died at the age of 48.  Upon following the links, I read  Elspeth's blog and the heartbreaking post by her husband.  It linked to an obituary page where one found out she had committed suicide... leaving behind a husband and five year old child.

My heart went out to her, one who lived among Beauty but whose soul was filled with despair.  As one who has visited that land before... where life as it is at the time is too painful... I wished she had known my Crutch.  (Nothing in her blog or obituary gave that indication.)

I remember as a new Christian hearing people say "religion is only a crutch for weak people".  At that time... in my youth and well able to fight any such challenges... I would argue with them.  As the years went by and the storms of life came and went, I came to realize they were right.  Except I would say that yes... I am weak... it is the Person my faith worships who is my Crutch... religion alone can be shallow and without peace.

My own visitations into the realm of despair came after developing a chronic illness, when physical fatigue opened the door to depression.  I was actually quite relived when a specialist told me depression is common among Juvenile Diabetics due to the physical challenges it brings to the body.

Now, I'm a rather sanguine person and the visits into despair were short lived.  When I would realize the symptoms of darkness of soul and that feeling that life will never again be full of joy, I would run toward my Crutch.  That's what He came to earth for... why he died and was Resurrected... to bring me into the right relationship with the Father... to allow the Holy Spirit to live within and give strength to the weary soul.

Yes, He is my Crutch in this life.  I wish Elspeth had that Source to draw upon in her life.  Perhaps she did but the darkness was so deep, she couldn't see the Light. 

He understands despair and doesn't tell us to pull ourselves together and keep going with our own strength.  He, who fed the Prophet and caused him to rest when wanting to die, who calmed the soul of the king with the music of the shepherd, and asked the Apostle to take care of his earthly mother (knowing her grief)... He knows we are made of dust.

I wonder if the joy of life would have returned to Elspeth as the earth is being renewed, grass is growing, spring flowers are blooming, and the sun's warmth is felt on our face again. 

As for me... I take joy as He who is everything to me... the Crutch on which I lean on throughout life... and thank Him that He is there to hold my hand when walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Because He lives... so do I.

Picture:  Corpus Christi, Texas... photographer my friend BB

15 comments:

Lisa Richards said...

The news of Elspeth's death saddened me, too. I had never heard of her until Susan L. mentioned her on Jody's board, but I read some of her blog and loved what she did in making unlovely places beautiful. I wish her husband could read your post. It brought tears to my eyes. Yes, Jesus is our crutch and everyone needs Him!

God bless you, sister! Have a blessed Easter!

Christy said...

Such a sad reason for today's post, but you are right. HE is our strength in times of sorrow or despair - a "crutch" I willingly lean on. My thoughts and prayers are with her family today.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Beautiful post Brenda...

Anonymous said...

thank you!

Anita said...

I'm so grateful I have the same crutch! This was a beautiful post, Brenda. I'm not sure beautiful is the right word, but you touched me. Thanks for sharing.

Scrappy quilter said...

Wonderful post. He is my crutch too. I'm so thankful that I have Someone to turn every moment of every day. Hugs

Barbara said...

Brilliant post Brenda and so true.
It is Christ who strengthens me. He did not come into the world to take us out of our suffering but to manifest Himself in it.

Vintage Girl said...

Such very sad news. Brenda, your words are of such comfort. Thank you and Happy Easter to you and your dear family. Blessings, Heather

Terra said...

Oh what heartbreak. I prayed immediately for comfort and help for her husband and 5 year old child. Yes, He is my strength too, and I am so happy that I know Him.

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

Sad news, wonderful post and excellent point dear Brenda. Yes, He is my crutch too and I'm afraid I wear it/Him thin sometimes. Yes, a welcome Crutch for an imperfect, weak race of beings who were/are in dire need of the extra support.

God bless.
Love,
Tracey
x0x

P.S. I did get a kick out of your son's post to his sister. Being a "Lord of the Rings" fan I recognized the metaphors. He is a thinker...much like his Mother. :)

Vee said...

How very sad... Oddly enough, suicides are higher in the spring. I'm not sure that anyone knows the reason why...

Kellylynn said...

Amen...

Anonymous said...

Amen to that, Brenda. I wonder how many of God's children walk through that valley of despair. But we know we are not walking alone; He is right beside us.

Friend Debra

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Beautifully said!

Susan said...

Thank you for this beautiful post. You speak truth, and you have encouraged me today.