curve balls...

Tonight at FCA, Caleb shared about getting out of our comfort zones... we shouldn't be too comfortable. He touched on the curve balls thrown at us and why bad things happen to good people. All points often discussed in the framework of Christianity. And yet we still seem surprised when we see another curve ball.

I have a habit of sharing my problems with friends. I love to unload my drama and get sympathy or encouragement or answers... and then I love to find someone else to tell. I usually have friends that specialize in certain problems. Or I know which friend to pick if I want sympathy or accountability or someone who will kick someone's butt for me. Sometimes it's best to pick a friend who's been through a similar situation or knows the people or events involved. And sometimes it's best to pick someone who knows no one or none of it. When one friend doesn't tell me what I hear, I try another.

And then... occasionally... there are the situations when I feel like no one will understand. No one can or maybe no one knows how to offer sympathy or encouragement let alone answers. Sometimes curve balls send me right to my knees. I spend a lot of time crying out... asking the why's... fighting the anger... the confusion... the hurt... the unknown. I can't always hear God audibly encouraging me or feel him hugging me but I know he's there. Sometimes I'm convinced a curve ball or two comes my way as a reminder to hit my knees... first. I keep looking for the friend who can answer my cries and he's waving wildly trying to get my attention.

I have been comforted by the little things this week. A song... a prayer... a testimony... a verse... a book. No people necessary... just God.

Song of the week... Jesus Friend of Sinners by Casting Crowns

Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who's writing in the sand
Made the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

'Cause You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
...Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours
And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet