Inside: Younger women have much to learn from older saints who have lived through hard times and yet still radiate joy at every turn. ~
We hear a lot about trauma these days. Much of it is not what we would have called trauma five or 10 years ago.
Whether we consider this development to be positive, unhelpful or somewhere in between, it’s clear the narratives surrounding the issue are constantly evolving and often vary depending on age.
Ask a Millennial or Gen-Z believer about the trauma in her life. Then turn around and ask an 80- or 90-year-old who has been following Jesus for many decades the same question. I can’t say this with 100 percent certainty, but you will probably get vastly different answers.
Why the Difference?
Some of this relates to personality, of course. Also to semantics and generational differences regarding how comfortable we are speaking about the hard things in life.
Even so, I think younger women (including Gen-Xers like me) could learn a great deal from much older Christians, especially the ones who radiate joy at every turn.
Chances are, these precious saints have faced a variety of challenges in their lives. Some were born in the Great Depression; many lived through World War II and all sorts of national upheaval over the years.
They might not be accustomed to talking about it. But they also may have experienced personal trials and losses that might be considered traumatic today, and for good reason.
Focusing on God
Even so, as they get closer to the ends of their lives, they choose to focus on God’s love and grace, on His goodness and provision, rather than on anything negative. Again, this might be a generational thing. But I also think it helps explain why they’ve been able to maintain such a joyful spirit all these years.
Attitude may not be everything, but it is something—this much is true.
I’m “only” 53, so I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about dying. I do ponder what I want to be like as I get older, though. Especially if I am fortunate enough to live to be very old.
Blessing After Blessing
Several weeks ago, I read a blog post about an 89-year-old woman who had been hospitalized for a serious illness right before Christmas. The blogger, Melissa Edgington, was amazed at how her friend described her time in the hospital.
“She told me about how she met Jesus there, in the days leading up to His birthday,” Melissa wrote here. “He sent a steady stream of doctors, nurses, and support staff to her side to show His love to her in personal ways. …
“She insisted that this experience was blessing after blessing after blessing,” Melissa added. “She knew that God had placed her exactly where she needed to be to know His love in a very tangible way through the caring hands of the people He created.”
Another Example
As I read this story, I couldn’t help but think of my own Aunt Renate. Now 93, she radiates the same kind of contentment and peace Melissa observed in her elderly friend.
I recently shared with Aunt Renate a piece I had written that referred to Romans 8:28—the truth that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. She told me she’s always believed the truth of that scripture, but each day she appreciates it more.
“All the things that have happened to me are truly because of God’s great love,” she wrote in an email. “If I had known how good they all are for me, I would have wanted them to happen. God is so good.”
That sort of perspective doesn’t come from constantly ruminating on all the bad things—past, present or future—in the world or in our lives. It comes from meditating on God’s character, thanking Him for His provision, trusting in His mercy and grace.
Walking Home Well
No matter how old we are, our long walk home to heaven will likely include some degree of grief and pain. But when I think about Aunt Renate and Melissa’s friend, I’m hopeful that it doesn’t have to be a miserable journey.
I don’t know if I’ll live to be 93. If I do, though, I hope Aunt Renate’s recent words to me will be the same words I freely share with others.
“I have had and am having a wonderful life,” she said. “I stand on all of God’s wonderful promises.”
♥ Lois
Younger women (including Gen-Xers like me) could learn a great deal from much older Christians, especially the ones who radiate joy at every turn. Share on X Our long walk home to heaven will likely include some degree of grief and pain. But it doesn’t have to be a miserable journey. Share on XP.S. I’m linking up this week with #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.