Thursday, December 1, 2011

Ba Humbug!

OK - so not the most uplifting phrase at Christmas time, but it does reflect the feelings of quite a few people during the holidays.  We usually think of them as 'downers' or people who just hate seeing people happy.  I've heard a phrase that has really helped me deal with negative people (including myself at times :) the phrase says "Hurt people, hurt people."  It is such a simple, but profound truth.  These Ba Humbuggers are hurt people who carry around a lot of pain and anger at things that have happened to them in their lives.  It does upset them to see people happy, because it reminds them that they are not - and that hurts.

When I am having a particularly hard day and feeling Ba Humbuggy, little Miss Susie Sunshine in her rose-colored glasses is the last person I want to see or hear from.  "Isn't life wonderful!"  "Let's decorate & make Christmas Cookies!"  No Thanks!  Give me a box of tissues and a quiet room, please.

I wish people could understand this a bit more, no a LOT more.  People hurt.  They have a lot of reasons to hurt - more than we probably even dare to know.  They are not just 'negative' or 'party-poopers' - something is really hurting them and the constant "It's the most wonderful time of the year" prattle just intensifies their pain.  They just want someone to see past their brusk exterior and take the time to listen to their hurting hearts.  After all, isn't that why Jesus came - you know the guy who's Birthday we are celebrating at Christmas?

Christmas is not an easy time of the year for many people.  Christmas is often not an easy time of the year for  me.  Maybe that's why I know this stuff so well.  Maybe that's why I see all the people who are hurting - because I identify with the deep sadness I see in their eyes.  I wish for Christmas that I could take all that sadness and pain away from them, but I know I can't.  But - I can listen.  I can care.  I can share a little of the love that Jesus has lavished on me.  I can offer them hope, peace & joy - all the things that Christmas is really about.

Isaiah 61
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
   because the LORD has anointed me
   to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
   . . . to comfort all who mourn,
 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
   instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
   instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
   instead of a spirit of despair. 

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