Positive Spin

Positive Spin
Monday, February 16, 2015 by Dan Allen

“Spin” is what political pundits do as they attempt to alter reality, make negative, positive or positive, negative. A popular TV talk show host announces – “the spin stops here,” yet the hour is nothing but spin.

From a positive perspective on the subject, however, spin in one’s life can make or break one emotionally. Determining if the cup is half empty or half full often will change the outlook and possibly the results.

We are rapidly approaching what our daughter-in-law called “the worst day of my life” with the anniversary of her husband, our son, being taken from us.

I try not to think about that infamous night when I received the fateful call. I’ll never forget it, but to dwell on it, even the good points – how Jay in his phone calls held it together and professionally handled this devastating and life-changing news; all the initial emails and calls; along with the ensuing events – does nothing but throw me into depression and despair. I recall one evening in mid-July when attempting to go to sleep that I started to rehearse that night. I stopped. I told myself to wait until the date of the month when it happened (24^th) and then think about it. That night came and despite having given myself permission to dwell on it, I stopped again, wondering what good this would produce. It would only put me in the doldrums.

So, now I have a choice to make. On the anniversary of Josh’s death, on what do I dwell? I’ll be at the same location – the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville (not staying at the same hotel. I didn’t want to put me into that position). Vonnie and Shelley will be together. What should we think about?

My gut tells me that it will be a sad day of remembrance. There will be tears. That’s part of the grieving process and I need to go with it (i.e. Dan remember Thanksgiving Day).

Yet, my faith tells me I need to be praising God for all He has done. I need to embrace Romans 8:28 acknowledging that although I cannot see the big picture, He is a faithful God and this verse is true. At the same time, I need to thank God for the life of Joshua, his testimony, for those to whom he ministered and had an impact. I need to realize that he has graduated, he’s receiving his full reward and is enjoying the wonders of Heaven. And, I WILL see him, again, some day!

So, that’s my spin for this upcoming infamous day – it’s still not well with my soul, but God has taught me to say it is well . . . and I choose to dwell on Him. He has never failed me. As the Old Testament Joshua noted, toward the end of his life – Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass (Joshua 21:45). The same is true for all believers of all ages. Blessed be the Holy Name of the Lord. He is to be praised!

Wishing you Joy in Jesus,

Dan Allen, D.D.
Executive Director
800FollowMe.com
[email protected]
570.656.0325

Comments

Ron Mahurin From Orefield, Pa. At 3/18/2015 3:17:09 PM

Hi Dan, Thanks for sharing about being accountable. I have been blessed to have two men to whom I have been accountable for over 50 years. I was praying frequently for you and your family on Feb. 24th. regarding Josh's home going and from time to time I ask God for His grace to be sufficient.

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