by Kim Avery
“They’re baaaack,” or so the corny line from the 3rd rate horror movie goes, and it’s true. Well, almost. It would be more accurate to say, “It’s baaaack,” as in that virulent case of laryngitis that stole three months of my life this past spring. Three months.
Crazy, isn’t it? I mean who has ever heard of a case of laryngitis stalking someone like a hungry shark on a summer day? And not just someone but a very talkative woman? And not just a woman but a Life Coach who spends her days talking ON THE PHONE? And if I were to be really honest, I wonder why speechlessness is dogging not just a female Life Coach who makes her living talking on the phone, but why is it chasing me!?
Joy Is Good
You see, I am all about joy. I like being happy. I’m quick to smile. And I avoid elective pain at all costs. In Kim’s world, joy is good; suffering is bad.
Suffering Seems Bad
Unfortunately, that rule of thumb doesn’t bode well for those who live in a world filled with brokenness, death, disease, and pain. If my mood were dependant on the things that happen around me and to me, I might as well give up now.
But it doesn’t.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
… in this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory…
I Peter 1:3-9
I have been born again, and I have a living hope > My hope comes from the resurrection of Jesus Christ > Trials will come but they can’t threaten what Christ has given > By believing in Him, I can rejoice with joy that is literally inexpressible. Good thing it’s inexpressible, since I can’t talk again :).
Trust me, you will never catch me loving pain. I don’t run towards trials. And I will absolutely pray, “Lord, if it’s Your will, may this trial quickly pass.” But in the meantime, I’m planning to fight for joy every time, because I am His, and He is mine.
I’m praying for joy in this current trial today. How can I pray for you?
Hi Kim.
We’ll pray for each other!
I have a sprain in my neck and (arthritis?) pain in my right wrist. You should see how wrapped and cocooned these parts of me are as I attempt to function normally today.
I too am choosing joy. I mean the pain is there whether I gripe or not. I don’t want to compound the misery.
I’m sorry your voice is gone again.
I hope writing is a sort of consolation/solace.
At least, while you heal, a little written communication can reach a wider audience. I enjoy hearing from you. I’m just sorry your afflicted again!
Oh my, three months of laryngitis! Kim, I will pray for you. But I love the joy you have despite this trial. As a life coach, you certainly need your voice.
I make the ‘heart choice’ to choose JOY. You are so right. I too am born again and I am a child of the most High God. He chose me. Now that’s something for which I can be joyful, no matter what difficult circumstances I may be dealing with. And I am right now …
However, I know I don’t deal with them alone. The Lord is my strength and my provider.
I’m so glad I came to visit you today Kim. May you be encouraged by your sisters in Christ praying for you.
Blessings and love,
Debbie