This may seem like an odd request, but trust me, it will make sense in a moment. When I heard this during a message last week, I was like, “You want me to do what?!”. Who wants to remember their raggedy days? A lot of people spend their lives trying to forget. The preacher talked about remembering where we came from so that we can appreciate where we are in life. That message made me look back on a lot of things I went through. Those dark, lonely days when I didn’t know where my next meal was coming from or if my bills would get paid. Those days that I was too embarrassed to call home or ask someone for help! This message was so simple, yet so satisfying because it gave me exactly what I needed. The preacher talked about if it had not been for the Lord on my side where would I be? I’m not sure if you are a believer, but for those of you who are, I’m sure you can relate on a spiritual level. How many times in life have you been down to your last, suffering in silence or didn’t have anyone or anywhere to run to, but by the grace of God you made it? Even if you don’t believe, I’m sure there were instances in your life that you were at your lowest and you didn’t ever think you would bounce back, but look where you are now! You made it! Correction, WE made it!
Have you ever had a moment where you had to sit in your own misery? I mean really sit there and wallow in your pain. No matter what anyone said or did, it didn’t make a difference for your situation. You were so miserable that even a kind word fell on deaf ears. I can honestly say that I’ve been there and until this day, I can see those very events unfolding before my eyes. I remember my raggedy days all too well! It made me appreciate life even more so and when good things fell on my lap, I was so grateful that I didn’t want to take it for granted! A lot of times we try to cover up our suffering by pretending everything is fine, but we aren’t doing anyone any favors! The preacher talked about how we need to stop pretending that everything is okay when we know it’s not! Now, I’m not saying to go around telling everyone all of your business, but it’s okay to let someone know you aren’t doing well and maybe they can offer a kind word, prayer, or assistance.
Three major benefits I have found in the midst of my struggles are: it builds character, aids in personal growth and keeps me humble. Without the hard times I couldn’t possibly have appreciated the good times! You can use your raggedy days as an example to help someone during their hard times. Struggling is necessary for our overall growth and it’s healthy for us might I add! It brings me back to a song we use to sing in church called “I Won’t Complain, “I’ve had some good days, I’ve had some hills to climb. I’ve had some weary days and some sleepless nights. But when I look around and I think things over. All of my good days outweigh my bad days, I won’t complain”. Let’s take a moment to remember our raggedy days and appreciate how far we have come!
Watching Over Me by Alicia S. Azahar
Lord I know you’re with me even when I’m all alone,
You know my every thought even when they tend to roam,
You always watch over me even when my life’s a mess,
You strengthen me through my trials and prepare me for hard tests,
I know I’m far from perfect, but you love me still the same,
And when I’m feeling troubled, I know to call upon your name,
You never leave me empty you fill me up with your pure love,
You send your spirit down to comfort me from the heavens up above,
I can always count on you to guide me through the righteous path,
You know my every need even before I have to ask,
You bless me every day even though I don’t deserve it,
I praise your holy name because Lord you’re truly worth it,
I should never feel afraid because you protect me day and night,
And when I’m blinded by the world you help me see your precious sight,
Thank you for my salvation and always thinking the best of me,
And sitting high while looking low as you watch over me.
Uninterrupted Thoughts 