Processing Grief

Everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me, because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles, while I sat devastated until the evening offering. At the evening offering, I got up from my humiliation, with my tunic and robe torn. Then I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to Yahweh my God. And I said: "My God I am ashamed an embarrassed to lift my face to You...."Ezra 9:4-6

Have you ever experienced this? Being so ashamed by the behavior of people who are supposedly with you and mistreating others and giving a bad witness? 

Ezra was a man of integrity and expects the leaders to be the same. This man had travelled 900 miles to find out this. He was totally devastated, numbed with shock. When he gathered himself he humbled himself before God and prayed. His prayer would lead him to action. There is a process we need to go through. I am te type of person who is like Ezra. Initially I am numb with shock, then I pray and then my energy comes to move forward with strategy.

Individually we each react differently and must allow ourselves time to process as we process and not allow others to force us to their way of handling things. The leaders stood around and allowed Ezra time. I am grateful when given room to come through my way. I now can allow others room to process their way. Amen!

Give yourself and others room. Amen!

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