Silent Pain

A few months ago, I read a blog post that a friend on Facebook had linked to.  The mom was lamenting her life and explaining that no one understands how hard her life is, but also that it is truly harder than anyone else's.

After I read the post, I felt differently than the author did.   Throughout the post, she talked of friends she had--friends who listened, friends who tried to help.  She even getting to go on a girls' night out.  From where I stand, she has many huge blessings.

Her friends and family may have loved her and her family imperfectly... but they were clearly trying.  If she has gone on a girls' night out, she has had some time with friends--by herself. 

Each of us face struggles every day.  Some are silent and invisible.  Some are more visible.  This mom in the post has a special needs child.  Her struggles are very real.

So are mine--even though they are invisible and silent. 

Mine aren't less or more than hers.

They are different.

When I read posts like that one, I feel like someone is saying to me that my struggles are less, though they aren't.  She doesn't know me.  She doesn't know my life.

When I read posts like that one, I pray and hope that she will see the blessings and support she has in her life--that she talked about in her post.  Support networks I don't have where I am.  Some pain and struggles are silent and invisible so they do not garner support.

I spoke with a woman yesterday morning who shared with me the story of how her marriage ended several years ago.  She tried to talk to her church elders and explain what was going on.  But, they didn't believe her because her ex-husband was very eloquent and believable.  She knew she had to get a divorce for her own safety.

Her struggle was very real, but people she trusted denied it.

What I would wish for that blogger is that instead of focusing on how her struggles are more and harder than others is that she would focus on her struggles and turning to the Lord for the strength.  In some ways, she has so much more than others have!  And I pray then that her eyes would open and she would have compassion for others' struggles.