An Excerpt of Joy

This is an excerpt from a journal from June 17, 2020. This was written in the first summer, only three months after the first shut down. I was already in a battle of depression and anxiety. I call this my sleepless summer. I suffered from insomnia and constantly sought out scripture to resolve it. This particular entry was inspired by the book of Philippians. Paul writes to them as they battle severe persecution.

From the Journal:

The persecuted Christians have joy

-> joy is not all smiles, giggles, & sunshine

Joy can look like

Hope through tears

Courage through fears

Joy can be seen even through fast-beating hearts, gasps for air & sleepless nights

Joy is not always daylight or sunshine

It can be as small as a candle that burns through the night or a match that is a light for a flame in seconds that will burn something much brighter

Joy needs to be rebranded

Joy is not limited to how much I smile and laugh

Joy is counted by my praise to my father in Heaven at all times & all trials