I have, recently, had one of those moments where I could swear that someone has jumped into my head, come out my ear, and written down my thoughts. “Can You Drink the Cup” by Henri Nouwen has recently been an encouragement to me. Here are some quotes that I hope will do the same for you.
- The cup of sorrow, inconceivable as it seems, is also the cup of joy.
-Somehow we know that when we do not drink our cup and thus avoid the sorrow as well as the joy of living, our lives become inauthentic, insincere, superficial, and boring.
- Jesus’ unconditional yes to his Father empowered him to drink his cup not in passive resignation but with the full knowledge that the hour of his death would also be the hour of his glory.
This was just the cream. This week's post is below.
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8 comments:
As the mother of a little girl with Down syndrome, I can certainly relate to the glory in the cup of suffering. I have faced fears and sorrows I would never have chosen, and found the glory lying just beyond them, and I, like you, revel in every little triumph in a way I never would if I hadn't given birth to this most special gift of God.
I had read this by Henri Nouwen, his work and those of St. Therese of Lisieux as well as the teachings of my Catholic faith prepared me to embrace the cross of Christ, as it is present in my life. It gives it a depth and beauty which I wouldn't trade for anything. Thank you for making 99 balloons, I have posted it on my blog.
Powerful. Is "Can You Drink the Cup" a book? It is so hard to believe that there are rewards and joy that come from embracing sorrow. I, too, have found that the only way to glimpse them is to indeed walk that path and not avoid it. It is hard to trust that the Father does work good in ALL things.
Hi Matt,
Just saw Eliot's video, which was posted on my friend's blog. My hat's off to you and Ginny. I am a Christian (*cringe* inactive one, though), but I am neither a parent nor a spouse. Still, I find myself wiping tears off of my office desk (where I'm sneaking some blogtime) and offering up a prayer for you, Ginny, and Eliot.
Keep it up,
Kim
Hi Mett
I just saw the video, and I can't stop crying. My son also die in Eliot's age, he had heart problems and I don't know what to say. You and Ginny are amazing people and Eliot is blessed to have parent like you.
Hi Matt and Ginny,
I received an e-mail with a link to watch your video, 99 Balloons. The video stole my heart and I was soon visiting your blog, wanting to know the whole story of Eliot. I became lost in your thoughts and your story and completely lost track of time. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you. Your faith and trust in the Lord is to be marveled at and has reminded me what I thought I knew...but sometimes forget; God is good and we have to have faith in His plan for us, without question. Please know that Eliot continues to live on in the lives he is still touching. It is amazing that 99 days of life could spread such joy and faith so far and wide. God bless you and Ginny...I wish you both a wonderful life.
Good one, Matt, as they all are! I recommended this one on my blog. Thanks for sharing your life, thoughts and journey with God. Shalom
Dear Matt and Ginny thank you for sharing your precios child`s life with the world.This is a very powerful example of faith and courage.
God bless you both.
God Bless. Turning the hard times into learning and love is one of the hardest tasks we can manage. I only just saw your video, but found that it truly conveys this lesson. My prayers are with you.
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