When Things Are Confusing or Hurting

Needless to say, it's obvious that we've all had struggles in our lifetime. In fact, it wouldn't be unreasonable to say we are probably dealing with various ordeals at this very moment (I, for one, can admit to it). Maybe your significant other ended a relationship with you or maybe there's sadness in feeling rejected by one you may be attracted to. Maybe you're struggling with depression. Confusion and chaos attempt to permeate every aspect of these problems in an attempt to transform this into suffering.

The good thing to know, however, is we don't have to let that happen. Emotion, so I'm learning, is an aspect of life God gave us. But we have to "channel" these emotions properly. When we're sad, we cry out to God and wrap ourselves deeply in His arms, for example. We don't have to mull over what's happening when we can trust God to take care of it

These may not be worth much, but in times of trouble or sadness I have a few particular songs I listen to. These include Selah's version of "Bless the Broken Road" and John Waller's "While I'm Waiting." Though they could apply to relationships, which do tend to cause anxiety and strife, Waller's song can be a particularly powerful message for other matters as well.

Exhortations don't mean much from such a fallen text (authored by a fallen person), but it sincerely my prayer that whatever struggles you are enduring will not last forever. I have to constantly remind myself of this everyday; don't forget what God has planned for you in the spectrum of eternity.

A First Post

Well, what is there to really say in a first post? Just jump right into a thought? Give an intro? Well, I think this will not be anything particularly special. Perhaps I'll spend a moment to elaborate on a few thoughts, namely my intent in creating this blog and the blog's (current, perhaps changing?) title.

First, this blog was created primarily for my theology class. Over the course of the semester my class will be assigned blogging about particular subjects for the class. It's to be an outlet for explaining our stance on issues through a channel that we will probably feel comfortable doing. In the past I've attempted to blog but without much success (or people who cared to follow it) but perhaps this time will be different.

Secondly, the title of this blog. Considering my name, I considered "Thoughts for a Bumpy Ride" to be amusing, if corny. But I think there can be a nice imagery about it; life is hardly "smooth sailing." In fact, it's filled with twists and turns and lots of unexpected bumps (or in my case, plenty which surround me on a regular basis!). Therefore, I thought it would be amusing for this particular bump to find a way to observe and openly reflect on various experiences and lessons.

Regardless of the overall outcome of this blog, whether it only run the race to the end of my theology class or continues to be something I employ using, I hope what I say can help others think, reflect, determine their own opinions, and most importantly: grow and mature, as a person and, even more critically, in God.

To His glory,
A Lowly Bump.