We all face challenging moments, whether its having a difficult conversation or something more long term like a serious illness or unemployment. Each gives us a demonstrate our faith, to grow our faith and to stretch our character.
I could piously say that Christ is all you need to endure trying times. Theoretically and theologically he is. Humanly speaking, however, we often need reminders to trust God and not our emotions. We need encouragement to get through the valleys when all we see are the overwhelming circumstances that surround us.
Lisa Welchell, most known for playing Blair on the 80s TV show “The Facts of Life” spoke of this at Women of Faith this past weekend. She shared a conversation she had with her mom about how she made it through a period of testing. Her mom’s response, “Emmett.”
Emmett was the person Lisa’s mom called when she thought she couldn’t go on, when she was ready to give up. Emmett pointed Lisa’s mom to God and scripture when her faith was tested. Emmett gave her a place to cry. Emmett encouraged her when her courage to do the inevitable was weak. And Emmett held her accountable.
Do you have an Emmett in your life? Do you have someone who is willing to tell you even what you may not want to hear? Someone from whom you’re willing to accept correction? Someone who’s opinion you value because she brings a Godly perspective?
Sure, God is all we need to get through life’s ups and downs – but God often works through people. We weren’t meant to walk this road alone. Sometimes our difficulties are God’s way of showing us our need for others, strengthening our relationships and stretching our character as well as our companions. Think of horses who have been separated from their pasture mates. The separation anxiety is often strong and apparent — bucking, kicking, whinnying — because horses are herd animals. They need their buddies and so do we.
So, who’s your Emmett? If you don’t have an Emmett, will you seek to develop that kind of relationship with someone? It’s a relationship built on mutual trust, respect and faith in God. It is a give-and-take relationship. It is a relationship that requires vulnerability. It’s risky but it’s worth it. We all need an Emmett — she is a gift to us from God. Accept his gift.
2 Timothy 3: “Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the compansionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.”
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I would love to have an Emmett!! Sure would make the difficult times easier. I am always amazed at how fast you can feel so lost and alone. Not always easy to climb out of bad times when there is no one around to support you and get you grounded again.
Is your husband your Emmett? Maybe you have a different Emmett for different situations? Some people may understand our struggles in one area of life but not others. Sometimes people don’t realize you need an Emmett. We work so hard to appear like we have everything together and that nothing bothers us that people admire us for our strength and independence not realizing we need someone to lean on. Is there someone you can ask for help today?