Looking at life from both sides …

Go with me for a moment back to 1994, I’ll wait a minute for you to arrive… are we there yet? 

I was invited to dinner and a movie and the latest offering starring Tom Hanks was the movie “Forrest Gump“. As it started I watched a little boy being ridiculed for wearing braces on his legs and felt sorry for him as I munched my popcorn when suddenly the popcorn was put down and I was searching for a way to keep from embarrassing myself in a public place. Bullies were chasing Forrest while his close friend, Jenny, was yelling to the top of her voice “RUN FORREST RUN!

As that little boy ran, his arms pumping up and down like pistons she was yelling encouragement to him, I was overwhelmed and burst into crying out loud tears. 

Why did it hit me that way? Because in this life there have been many times that I identified with Forrest and other times that I was Jenny, calling out encouragement to someone who seemed to be sinking. 

We all go through heart aches and heart breaks for one reason or another and everything has come across my desk from hearing about abusive spouses from both male and female, and alcoholic mates. Several times have listened, prayed with and found help for victims of rape, people who had rent due with no money, and no money for groceries, I even heard a confession to a murder. Then there have been the tales of heartbreak because a loved one who says, “I can’t do this anymore“. I have been both the encourager and during personal rough times the person being encouraged! 

I’m reminded of an old song from my constant radio listening days by Joni Mitchell, “I’ve looked at life from both sides now, from win and lose and still somehow its life’s illusions I recall I really don’t know life at all.”  

Looking at life from both sides can give us perspective on what the “other” side is thinking, meaning: When you are in a disagreement with someone, honestly try to put yourself in their shoes to see if they are really being unreasonable.

Think about the way people blame God for everything that goes wrong in their life, from bad relationships to losing a job. Maybe you actually did something to bring it on, yes that is possible! 

Jesus gave His life for us, why would He want us to live in misery. I have spoken several times about the “cloud of witnesses” mentioned in Hebrews 12:1 and when I think of those saints I can hear them shouting out to me as Jenny did to Forrest, saying, “RUN Harolene, RUN”  so I pick up myself up and keep moving! 

God was talking to Jeremiah, 12:5 “So, Jeremiah, if you’re worn out in this footrace with men, what makes you think you can race against horses? And if you can’t keep your wits during times of calm, what’s going to happen when troubles break loose like the Jordan in flood?

I think He might be asking us that same question today!

As we read the news and see so many things going wrong in the world and all around us up close and personal, if we want to give up now, what would happen if you were to face a terrible tragedy such as the victims of hurricanes, fierce earthquakes or devastating tornados? 

What if your dearest loved one died? 

We have to learn to put our hand and our cares in God’s hand…

1 Peter 5:6-7 So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.

Let me encourage you to “keep on keeping on“, just be strong, don’t give up, and trust God. I read something that caught my attention it was, “If at first you succeed, try something harder!

Hear me, I am calling out to you, RUN READER RUN !