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Each pearl is formed by an oyster's internal response to a wound caused by an irritant, such as a grain of sand. Resources of repair rush to the injured area. The final result is a lustrous pearl. Something beautiful is created that would have been impossible without the wound. In today's Bible reading, we see Joseph in a position of influence, a position God soon used to feed surrounding nations and Joseph's family during famine. But how did he become influential? It began with a wound—being sold into slavery (Genesis 39)—which produced a pearl of usefulness. Because Joseph drew on God's resources when humiliated, he became better, not bitter. He named his second son Ephraim, which means "twice fruitful," and he said, "God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction" (41:52). Author Paul E. Billheimer says of Joseph, "If human pity could have rescued him from the sad part of his life, the glorious part that followed would have been lost." So if you're suffering, remember: No wounds, no pearls! —Joanie Yoder
Enduring every pain, Then we will learn what we should know; Our grief will turn to gain. —Sper Adversities are often blessings in disguise.
Joseph: Overcoming Life's Challenges When Disappointment Deceives |
Good Morning Finest Friends. It wont be too much longer that Aqua will have up our weekend thread (and remember it is RED Friday) and the Mayor will have a cup of coffee & maybe if we are REALLY lucky, Amy & Lori will drop in to say "hi".
I want to thank all who participated with my "you wont believe" three day thread. I learned a few new things & "stole" a few new tables to use. I understnad from a little mouse (Billie) that a couple of you are building your own tables.. starting with zip. I commend you - way, WAY ahead of me.
Well until the new thread feel fee to chat / share here
What a beautiful image to wake up to. You did a grand job on this! :) Thanks, Dolly!
When seemingly needless suffering invades our lives, we often ask ourselves, "Who needs all this grief?" But consider, for a moment, the origin of pearls.