COURAGE

"Do everything without complaining or arguing..." Phil. 2:14

      My struggle with learning to live alone continued on and on.  I was in a rut and couldn't dig my way out.  Now that I was a senior and a widow my life looked bleak.  Nothing was turning out the way I dreamed it would.

      I found myself complaining constantly.  Although I knew this was very destructive, no amount of praying or pleading with God seemed to help.  I had simply lost the heart to go on.  Somehow I could not grasp onto hope.

      Sensing my despair, my friend Inger brought me a book to read saying, "Lenore, I think you should read this book, More Than Meets the Eye, by Joan Brock.  It's about a lady who lost her sight.  She tells of the trials she experienced while learning to adjust to her circumstances.  Perhaps it will encourage you to look at your life through different eyes."

      After Inger left, I picked up the book and began reading the story about a very courageous lady.  Convicted of my grumbling and bad attitude, I had to face the truth.  I was angry at God.  I blamed Him for taking away everyone I needed throughout my whole life.  I thought God must hate me because He took mother, father, brother, sister, daughter, husband, home, and my health.  I felt like Job--that Old Testament patriarch.  What was left to live for?

      In my attempt to acquire an attitude of thankfulness, I prayed, "Oh Lord, I repent of my anger at You.  Please forgive me and help me out of the rut I am in.  I seem to have more down days than up--just like a yo-yo.  Show me how to live above my circumstances."  I repented of my grumbling and began praising the Lord and thanking Him for the good things He has done for me.  But still, I found little to smile about.

      One morning I happened to turn on the radio to Focus on the Family with James Dobson.  The announcer said, "Today we will play a tape from a previous broadcast of Joan Brock, whose book, More Than meets the eye, has encouraged so many people."

      After listening to the tape I decided to send for a copy and play it whenever I felt depressed.  Joan emphasized the importance of making good choices.  There was one point for each letter in the word COURAGE.  The one point that stuck with me was for the letter A: Accept daily--this is the way things are.  Also, the letter G: Giggles--learn to laugh at yourself--is needful.  Laughter is good medicine, the Bible says in Proberbs 13:15.

      I am applying Joan's uplifting principles to my daily life.  My bouts of depression are fewer and I am learning to accept my life as a widow.  I suspect God arranged for me to read Joan's book and listen to her tape since I forget so easily.

     If you find yourself struggling with daily bouts of depression and discouragement, I recommend reading her life story, or, sending for this tape by Joan Brock on Seven Points of Courage available at Focus on the Family.*   It will revive your faith in God and encourage you immensely.

      I pray that I can encourage others as much as I was encouraged by this brave blind lady, Joan Brock.

      *FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO  80995