HCLM BLOG

Yes sometimes these people do not fair well because of embararrassment, fear of vulnerability or not wanting to be a burden. For those who can not handle difficult situations should see their pastor early, no doubt. Look for signs of depression in others and make recommendations to search for help before its too late if they choose to embrace despair which leads to the deep black hole of desperation. However, those of us that are focused on a path of spiritual enrichment may go a different direction. A book I just read called "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas Kempis is truly a compelling journey, granted this book was made for monks but offers us a wonderful insight and at a good time...it reads as follows: Chapter 50, THE DESOLATE MAN SHOULD PLACE HIMSELF IN GOD'S HANDS, It is good, Lord, that You have humbled me so that I may learn Your justifications and that I may cast from me all pride and presumption of heart. It is for my own good that shame has covered my face and that I seek my consolation in You rather than in men. From this I am to reverence Your unsearchable judgements which affect both the good and the bad, but always with justice and equity. I thank You for not having spared me for my sins and for having punished me with bitter stripes. I thank You for inflicting pain on me and for sending me trials that assail me within and without. Under the heavens there is no one who can console me except You, my Lord God, heavenly physician of souls. You wound and You heal, You take down to the depths but You also raise up...Grant me Lord, to know what I ought to know, to love what I ought to love, and praise what pleases You the most. Let me hold in esteem what is most precious to You and detest all that is foul in your sight. Let me not judge according to what my eyes see nor decide accordingly to what my ears hear from ignorant men, but let me, with true judgement, discern between matters material and spiritual and always and above all seek Your good will and pleasure....In summary...Is a man any better because other men think him better?...The humble St Francis said: "A man is only as great as he is in Your eyes and no greater." Hope this helps to refresh other spirits... I believe this book is a worth while read...Amen