In my 72 years, I’ve experienced some incredibly dark times. The death of my son. The death of four of my six sisters, the death of my nephew, and the deaths of my parents. There have been deaths of long-time friends, and students who have passed away on my watch. A heck of a lot of death, all told.
I’ve struggled with debt and bills very early in my career. In 2020, I struggled and debated whether I should retire or keep working. I chose to retire, even though deep down I wanted to keep doing what I love: working with kids. Fortunately, I was and am able to continue doing that, be it part time and at the times I choose. And when I’m not doing that, I get to do my other two loves: babysit my grandkids and write. I wake up and spend my time the way I want. But it was scary at first until I found my groove (to use my baby boomer vernacular).
I think it’s safe to say most, if not all, of us experience dark times. Some of those times last a long, long time, with unrelenting ugliness. Yet there are other times when they don’t last a long time, but hurt a ton nonetheless.
I found my strength in two Bible passages I claim as my favorites. Matthew 7:7 (NIV) states: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” This verse has been incredibly important to me, and what a gift it has been for me. It is a gift for anyone who is willing to take it at its face value. An offer of hope. All one has to do is ask, see, or knock. Most importantly, have faith in those words. I have and I’ve never been disappointed. Never.
The other is a more recent favorite, but its meaning is similar, if not the same, as Matthew 7:7. It comes from the prophet Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV). “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” He (God and/or Jesus) already has it figured out for us, for me and you. He has plans for us. Yes, for us! But again, most importantly, we must have faith in those words.
Faith is not easy, and it isn’t for the faint of heart. It is something you feel and intuitively know. Some might think I am foolish for this belief, but I know beyond any doubt that these two verses have been proven time and time again in my life.
I have several posts through the years about light behind the clouds. Check out my post, “Stars” from February 15, 2020. Or perhaps, “Unsettled and Uncomfortable” from August 15, 2021. Maybe check out my post, “A Valley” from September 5, 2020. All three tell us the same thing: the sun might be hidden behind a cloud, but it is still there. The sun might be shrouded in the dark of night, but the sun will pop out in the morning light.
Yes, I am a Pollyanna. The glass is not just half-full with me; it is nearly full. While Eeyore is my favorite character from Winnie the Pooh, being around Eeyore people as I travel through life can drive me absolutely bonkers. Like Typhoid Mary, who brought sickness to anyone she encountered, an Eeyore is certain to bring doom and gloom to all he or she comes into contact with. I’d rather be surrounded by Pollyannas than Eeyores.
I feel my proven belief in Matthew 7:7 and Jeremiah 29:11 allows me to be a Pollyanna. No matter how much time I spend in darkness, no matter what trial I encounter, my faith rooted in these two verses will get me through it. It is my faith, and it is my hope. Give it a try. You might like it. Something to think about …
To My Readers:
You can always find all ten of my books,
including my
two latest books, Fan Mail and Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) on my website at https://www.jrlewisauthor.com
I want to give you a heads up. I am no
longer on Facebook or Threads. Someone hacked my
account for the third or fourth time, and I’ve chosen at the moment to not
build a new page. Maybe sometime in the future I will try again. I also have a
new Instagram account.
You can connect with me, though,
on Instagram, BlueSky, Substack, TikTok,
and X (formerly Twitter).
My Social Media Links
are:
Website https://www.jrlewisauthor.com
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/joseph-lewis
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18689711.Joseph_Lewis
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-lewis-67917b28/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thrillercrimewriterjrl/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@josephlewis1084
Substack https://tinyurl.com/2m5ckdvh
X (formerly
Twitter) https://x.com/JRLAuthor5364
BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/jrlewisauthor.bsky.social
Photo courtesy of Joseph
Lewis
Photo courtesy of
Unknown
