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Jenn Corum, October 1 2022

Dancing in the Desert

I've always believed that true character and nature is revealed with how people respond to tragedy, pain, suffering, fear, anxiety and death. In other words, when pressed to the flame, we show our true colors. That's not to say we aren't allowed to grieve death, feel anxious when presented with worries and fears, and cry out when inflicted with pain. What I'm talking about is more subtle, more inspiring. 

It's the young couple who can still praise God and choose faith when the unspeakable horror of losing a child enters their life. 

It's the beautiful woman who choses to love and give to the children around her and still believe that God is good, when her own womb remains barren.

It's the family who continues to serve, to give back and to be grateful for tiny morsels after they've lost absolutely everything they love and hold dear. 

I'd like to think I am that kind of person, but I know that I am not, precisely by how I've reacted when faced with the death of a loved one, the loss of a dear friend's child and the way my heart feels ripped apart and angry when refugees and the innocent unfairly suffer. I'm filled with anger. I shout and scream and kick. I'm more of the "it's not fair" human. A very human quality, indeed... 

So this week, I was taken with awe when my dear friend, who is enduring a battle with aggressive breast cancer, texted me and shared that it was time to shave her head. My heart ached so deeply. Losing hair may seem like nothing, but those who've either endured the same or know the true heart of women knows what an absolute blow that is. My friend went on to say that she and her grandchildren were going to spread her hair around her gorgeous mountain property, so that the birds could make nests out of it. 

Can you imagine? 

Taking the crushing pain of losing a piece of oneself, to pivot and instead choose to share that piece with the wild. My friend will literally become part of forest that surrounds her. Her hair will be weaved into the homes of generations to come. She will be a part of the comfort and safety of the chaotic and beautiful world around her. 

It spoke so much to me. And that alone is such a beautiful blessing, to find the precious, hope-filled moments hidden inside the discord. My incredible friend is choosing the light, climbing the mountain, and running the race, with such grace, humility and gratitude. 

She is dancing in the desert. 

And I'm so honored to watch, and be forever changed. 

The dry desert will rejoice. The desert will be glad and blossom. It will be covered with flowers and dance with joy."
Isaiah 35:1 (ERV Version) 

Written by

Jenn Corum

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