Select Few

The Craig family decided to take advantage of the beautiful, perfect temperature and few free hours before beginning the nightly routine.  Basketball began the fun and continued until one child desired to play baseball.  We gathered the gloves and baseball to begin throwing in a square like pattern to one another.

The flow went well for a few rounds until one child threw and the other failed in preparation to catch.  The ball hit glove then face.  This moment was the beginning to a disastrous evening.  One child crying due to guilt of hitting the other ran into the garage to be alone.  The injured one grew in anger and cried in frustration.  Unable to console either due to stubborn nature of both; my husband and I did what any great parent would do. . .we proceeded to toss the ball back and forth amongst ourselves. 

Finally able to make sense of words from the angered child, we included the child in the tossing rotation.  I turned to check on child 1 in the garage still upset about hurting the other.  Sure enough, just when we thought times could not worse, it happened.  I looked back to see how the emotions were of child 2 in time to see white.  Age slows reaction time; therefore, the glove did not save me from this one.  Baseball met side of head and instantly a blood vessel appeared busted, causing three out of four to be shedding tears now. 

Into the house everyone went.  Watching from afar, neighbors would deem this family insane.  I instantly placed an ice pack on the injury in hopes to numb out the pain.  Then, Tylenol became my best friend and reminding self to breathe a priority.  My entire head throbbed.  I knew the end result would look horrendous.

Sure enough, the next morning purple and red surrounded my eye.  Makeup could not cover up the colorful result of the injury.  Therefore, when going to the store and running much needed errands for the day, stares veered my way.  Many looked as though something was wrong with me or I should not be out in public.  I desired to become invisible to eliminate the stares, yet still get errands done. 

Feelings arose after walking in those shoes for the day: shame, embarrassment, frustration and a need to explain the situation before others begin judging.  But, I continued on my way and completed the ‘to do’ list.  I did explain the situation to a select few who asked out of care and concern. 

Ever feel like life throws a curve ball you never seen coming?  The situation instantly stops life due to severity of effects.  In the moment, it almost feels surreal and numbness takes over.  Then, suddenly a wave of pain appears which overtakes all thoughts.  Tears flow; yet, human nature fights it and works diligently to ‘stay strong’, avoiding emotion. 

Sure enough, the next morning after ‘that call’, ‘the letter’, ‘a conversation’ or ‘unforgettable event’, result of injury cannot be covered.  Shoulders sink, faces frown, and emotions get the better of you; revealing themselves through attitude, mood and words.  You desire the superpower of invisibility so others cannot see the effects of life.  Some will stare while others will run the other way; but, a select few will ask in care and concern.  These select will help find a solution. . .if you allow it.

Over the years, I have found hiding behind the shame, embarrassment and frustration only leads to a greater, deeper pain.  Anything kept in secret allows the devil to use it as ammo against us.  The ammo slowly kills the spirit, destroying mind and body.      

Some may judge and others may fear the situation; but, God will not do either.  Lay it at the cross and allow God to send a select few into the path who will help.  Be honest with God and His army so they may fight with you through the struggle.  The devil will tuck his tail between his legs and run for the hills.  You will have freedom.  You will have victory through His power.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.