This is not cheerleading

Sometimes we struggle through TERRIBLE, DIFFICULT, AWFUL stuff.  Children get cancer... tragic accidents happen... people betray us... we are unjustly accused... during these times I sometimes struggle to slay my inner cheerleader.  See in cheerleading form matters... smiles matter... pointed toes... synchronization... energy... they all matter.  It's not good enough to throw the hardest skill... hit the hardest stunt... perform the most difficult jump... you have to do ALL of these perfectly and with a smile no matter if you just face planted 8 counts ago.

But struggles aren't cheerleading.  You don't have to be perfect.  You don't have to smile and point your toes.  In struggles sometimes it's enough to just get through....  Sometimes it's ugly... like tears and snot mixed together ugly...
sometimes it's a close call... like you're hanging by your fingertips with terror seeping out of every pore, but you didn't give up close call.

See I think struggles are more like basketball... in basketball no one cares if you smile... or point your toes... or are in perfect sync with your teammates.... in basketball you just gotta get the ball through that net.  That's all.  And in struggles you've just got to make it through with your faith intact. Just don't give up.  Just don't let go. It's okay if you ugly cry. It's okay if you kick and scream.  It's even okay if you WANT to throw in the towel.... just don't do it!  Just. Don't.  Give.  Up.

...and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Hebrews 12:1

Because of who You are

This new It is Well rocks me to my core... so many powerful lyrics!

...Seas that are shaken and stirred can be calmed and broken for my regard
...And this mountain that's in front of me will be thrown into the midst of the sea
... So let go my soul and trust in Him the waves and wind still know His name

But tonight as I listened to it for the gajillonth time, it was an unscripted portion that spoke to me.... in between lyrics... really just a quick breath.... the words "because of who You are" jarred my soul.... it is well with my soul.... in the midst of trials and agonizing defeats.... not because I'm dedicated to Christ.... not because my situation isn't as bad as some others... not even because the testing of my faith develops perseverance.... it is well with my soul BECAUSE OF WHO GOD IS.... He is good... He is powerful.... He is loving and kind... He is JUST... He is righteous... and He is tender... oh so tender with my battered and bruised soul.... let that wash over you tonight.... let that sink deep into your pores... it is well BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS.