Trade Secrets

On Monday, a news bulletin on the radio pierced my heart and tears blurred my vision as I pulled into the driveway. On Wednesday, I dissolved into sobs after catching up with a friend, who shared a shocking diagnosis. My heart is so heavy. Tears just seem to slowly roll in the soft moments before sleep and during my quiet times in the mornings.

Today I decided to soak… (See “A Good Soak”). While striving to clear my mind, I found myself saying to God, “But God, that sweet child…..”

“I know all about it.”

“But God, my lovely friend….”

“I know all about it,” I heard again.

There was some relief in being reminded the Creator is in possession of every detail, has actually lived our pain, and truly knows ALL about it. I felt a bit lighter realizing He carries the full burden of these situations.

But there was more.

“I redeem”.

Just “I redeem”. Hmmm… redeem.

In the secular sense, I think of redeeming coupons. This is defined as “the act of exchanging a coupon … for a product … in order to save money or benefit in other terms.” (Talon.one) The important words here are “exchange” and “benefit”.

Meriam-Webster (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redeem) states that redeem means to buy back or win back. It can also mean to “free from what distresses or harms….to change for the better…to repair or restore…to atone for (...offset the bad effect of…)”.

I can’t possibly imagine how God might redeem the tragedies that have struck my heart this week. I confess I find it so hard to believe that anything good could come of them. But then I ask myself…

• Is it possible the great Comforter can bring peace to those experiencing distress?

• Does the powerful Grace-giver leave room for self-forgiveness?

• Could the Good, Good Father nurture something radiant out of the midst of sorrow?

I believe in a mighty AND tender God. I believe He can do all this and more. Look what He did on the Cross! Redemption in its purest and most powerful form!

So, for now, I pray. I pray that He would trade sorrow for joy, exchange regret for hope and restore peace to broken hearts.