I know, I know...It's been way too long. It's been approximately six months and a few days since my last post. I'm not exactly sure how to explain my extended absence. In all honesty, lets just say that personally and ministerially things became quite difficult to the point where 'faith,' 'hope,' and 'joy' were seemingly hard to come by. I admittedly bring this forth not to launch a "Mike Voit Pity Party," but to allow you to fully enter into my journey of life and faith. As you are well aware, things are not all roses and peaches or lamb and tuna fish (thank you to the movie "Big Daddy" for that analogy). Life is difficult and I am not one of those people who chooses to sweep that reality under the rug. I refuse to pretend. I refuse to play happy, unfazed Christian. Instead my desire is to acknowledge that which is broken so that God may bring healing, hope, and comfort not just to myself, but to others who struggle as well. I believe the late Henri Nouwen, profound author and theologian, refers to this person as the "Wounded Healer."
So here I am, wounded, yet still standing. And today I can honestly say I have joy. It's been a long time. I told a dear friend this morning of my renewed sense of purpose and hope and to hear his response was like a breath of fresh air. He, like many others, has walked beside me through this journey. Struggling, wrestling, grieving, hoping. He has hoped when I felt hopeless. He has encouraged when I wanted to quit. And he has loved, when I felt like a disgrace. Yet he hasn't been the only one. I can't tell you the love, grace and persistence my wife has shown during this stretch. My wife, as always, has been a constant reminder of God's presence through this entire time. I give thanks not only for my wife and for my dear friend, but for the numerous people who truly acted and responded as God's church. In all of my angst and frustration with the church at times, you all give me hope that the church can be a beautiful agent of restoration and hope.
As I write this, I'm humbled by the response of so many in regards to this blog. Over the past few months and even days, I've heard from countless people about their anticipation of my next post. I never thought my writings and musings on life were all that special. I don't consider myself a great writer or expositor of life and faith. I feel very much like a little kid playing with crayons when it comes to speaking and writing about such things. For those who have made comments and for those who have encouraged me to keep writing (even if it hurts!), this blog post is for you. Know how much you and your encouragement is appreciated. You really have no idea how much it means to me. Thank you for believing. Thank you for hoping. Thank you for being who God has made and called you to be.
As I end this somewhat random and long overdue post, let me say this...
May we embrace life in all its facets in the hopes that God will be all that He says He is...faithful, loving, and present.
