The Bible is full of redemption stories. We see, over and over, how blow after blow, God's people are broken. Then, just when it appears that all hope is lost, God brings purpose to pain and strength from sorrow. In Japanese culture, there is an art form called Kintsugi (translated "golden repair"). The artist repairs broken ceramic pottery, using a lacquer that is mixed with gold, silver or platinum. The result is that the cracks and fractures gleam, accentuated instead of disguised or hidden. The final masterpiece reminds us that resilience and repair are resplendent! Our scars are precious.
In this week's study, Stasi discusses how hard it was for her to have her Christmas party, on the same day as the Sandy Hook Shooting. She shares about how disappointing it is, when we are not delivered from our suffering. How do we find joy, in the midst of so much heartache? How do we, like Paul, worship in our chains? How do we, like Jesus, forgive those who seek to destroy us?
When my oldest son Josiah was four years old, he had a very bad seizure. His respirations decreased, and he became cyanotic (he turned blue). His brain was not telling him to breathe. Thankfully, a medication was given that disrupted this process and allowed him to rest and regain normal functioning. Still, we had to remain in the hospital for several days.
It was Christmas time, and Dave and I were feeling anything but spirited. We were told that Josiah had a rare form of epilepsy, and would have to take a strong medication twice a day, which would alter his personality. I wanted to crawl into a corner and cry, but Josiah deserved more than that.
We purchased a small artificial tree, twinkle lights and ornament-making kits. Josiah's EEG headdress morphed into an elf's cap, and his bed became a sleigh of fun! Members of our church came to visit, bringing presents and treats. We even assembled a cake to look like Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, with Oreo eyes and a plump red strawberry for a nose!
I will NEVER forget that Christmas. It was one of the scariest days of my life. It was also one of the most joyful. Stasi talks about developing defiant joy, a joy that refuses to stay down and be beaten. My prayer is that we all cultivate this rebellious attitude, determining that our suffering will only make us better, brighter and more beautiful.