Aug 31·edited Sep 1Liked by Lamar Hardwick (D.Min.)
There is no equivalence with suffering since everyone's situation is authentic and unique. These articles have brought perspective to my struggles over the past 18 months dealing with spinal stenosis resulting in back pain and numbness/tingling/weakness in my legs/feet. Add to this caring for my 88 year old father, who has a manageable form of dementia, in his home. I am also his only child. Hiring a couple of caregivers has certainly been beneficial.
We don't want to talk a lot about what we're going through because it may appear self-serving or even undesirable by people who seemingly only and always want to hear "good news."
As a longtime pastor (42 years), I've always had empathy and been there for people dealing with challenges. Now that I have some challenges, I am comforted by the reality that God is as close to me as all the people I've ever cared about!
There is no equivalence with suffering since everyone's situation is authentic and unique. These articles have brought perspective to my struggles over the past 18 months dealing with spinal stenosis resulting in back pain and numbness/tingling/weakness in my legs/feet. Add to this caring for my 88 year old father, who has a manageable form of dementia, in his home. I am also his only child. Hiring a couple of caregivers has certainly been beneficial.
We don't want to talk a lot about what we're going through because it may appear self-serving or even undesirable by people who seemingly only and always want to hear "good news."
As a longtime pastor (42 years), I've always had empathy and been there for people dealing with challenges. Now that I have some challenges, I am comforted by the reality that God is as close to me as all the people I've ever cared about!