2.21.24 - James 1:2-3
Whether you're starting or ending your day with us, what emotions do you need to acknowledge and honor?
Consider it pure joy, my friends, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
I remember making a t-shirt in my early 20s that read “Choose Joy,” as if it were that simple. Unfortunately, I wore that t-shirt proudly, not thinking about how complex human emotions can truly be.
Joy is something I crave, of course, but when facing trials, it can be difficult to get into that positive frame of mind.
And forcing ourselves to look past other emotions or force joy to “skip to the front of the line” can, in my opinion, be detrimental.
Today, I’d rather acknowledge the breadth of emotions that come up through trials: sadness, anger, fear, confusion, vulnerability, etc.
Each of these can also produce perseverance. Each is still valid and valuable to our experience as humans.
It's both sides of the coin that draw me in these days. I can still choose joy, but understand the richness of a variety of choices.
Whether you're starting or ending your day with us, what emotions do you need to acknowledge and honor?
— Amanda Creek