Life throws some pretty crazy situations our way, to be sure! If we aren’t careful, we can inadvertently become victims of circumstance, and find ourselves in a deep pit of depression.
Last summer, a friend of ours passed away suddenly of a heart attack. He left behind a loving wife and six grown children, four sons-in-laws, two grandchildren (and one more on the way). We are close to everyone in his family, including the sons-in-law, who were devastated by his death. His youngest daughter, a senior in high school, breaks my heart! Although older than I was when my father died, I see in her all of the emotions that I went through after my dad died, and all of those painful memories washed over me like it was yesterday. I wish that I could just hug her and tell her that it will be ok – that she will survive – that every day, week, month that passes will strengthen her – that God loves her and will somehow use this hurt to shape her.
This weekend, her older brother, who’s named after his father, is getting married. All of the family will be together – all except for Kirk. I know it will be a very difficult day for the family.
I have the privilege of playing music for the wedding, and I know it will be beautiful, but I doubt that I will be able to play for it all without shedding a tear.
It is because of this pain that the book Masquerade was written – to be a beacon of light in a dark world to let hurting people know that, with God’s help, they can emerge victorious over devastating blows that life can deliver.
Masquerade is a fictional story that personifies tragedy and emotional battles that could really be experienced by any one of us. The story isn’t a “rainbow and puppy dogs” kind of victory, but a story that demonstrates God’s faithfulness to us amidst our tragedies.
Masquerade was written almost a decade ago, and sat dormant on my hard drive for a long, long time. Last summer, I began the process of publishing this book in the hopes that it would reach people who are hurting – to let them know they can have HOPE through Jesus Christ!
I have two favors to ask of all of you tonight. If you would, please click the link below and order your copy of Masquerade.
Second, please keep my friends’ family in your prayers.
Many thanks!
Blessings,
SB
Journey-For-Life 