I know there are many people suffering with a broken heart this Christmas, and this post is for you. I hope that this can encourage you.
I wrote the following “poem” a few years ago. At the time, I was facing the major death of dreams, the sorrow of being disabled and excluded from society (by MCS), grief over many losses, the uncertainty of the future (because of MCS), and the feeling of rejection. Some of you face similar sorrows. Others of you have family or friends that hurt you dreadfully; I’m sorry, it’s not right. Others of you are suffering terrifying news, crushing disappointment, hopelessness….
The Christmas Sham
by Christa Upton
Christmas trees don’t make up for broken hearts; Christmas lights and candy don’t heal sorrow. Pretty decorations, presents, and cookies Can never take away the ache, the sadness, the loneliness. Christmas music sometimes sounds so fake; Wishes seem hollow when your world’s falling apart. Stockings, dinners, and parties Don’t fill the empty spots we feel. Just like Charlie Brown, sometimes we falter. We wonder why we don’t feel Christmas happiness. Five cents at Lucy’s booth won’t give us the cure. Our world seems to think that Things should be okay and happy, But sometimes the only way we can agree with that Is to pretend. Even if we never see our dreams on earth, Even if we seem to suffer on and on, When we are following Jesus, It is not for us to hang our heads in shame, For even the men of faith listed in Hebrews Did not receive on earth what was promised them. What does it mean? Sometimes we don’t understand. But someday You will come for all who love You, Draw us close to Your lovely Presence, Bring us where there are no tears or pain, one day. And everything will be okay.
Christa Upton Black Hills Picture Books PO Box 293 Custer, SD 57730
This is beautiful, Christa. Puts quite a different perspective on the holidays. Thank you.
Oh, thank you, Katie! You are welcome. Hugs!