Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward after Loss and Heartache

by Granger Smith

Let me go even further. Life is a stage for all of us. At some level, we’re all performing on it all the time; but the truth is, everyone is hurting from something—even the people you think have it all together.

Yep

of the river, everything done downstream

it, write it, memorize it, store it away, live

Every year a tree sheds its dead leaves. Some might hang on longer than others, but even those will eventually get pushed out by new growth. It’s the process of rebirth. You might think that dead leaves are just wasted, but they are not. They’re preparing the forest for what’s to come. The fallen leaves decay on the ground and become nutrients for the soil, which is the lifeblood of the forest. If during this process the tree constantly focused on looking down at the soil and the dead leaves, then it would miss the source that causes the rebirth in the first place—the sun.

Tree/leaves

Generally, self-help teaches that the problem is outside us and the solution comes from within. The Bible teaches that the problem comes from within and the solution is outside us. There are places in the river where no amount of paddling can keep your boat upright. That’s why I surrender to the Source and not to my own ability. If you’re like me and you’ve been sucked into the self-help religion, hear my warning—it cultivates pride, suppresses humility, and won’t save you when you need it the most. 3. Hang with Like-Minded People Lastly, I surround myself with other like-minded

Good stuff