Held in Grace: A Journey of Gratitude and Resilience
By Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar
There’s an unassuming strength that blooms within us when we recognize that, regardless of the burdens we carry, we can remain steadfast our lives cradled in the hands of the Creator. In the haze of life’s most challenging moments, when the path ahead seems obscured and our loads feel insurmountable, a profound truth emerges from our struggles: we are never alone. The Creator’s presence is an unwavering companion, a hand that extends to soothe our weary hearts, offering solace, renewal, and the promise of joy awaiting us on the horizon.
But I understand it hurts. It aches deeply when your safe haven the one refuge you believed would shield you from life’s tempests collapses under the weight of unforeseen trials. When the familiar and stable foundations of our existence tremble, it feels as though the very ground beneath us has crumbled, leaving us in a stark, unfamiliar terrain. It’s heartbreaking when those you relied on, those you believed would stand by you in times of need, seem to drift away just when their support is most crucial. In those moments, it can feel as if the world is imploding, leaving only darkness and a chilling emptiness in its wake.
The pain of loss, betrayal, and abandonment strikes like a relentless storm. Yet even in this desolation when silence reigns and all other voices fade the Creator’s grace manages to reach us. His love wraps around us like a warm blanket, filling the void with an inexplicable peace that transcends human understanding. Even if everything else slips away, the Creator remains steadfast, cradling us through each tear and silent plea, urging us not to surrender.
And believe me, I’ve been shattered. I’ve wept oceans, rivers, and lakes, pouring out my heart in the stillness of night, grappling with a pain that words can scarcely convey. But even amid that deluge of sorrow, a gentle nudge compels me to persevere. Deep within, there’s a flicker of resilience, a whisper of hope that softly says, “Not yet.” It reassures me that even in this overwhelming darkness, I will I shall rise and prevail.
It’s during these tempests that I’ve discovered the beauty of grace, the power of love, and the enduring presence of the Creator. There were times I thought I was irreparable, that the pieces of my life would never fit together again. Yet, each fragment of my brokenness has been touched by love. In every struggle, in every tear shed, there is a gentle reminder that grace is not reserved for the perfect or the unbroken; it extends to the shattered, the weary, the hopeless, and the lost.
When our hearts ache, it’s all too easy to feel that peace is unattainable, that joy has become a distant memory. Yet even on the darkest nights, there’s a glimmer of hope in the dawn; joy doesn’t disappear it patiently awaits our embrace in the morning light. In those tender moments, we may find strength not just in divine comfort but also in the gentle nudges from those around us who encourage us to lay our burdens at the Creator’s feet. This companionship, both earthly and divine, speaks volumes about grace, reminding us that even in the depths of sorrow, we are called to look beyond our immediate struggles and trust in what is yet to unfold.
I remember the times when my spirit felt battered and exhausted, so stretched that even the simplest prayers felt like mountains to climb. In those moments, I discovered an unexpected strength in surrender. It’s a curious paradox, isn’t it? We often believe that true strength means fighting tooth and nail, but sometimes, true strength lies in letting go, trusting that the Creator is carrying us, that we need not bear every weight alone.
The journey toward gratitude is not always straightforward, especially when confronted with relentless challenges. It requires a leap of faith to express thankfulness when everything seems bleak, to utter words of gratitude when your heart is heavy with sorrow. Yet I’ve learned that even when life resembles a fog-laden landscape, where the familiar fades and answers elude us, gratitude can shine like a beacon. I think back to the moments when the Creator guided me through, the victories that once seemed insurmountable yet were graciously bestowed upon me. Each step forward, every small triumph, becomes a thread woven into the tapestry of my existence, a testament to a presence that never wavers. My heart overflows with gratitude, not just for the monumental achievements but for the simple joys the deep breaths, the moments of tranquility, and the glimpses of hope that cascade endlessly from the Creator’s love.
There have been times when I felt utterly shattered, unsure if I could continue. Yet somehow, in those hushed moments when everything appeared lost, I’ve sensed the Creator’s grace buoying me up, encouraging me to persist. As I reflect on those times, I see that even the darkest moments served a purpose—shaping me, teaching me, and deepening my understanding of compassion and resilience.
It’s through these trials that I’ve come to appreciate the beauty in every crack and scar. Each one stands as a symbol of survival, a testament to my endurance. The Creator, in His infinite wisdom, has shown me that brokenness does not equate to weakness; it embodies strength. It signifies endurance. It reminds us that while life’s storms may leave their mark, they cannot extinguish the light that resides within us.
Held in Grace
In the dark, I walked alone,
Through storms and fields of stone.
When all seemed lost, hope grew dim,
Yet grace embraced, drew me in.
I cried rivers deep and wide,
In oceans of sorrow, tried to hide.
But a hand reached out in night’s embrace,
Whispering softly, “Held in grace.”
For though I break, I rise anew,
Strength in me, though storms blew.
Each tear a river, each wound a song,
In love’s warm arms, I belong.
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