January 20
Scripture: Psa 40:2
Source author: Debbie Burgett
January 20
Finding Land Again—Together He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground. —Psalm 40:2
I barely knew Sharon. Even though we served with the same mission organization and attended the same church, our paths never crossed personally—until my whole world fell apart. My husband and I discovered our beautiful eighteen-yearold daughter was struggling with an eating disorder. Life quickly became about treatment centers, counselors, dieticians, and plaguing guilt and questions. How could this happen? I was drowning. I did the daily routine—and gulped for air. I attended church—and swallowed more water. I did ministry— and went further under. I even choked on prayer and Bible reading. Then a lifeguard appeared at the door. “So how are you holding up?” Sharon asked sincerely as many others had. “I’m not,” I replied tearfully. “And I have no idea what to do about it.” But Sharon did. She found a support group and drove me there every Tuesday evening. She even listened as I poured my heart out there and back.
Sharon held me afloat when I couldn’t swim for myself. And I found land again. Now I’m becoming a lifeguard as well.
Kind, encouraging words from shore won’t rescue the drowning. Love dives in. — Debbie Burgett —