“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
— John 16:33 (NIV)
“Rub dirt on it.” If you’ve ever been around baseball, you’ve heard that phrase. My husband played college and professional baseball when we were dating and first married, and now all three of our boys have played college ball. Needless to say, that phrase has been spoken in our household more times than I can count.
At first, I’ll admit—I had to learn to embrace it. Growing up, I was the baby of the family, the only girl with a brother and all boy cousins. I wasn’t exactly raised to be the toughest one in the room. But life has a way of teaching you toughness, doesn’t it? And for me, raising three boys was God’s way of saying, “Wait a minute—you’re going to need to learn how to rub dirt on it.”
But I’ve also learned that “rub dirt on it” isn’t just about being tough—it’s about getting back up, keeping your head in the game, and not letting life knock you out completely. It’s about being present in the game of life, even when it hurts.
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 (NIV)
Life Isn’t Easy
I’ve lived long enough to know that life is not easy. I’m a wife of 33 years to my college sweetheart, a mom of three sons (28, 25, and 20), a breast cancer survivor, and someone who has faced financial struggles and buried multiple family members I loved dearly. Life hurts. Sometimes it knocks the wind out of you.
Through those tough times, I cried a lot. There were even moments I yelled at God, asking Him where He was. But looking back, I realize those seasons taught me that He was right there. Always. Those times shaped me, stretched me, and taught me to trust Him.
It didn’t happen overnight. It took time. But the more I walked through the pain with God, the more I got to know Him and see how He works. Nothing we go through is meaningless—He uses it.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
— Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Finding Clarity
One of the ways I’ve learned to process the chaos in my head is by writing letters to God. Have you ever tried that? To just sit down and tell Him exactly how you feel? He already knows, but something happens when you pour it out on paper. Writing helps me make sense of what’s going on in my mind. It brings clarity.
Prayer and staying in God’s Word also bring clarity. But I’ve learned that I can’t do that alone—I need accountability. That’s why I intentionally put myself in Bible studies.
And let me tell you—don’t sit back and wait for someone to invite you in. People aren’t ignoring you. They’re just busy surviving this broken world too. They may not think to ask, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want you there. First, pray about it—God wants you to find a group to dig into His Word with. Then, take the step. Look at your church’s website. Search online. The groups are out there. And when you’re ready, don’t be shy—say you’re interested. You might be surprised what God can do when you tell Him you’re ready.
Bible study groups have also given me prayer warriors—people who will walk this life with me, lift me up when I’m weary, and remind me of truth when I forget it. Don’t do this life alone. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to find your people—this is it.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
— Matthew 18:20 (NIV)
Your Turn to Rub Dirt on It
Now it’s your turn. Grab a pen and a piece of paper and write a letter to God. Lay it all out—your fears, your hurts, your questions, even your anger. Tell Him exactly what’s going on in your life. Ask for His help. Tell Him you want to “rub dirt on it,” but be honest if you don’t know what that looks like in your life right now.
This is your invitation to take the first step toward getting back up. God is already there, waiting for you to open your heart. He will give you the strength, clarity, and courage to move forward, one step at a time.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
— 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Don’t wait. Start writing. Start praying. And let Him guide your next inning.
No comments:
Post a Comment