Hope in Hardship, Part 1 by Michelle Diekmeyer

In today’s internet-savvy world, many people have a blog. For us cave-dwellers [grin] who may not be familiar with blogs, they are a website log – often a daily or weekly update of someone’s travels, experiences, etc. I’ve wanted to encourage our church this year, in whatever way possible. I’m so happy about the changes we have made thus far, and I see every week our struggle to break out of old patterns and make new ones. With my current physical limitations, I wanted to do something – anything – that would be helpful. So I will attempt a column here, in addition to our regular announcements, in hopes of giving ministry updates, commentaries on current changes going on, positive growth and general thoughts on discipleship and getting through the hard times. With Tom and John’s blessing, "Hope in Hardship" begins this week.

The Mission of Hope in Hardship

Randy and I have had a few hard years lately. I know many of you can relate. My goal here is simply to post weekly thoughts from a typical "Joe Christian" (or in my case, Josephine, if you will) perspective. We all go through trials – some of us more than others. The wonderful thing about someone who goes through hardship is that they often have so much to give someone else later. I have been so blessed to know Sue Misch, Patrice Gosse and Lori Eddings – women familiar with suffering and terminal illness. These are truly spiritual women of sincere strength, dignity and faith. They are teaching me how to deal with my own hardships – death, grief, loss, cancer, etc., with grace and a correct perspective. Even in Patrice’s absence, she teaches me through remembrances and through her friends. She is kept alive through our memories of her dignity in the face of horrific trials. When we put our trials next to someone like Patrice, suddenly God offers us a true view of what can be appreciated and what can be learned in our own situation. He enables us to find good - even in the darkest hours. As I always say – we can get better, or we can get bitter. My offering here is simply going to be my thoughts, my quiet times, my gleaning from other faithful women about how to cope with hardship. My prayer is that you will find it useful.

Feel free to e-mail Michelle your thoughts at mdiekmeyer@fuse.net