Upside Down...or Right Side Up?

There's an old saying that refers to a person's life being "turned upside down." It's used when something big, eventful, or traumatic happens, sometimes planned in advance, but usually not. You can likely relate to some degree, if you've faced financial, relationship, or health changes. In those moments, although time marches on, it may seem as though it stands still, or moves in slow motion. While other people race around you at the speed of life, you may not be able to move or feel like moving. I suppose that might be where that phrase comes from...I can imagine it would be hard to do much of anything standing on one's head, or navigating familiar locations and routines that have suddenly been upended.

I, too, can relate...I suppose you might say my life has been turned upside down. For the last week, I have been sitting at the hospital bedside of my precious 5-3/4 year old (he'll get offended if I represent him as only a 5-year-old) while he battles a potentially life-threatening bacteria. His condition continues to deteriorate as bloodwork shows that the shigella/shiga toxin 1 (from a specific form of E Coli) has moved from decimating his intestines, into his bloodstream, and is now attacking his kidneys, spleen, and potentially other organs.

Yet I would argue that the journey I am currently walking is not truly "upside down," but rather, "right-side up!" You see, everything that is happening is causing me to look up and rely on my Heavenly Father to supply all my need...healing for Noah, patience, strength, peace, comfort, joy, etc. In fact, from this vantage point, everything that had become comfortable and familiar and routine, in which I might have been tempted to place my identity, worth, confidence, etc. has been turned upside down, and everything left--those things that really matter--have been turned right-side up!

My little Noah has great faith in an even greater God! I am slowing down and savoring that and God's presence while life swirls around me. If you are willing, I encourage you to follow our journey on Facebook at Noah's Testimony. 

And I encourage you to seek life from the perspective of "Right-side up," looking up to the Father, who wants to provide all that you need, according to his great mercy. It may seem chaotic at first as other things get turned upside down, but I guarantee you, it's better this way!
 
Here's where I typically sign a "Social Incites" with my name, title, company, etc. However, when life is viewed right-side up, I'm learning it isn't about title, education, status, or perceived value or worth. Instead, I am...

Child of God
God's masterpiece and precious treasure
A learner...growing in dependence on God
Noah's grateful mom

Isaiah 43:1-3 shares many things that can turn our lives upside down. Yet the assurance is real... If you do not know this assurance personally, please contact me through email or Facebook, as I would love to pray with you or for you!

But now, [insert your name] listen to the Lord who created you.
    ______, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
    I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters,
    I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
    you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
    you will not be burned up;
    the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.