Pain & Injury

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

— 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 RSV

Pain & Injury write themselves upon every household.

No matter how hard we try to plan and prepare, pain and injury will mark seasons of our lives — sometimes even to the point of being blindsided by attack, betrayal, illness, trauma, or [fill in your blank].

Onlookers will have varied responses. Some may judge, attributing it to choices we made either wittingly or unwittingly. Others might avoid us. Still others may cite spiritual or other causes as viewed through their own lens.

But those individuals who have experienced deep suffering personally are less likely to analyze or criticize and instead may offer compassion. They might even come alongside us to listen, care, and pray.

Prayer

God of all comfort, we don't understand why You allow pain and injury, especially to those who love You and make every effort to serve You. Accompany us in this deep valley of tears. Let us draw from Your mercies and offer compassion this day to someone else who is suffering.

Quote

The most powerful Credo is the one we pronounce in our hour of darkness.

//St. Padre Pio (1887-1968)

Thought

The book of Job shows us that pain and injury does not automatically mean we did something wrong. Nevertheless, it is always wise to ask God to reveal areas of needed growth.

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~ On October 1st and 2nd, I will be a guest on the At Home with Jim and Joy show on EWTN. We will be discussing God's providence in the call to be a caregiver and how humble honest prayer each day can lead to deeper understanding of God's will in our lives.

~ For the caregiver you know: Minding Mom: A Caregiver's Devotional Story

~ Are you a Martha or a Mary? I’m a bit of both! Read my blog piece in the NC Register here: https://www.ncregister.com/blog/i-m-both-martha-and-mary

Thank you for reading Olive Tree blog!