Comments on: The Art of Misery

By: Peter Stone

Peter Stone — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:02:42 +0000

Hey Billy, you are right, those difficult times cannot be avoiding – the Bible is very clear that our faith is developed by suffering. People focus on Jesus calming the raging storm, but forget that He deliberately lead the disciples into the storm in the first place. And yes, He was there with them, ‘walking’ with them through it.
Great post, as always.

By: Bonnie | FaithBarista

Bonnie | FaithBarista — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:24:48 +0000

“Because we must know sadness if we are to know joy, we must be lost in doubt in order to find faith.”

This quote rocks given the context of the entire post.

Billy, this is so excellent – it’s the Coffey’s slice of the true Gospel. What comforting words with the realities of faith.

A fellow traveler through the summer and winter seasons… with my share of walking without cover…

By: Missy

Missy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:49:48 +0000

Oh Billy, you have such an awesome gift of writing about the things that no one else will or they just do not know how.

I have struggled with depression my entire life, before I even knew what it was that I was struggling with. I recently ran out of my medication and due to circumstances, I have not been able to get to the doctor to have it filled. My days have been a struggle lately. I have even debated back and forth about blogging about some if. You have now given me the inspiration to do that.

By: Lanette

Lanette — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:06:40 +0000

“I will not worship a God who demands I shy away from half of living simply because it’s difficult. I would rather Him offer to walk with me through it. The world will wear on all of us from time to time. There is no avoiding it. That’s why I cast a wary eye upon any religion that says such things can be avoided. They can’t.”

Spoke volumes to me today, thank you. You have an amazing way of using words.

By: Heather of the EO

Heather of the EO — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:42:34 +0000

“Depression is like that, I think. It forces you to view happiness as an illusion rather than a possibility. It makes you fearful of reaching out to grab hold of joy for fear it will turn to vapor and seep through your fingers.”

That’s the point at which I started crying. Cause I just really get it.

Just today I was in a Bible Study (on Esther by Beth Moore) and Beth was saying that we cannot fulfill our destiny if we are not transparent. That socked me in the gut. I pretty much reveal my struggles openly, but there are things I’m not saying. We do need to tell our truths. There is freedom in them. And we also stop doing so much comparing if we share where we’re really at…”look at him/her, she is so happy,” when really they’re feeling Winter and not saying so. So much loneliness in that.

Sorry, random rambly soap box…

Thank you for this post.

By: Jamey

Jamey — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:35:32 +0000

Very thought provoking.

By: Katdish

Katdish — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:51:25 +0000

You are so incredibly gifted. Your humility prevents you truly seeing just how good you really are. But I’m still going to tell you that.

By: Keystone

Keystone — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:40:33 +0000

I just finished closing the window on Word-A-Day, which ends with Thought For The Day.
When I read today’s “thought”, it startled me with the clarity of its depth.

Then I came here,……… and read a similar lament of truth.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Don’t surrender your loneliness / So quickly. / Let it cut more deeply. / Let it ferment and season you / As few human / Or even divine ingredients can. -Hafez, poet (1315-1390)

I pray that your winters in Virginia are less harsh than on the North Coast of the United States, off Lake Erie.
Misery IS an art; and a Bay near Lake Erie as well. The fishing is good at Misery Bay year round, but the name is appropriate, especially in winter.
Stay warmed with love all year!

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:22:45 +0000

This is a beautiful way to look at an ugly time in anyone’s life. Thanks for sharing your heart with us, Billy.

By: Pam at beyondjustmom

Pam at beyondjustmom — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:08:02 +0000

There are so many of us who share your struggle, and it’s such a blessing to open your heart and let it be known. I absolutely believe sharing our vulnerability brings more hope and comfort than pretending everything is perfect. I too believe in a God who walks with us through the seasons, not around them.
Thank you.