Today's card was inspired by THIS PIN, which I found in relation to a Splitcoast Inspiration Challenge a few weeks ago. Love me some Inspiration Challenge.
While I adore this card for its colors and layout and the fabby sun stamp, I confess to having an issue with the theology behind this sentiment. The more I think about it, the more it seems to imply that God withholds sunshine and will only send it to you when He's good and ready...or even worse, when He's punished you enough.
The sun is always shining. Clouds might obscure our view, but the sun is always there, even at night as its light reflects off the moon. That's what God's love is...an eternal glow we are never denied, even though we, Peter-like, may deny it ourselves.
And going even deeper, when we know the love of God in our hearts, clouds and the earth's rotation have no impact on our perception of the Light. It truly is always there for us, even and most especially when the rest of life seems pretty dark.
If you're in the dark, try to connect with the Light. Reach out to someone. Ask for help. Keep asking for it. Because the Light is already shining for you.
If you're in the Light, be like the moon and reflect that stuff all over the place.
Mercy, grace, peace, and love,
Susan
Supplies
stamps: Papertrey Hello There, My Favorite Things Cheerful Blessings
ink: Memento dandelion, Archival black and leaf green
paper: Papertrey white
accessories: none
Beautiful words, Susan. I love the card design, and while I understand the intention of the sentiment, I agree with you on how it could be interpreted. Maybe it would be a good card for someone who has been living with too much rain (literally) and is actually looking forward to the sun shining soon? :-)
ReplyDeleteSuch a thoughtful post and truly, a very lovely card. However, I agree with you! As a minister's wife with a seriously disabling heart condition - on a tough day a sentiment like that could easily have the opposite effect that the encouragement the designer intends it to be. :) God doesn't promise us a life free from suffering, but in the midst of this broken world He DOES promise to never leave us and to give us Grace in the meantime. Humanly speaking it might not make much sense, but I've learned through the yrs that having to live life with Eternity in view can be a real blessing! Carried along in His grip - Lois
ReplyDeleteI agree with Michelle's suggestion - it's a great weather forecast sentiment for sure! :D
Thank you for your beautiful words and your beautiful open heart. We all need the boost of positive, loving influences and you are that for many. Thank you! And may the sun that is always there, shine brightly on you today.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this card and for your words.
ReplyDeletelovely...you make such great cas cards.
ReplyDeletexx Karen