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Joy Among Sorrow

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Today I am sad as I think about my mom.  I saw her obituary in the paper and thought to myself, "Becky Teel is in heaven."  It seems so surreal at moments.  This scripture is exactly what's going on inside of me at this time of grief.  As we've said all along, there are two words for this journey, peace and sadness.  It was complete truth when Jesus spoke the words, "I do not give to you as the world gives."  Jesus left us in order that he could completely give himself to us.  What an amazing gift!  He has given us his peace, which comes with so much more than just calm.  His peace is a tranquility in upheaval, understanding without explanation, joy among sorrow, love out of pain, quiet in the midst of chaos, and  it's all perfectly personal.  The peace of Jesus transcends all earthly circumstances and reveals the final victory to its recipient.  I may be sad, but I am not troubled, nor am I afraid.  I am at peace.  Jesus holds my hand as the Spirit leads me onward.  I am sad some days, but I have been given the peace of Christ way down in the depths of my soul.  Mom is well and she is impacting the world, even though she is not here.  God is pretty darn awesome that way.  :-)

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