Looking for God in the midst of Oppression!
A deliberate look about.
Where have you searched in the midst of pain, suffering, waiting, and/or oppression? One of the many lessons I learned from reading Viktor E. Frankl’s book on Man’s Search for Meaning, is to look for beauty.
Looking for God in the midst of Oppression!
Frankl survived living in a Nazi death camp. And one of his coping skills to survive was to “find meaning in the glimpses of beauty in nature and art. Most important, he realized that no matter what happened, he retained the freedom to choose how to respond to his suffering. ”
Looking for God in the midst of Oppression!
When I read his book for the first time, I was living in the house on the hill in abuse and the oppression was grinding me down daily. Ignored. Nameless. Painful. Yet, I wanted to learn to respond the Lord’s way. And two verses jumped out to me then and today, I will share them with you.
“and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; “(1 Peter 2:23 NASB).
- I chose to lean into and wait on GOD’s hand to lead me out of the abuse.
- I chose to entrust the Lord with my story, over and over, and even with the emotional pain.
- I learned to stand up and confront and to grow up.
- Then this verse showed up for me when it was time for my next step.
“Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;” (Ephesians 5:11 NASB).
I had had enough! Finally, I stepped toward support to help me walk the three-five year process to expose the evilness of abuse. It was hard and painful, yet freedom was calling me out!
Looking for God in the midst of Oppression!
Today, I am way to the other side and now can offer hope to others hurting and to help others grow up.
How will you choose to respond?
Will you add beauty seeking into your life?
It could be the color blue and pink in the sky, a purple flower, a candle scent of vanilla, a smile from a baby, a wink from a friend, a laugh, the smell of fall leaves, or a mountain scene. This all depends on you and where you are looking. Search for beauty and pay attention to when your heart is stirred.
Recognize GOD is still on His throne and knows you and your story. He is the Creator of beauty.
Ready to live and I mean to Live beyond the emotional pain with joy!
#DarleneLarson #Grieflosscoach #lifepurposecoach #Author
