Dark Clouds, Deeper Mercy
Jan. - Feb. 2023
Don't Forget Me
February 12, 2023 • Paul A. Berthiaume
It is easy to feel forgotten. Trauma can cause us to create a narrative that God and everyone else has forsaken us. At those times, we can feel conflicted because we want to hide and be seen simultaneously. A lament allows us to express these feelings and tell ourselves a better story.
Ashes, Salt and Bitterroot
February 5, 2023 • Paul A. Berthiaume
There are three metaphors for Lament: Ashes – Loss, Salt – Tears, and Wormwood (bitter root) – Bitterness. When we Lament, we enter a deep grief that expresses loss, pain, bitterness, and often regret. Grief is acknowledging what has been lost and what we had hoped for that we will not receive. The contrast between where we were and where we had hoped to be contrasted with where we find ourselves needs to be acknowledged before it can be accepted.
From Wormwood to Mercy
January 29, 2023 • Paul A. Berthiaume
Many of us don't want to draw near to our pain because we fear we will get trapped in pain and bitterness. Lament opens the door to see and experience the mercy of God. We need to experience and receive God’s mercy, so we do not lose our humanity and become something broken under the terrible weight of bitterness caused by the pain of this world.
