In the midst of packing one Friday morning for an impromptu weekend getaway, I was caught by the opening theme of “The View” and remained glued to the TV while they ran through a collage of all the guests they’ve welcomed to the show in the past 3,000 episodes. Then, by surprise (well, to me … I’m sure The View gals were fully aware), Michael J. Fox came out to join the panel in celebration.
As a child of the ’80s, I watched him for years on Family Ties and of course, the Back to The Future movies (love ’em all!). I remain a big fan of the man behind Alex P. Keaton. So when I saw him walk with that slight limp across the stage, I began to well up thinking about what he’s been through over the years as he’s lived with Parkinson’s.
My initial reaction was “sometimes life just isn’t fair,” but then it occurred to me: that’s the mistaken assumption we all make, isn’t it? That life should be fair. I don’t think it was ever meant to be that way. I believe God intended our journey here to confront us, test us, force our hand, so we can show “it” what we’ve got. It’s meant to forge us into something beautiful. We’re diamonds in the rough, aren’t we, passing through each fire and coming out just a bit more brilliant (in the true sense of the word) every time?
If life were easy, how would we know what we’re made of? If it were easy, how could we truly appreciate and soak in all those moments of joy that are handed to us every day? I always wonder how those who live in places with an endless supply of warmth and sunshine ever really understand the beauty of the first early days of spring, when you can feel re-birth in the air and actually smell the earth warming up and coming to life?
Though he no doubt suffers with this illness, MJF remains a joy. “I still have it, but it doesn’t have me yet,” is what he told Barbara, Sherri, Joy, Elizabeth and Whoopi. I love his style. I love his un-oh-woe-is-me attitude. I wish, on my more difficult days, to show that sort of triumphant spirit.
In one of my darkest hours, just after the premature birth and passing of my twin girls, I came across this quote from Albert Camus, a Nobel Prize-winning author and journalist: “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” It struck a chord, and gave me hope that I would make my way through the despair. At the end of that long road, I understood without doubt that I could not be taken down. I was strong. I had faith. I was a survivor. And that knowledge is all the equity I need.
By Michelle Colasante, this little light
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Kathy Cheek says
I love your expression of strength and faith, and I know God is pleased by our faith! I have been reading the gospels and Jesus is often saying, “Oh ye of little faith!” Oh, I want Him to look at me and see a big Faith! And when we do find ourselves growing weary, our trust in Him will renew our strength, Isaiah 40:31.
You have written a very inspiring message!
Tammy says
Your post really spoke to me. I’m not much of a biblical scholar but I don’t remember there being a promise that life will be easy. I truly believe that the struggles in our lives are put their by God for a greater reason. I know the tremendous struggles I’ve faced have all been blessings. They have shaped me and made me a better person (I hope). We have to believe that God loves us and he has a plan for us. We have to turn to him and trust in him to see us through our struggles.
Beth Williams says
How very true that trials show us what we’re made of.
I love the saying “diamonds in the rough” – that is so true of us humans. God is working on us daily to refine us into His image!
Heather @ At The Picket Fence says
Beautifully written! Often we are deceived as Christians into thinking that things should be better/easier/fairer for us. But God never promised this, he did promise refinement though. And he promised to walk through the fire of refinement with us. I always think of the fourth person in Nebakanezer’s firey furnace..it was Christ. Thank you for the reminder to find joy in all that God allows to come into our lives!
Heather @At The Picket Fence
Living the Balanced Life says
Life is not fair, but it is what it is. Our pastor spoke about jealousy last Sunday. If life were REALLY fair, we’d have much less than we do as most people in the world live on less than $50 a week. We have it awesome in America, especially, even on our darkest days.
As far as Michale J Fox goes, I have always loved him! Just like you, I watched him as a child and as we grew up, I loved his movies. His spunk has always inspired me!
I personally have been through a tough personal battle lately and God is teaching me quite a bit as we go!
Bernice
Are we there yet?
Kelly H-Y says
Perfectly put … so very timely, thank you!
Need Some Encouragment? « Oak Hills Academy says
[…] https://aws.incourage.me/2011/02/diamonds-in-the-rough.html- Life is not fair- I have said that a lot this week! […]
Melissa says
I knew there was something down in “us” that was helping us fight but never could find our put it into words. Many scriptures helped. But I find this quote so inspiring an true to what we had been through when we were fighting through with my husbands 3 year throat cancer battle. “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” Thank you for sharing….it truly is a gift that will keep us going
Melissa
Brandi says
I’ve spent much of my 34 years with a sense of entitlement that I deserve an easier life (due ultimately to my being so responsible and sensible and doing things “the right way”. It’s made me quite bitter.
Last night in Bible study, we discussed how here on Earth we are being shaped for our role in Heaven. That the fire that reigns from Heaven in the last days will not be a fire of destruction, but one of refinement. Once you think about it that way,– that we are being refined so that in Heaven we can be made whole and perfect. It takes away the sense of entitlement, the need for life to be fair.
Now to work on showing that triumphant spirit in the midst of our fires….
Lis says
*Tear*
What a beautiful, eloquent post! I needed that quote at the end. <3
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