#Inthegrey by: Julie Wicker
Previously working in the medical field and now working for the school district, with both medical records and with students’ records, it is rare that you can tackle every scenario with a black and white guideline. My co-worker said it perfectly one day when he said, “We live in the grey”.

How does this apply to my walk as a Christian and a mom? We don’t have guidelines that tell us how to be a wife and mom. However, we do have our bibles to bring us God’s word as we read in Heb 4:12;
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edge sword, cutting between sword and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires”.
For many of us the bible can seem overwhelming and doesn’t seem to give us clear direction. That is when the Holy Spirit comes in, to bring the word alive, to give us those butterflies, and all the dreams and desires the Lord has for us. We read in John 14:26;
“But when the father sends the advocate as my representative that is, the Holy Spirit he will teach you everything an will remind you of everything I have told you”.
To be honest, even with those two tools, I often live in the grey. I’m here to say, you are not alone.
In the grey might be lying beneath our Instagram filters or behind our Facebook highlights. At my age I love using my Instagram filters to post pictures because they hide my blemishes. When we post to social media, most often we share the highlights of our days. It is rare that we become transparent and show the good, bad, and the ugly. If we do share, it tends to be frowned upon. Although I love using social media as a tool to reach others in my Christian walk, I feel it can be a curse. We live in a world of comparison and for some reason this seems to get worse as we get older.
In the grey may look like depression. Unfortunately, depression is a true reality for many. It can be such a silent disease behind the smiles. Until you have experienced depression or lived with someone who suffers from it, it’s easy to make assumptions.
In the grey may look like a loss due to suicide. My fear with so many celebrities now taking their own lives, what does that say to our children. My heart breaks for the families that have experienced such sadness. As September is suicide awareness month, think about a way you can help someone in need. We live in a world where white noise is at an all-time high, yet there seems to be too much silence. We need to get back to the times when we communicate. Where cell phones are not acceptable at the dinner table. To be honest with you, I am so guilty of this. We need to ask questions and if we don’t get answers, keep asking, and keep asking until we get them.
Let’s be the light in the grey for others and help each other muddle through. We read in Ecc 4: 9-12; “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has not one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can we keep warm alone? Though one may feel overpowered, two defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken”.
I think of my two best friends when I read this. I also think of my Sunday School class. I think of my mom, who I call almost every night. Or my sister who sends a text just when I need it. I realize I have a lot to be thankful for and not everyone has a support system like I do.
Is there someone you need to send a text to, or mail a card, or put a note in a lunch box? Or maybe by being transparent about your grey areas will be the hope for someone who is in need but is too afraid to ask for help. Who will you reach out to today? Will you break your silence and share your grey?

Father,
Thank you for your living word and your Holy Spirit to guide us. Thank you for strategically putting our friends and family members in our paths at just the moment we need them the most. Give us discernment to know when and how to break the silence, to be the light and hope to someone in need. It is in the grey that we may not feel you near, may we hold on to your promises as we walk through those valleys and know that you will never leave us nor forsake us. As we muddle through the grey, may we continue to worship you and give you all the glory honor and praise. In the name of Jesus AMEN

#Worshipwithus
Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace) by: Hillsong United

Support Suicide Awareness through Origami Owl when you purchase this ribbon or the “Your Matter” Plate!  Click here to learn more