community

Today my wife, Laura, reminded me of something that happened a little while back. Before this pregnancy now, we ended up having a miscarriage. We were very thankful that it was in the early stages. Though the first thought of pregnancy got us excited and then to find out that we had a miscarriage did bring a sense of grief to us both.

What amazed us both the most is that this was not as uncommon as we thought. Once we started telling those around us that we had a miscarriage, we found out that we had a lot more in common with them than we thought. After that moment, people came to us telling us that they too had experienced miscarriages, either in their first pregnancy or later down the road.

And in those moments...we connected with others in a way that is unspeakable. It helped to hear that we were not the only one to experience this tragedy. It brought a sense of togetherness, what once was broken with tragedy, was brought together, was restored with these great friends and family.

I am so thankful for everyone who helped us during that time.

This reminds me of a verse in the Bible.

James 5:16 Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

So many of us have gone through tragedies and we tend to isolate ourself. I heard someone say that it is in those moments that you need to surround yourself with others. Once you begin to tell others, you may find that someone may have gone through the same thing, or maybe they haven't but you find healing in getting it out and not holding it in. You may have also messed up and in those times we need to find comfort and healing in life together, don't hold it in.

There is a christian artist, Derek Webb who said, " I would rather have my sin known to the whole world then suffer with the fact of holding it in, and trying not to be found out. I would like to have it put up on a billboard all over town, on newspapers, magazines, and even the evening news...for then I could find freedom in knowing that I no longer have to hide my faults and act like I have it all together."

There comes a time, when we get tired of putting on the act of having it all together. We have to become honest with ourselves and others...and find healing and freedom.