"A Heart Without Understanding" (Running Home: Behind the Story Series Part 3)

        The second full installment of the Running Home short story collection, "A Heart Without Understanding" relays a simple but important message.

    The Slacks find themselves unexpectedly facing a world without John (Melda's father and the devoted patriarch of the family). The emotional elements of the story stem from the appearance of an illness that resulted in his passing and the immense grief that follows.

The deep sense of turmoil that appears after someone experiences the loss of someone dear to them introduces the unanswerable questions that no man can resolve; thus creating the unwelcoming foundation of bitterness and anger within the heart. 

The sudden absence leaves the mind to wonder where Jesus is in the midst of a raging sea. 

The simple truth of the matter is that life can treat us unfairly often without warning or explanation. The battle of heartache is NEVER easy to fight when there are circumstances beyond our control that will perhaps never be understood while on this side of Heaven. 

However, you never have to face the battle alone: 

Jesus feels your heartache.

He sees every tear that falls.  

He loves you beyond comprehension.

He'll make a way through a seemingly impossible situation.

All you have to do is simply stand still and trust in Him.

His purpose for your life is far greater than any heartache you may be facing. It is crucial to never rely on your own personal strength or level of understanding while navigating the unpredictability of life; trust in the Lord with all thine heart. He will make a way through circumstances that are impossible for the heart to understand.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) 

*Story and message dedicated to my wonderful and loving paternal grandmother, Ruby, whom the character of John Slack (Melda's father) was derived from. I love and miss you always. You were an amazing grandmother and I will forever cherish the brief but precious memories of our time together.*

Ruby Kathleen Spence Neal

June 1, 1935-December 26, 2009

Seeking And Finding

How many of you have ever found yourself panicking after misplacing your car keys or an important paper you need? The heart always begins pounding as the mind rummages through the list of possible locations.

The natural first instinct is to frantically dig through each and every drawer or closet; pockets are turned inside out and every room in the house is ripped apart and investigated. 

We begin to grow weary when we've seemingly exhausted every avenue and what we need is nowhere in sight; our hearts become discouraged as we lose hope in the midst of the mess.

The long-searched for item seems to be lost.

But could it simply be misplaced?

I can't begin to tell you how many times I have discovered something when I wasn't focused on the idea that I had lost it. I'm notorious for never remembering where my glasses are at any given moment. I have learned to assume that they are always somewhere in the house.

Our focus is too often misplaced as we travel through each day. It is easy to have ourselves needlessly searching far and wide in all of the wrong places for whatever we need instead of trusting that it is always nearby.

Placing our eyes upon Jesus and keeping faith in His promise of providing hope in the midst of the mess can sometimes prove to be easier said than done. 

That's why it is crucial in our daily lives to keep searching and seeking in the truth of His Word: a place we can know and trust to always find much needed reminders of how deeply He cares for us.

Don't give up on searching for and seeking the Lord and the truth of His sweet promises.

Simply place your eyes upon Jesus and keep looking, for He's that faithful friend who is always nearby. 

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" 

 "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8 KJV)

"The Introduction" (Running Home: Behind The Story Series Part 2)

 

As we make the journey back into the world of the "Running Home: Behind The Stories" series this week, the sentiments behind its creation continue with the discussion of the introductory short story. 

The process of many late-night sessions brought forth the foundational idea behind the stories. Running Home serves as a reference to running the race of faith in Jesus Christ and keeping trust in His promises throughout all of the many twists and turns of life. The journey takes readers through the earliest parts of Melda's life, her eventual salvation, and the years that followed. All sixteen stories were written with the intent to show evidence of Christ's continual presence and of the great hope that a personal relationship with Him provides.

My intention in opening the series was to not only introduce the close-knit bond of the family, but to provide a glimpse into the deepness of Christ's love; its unconditional nature, the source of shelter He faithfully provides through times of uncertainty, and the eternal security that can be found by choosing to stand firm on the promises found all throughout His Word. 

The strength and guidance He provides us with to face the trials and tribulations that present themselves are both precious and priceless; He hands us an abundance of resources to fight the battle of spiritual warfare that is continuously among us. 

Keeping faith in His promises isn't always easy, but a life with Jesus secures the  promise of eternal victory for all who trust in Him; His continual presence also guarantees an unwavering foundation for our hearts to run to as we face each and every day.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

 "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. " (2 Timothy 4: 7-8 KJV)