July 17, 2007

Suffering is not meant to be a solitary experience. Yet, somehow, the enemy uses our suffering to convince us that we are utterly alone. And that is the ultimate lie that keeps us apart from one another.

Rather, it is in those moments of suffering that we find our connection with this world. When we long for our unmet needs to be recognized and filled, we stand in solidarity with the those in the world whom God has placed His special eye on -- the outcast, the alien, the barren, the poor -- and we get a glimpse into the great love of God because we finally come to terms with the experience of being "poor in spirit."

When we encounter trials, it is important, more than ever, to give our community the opportunity to reach out to us -- as lame as their attempts may be. It is in ministering one another that we establish our identity as Christ's body.

"And the world will know that you are My disciples, because of your love for one another."
John 13:35