Disappointed, but not down

Ever been let down by a friend? Or have you been disappointed by a spouse? Has your boss or workplace simply dropped the ball and disappointed you?

Most of us have. It's not something new because it's been happening since the beginning of time in the Bible.

In Genesis, it seems as if they all let each other down, and, ultimately, they all let God down. Eve let Adam down but Adam let Eve down. They disappointed each other. Cain simply failed when it came to Abel. Cain let both Adam and Eve down. And it just goes on from there. Some were worse then others but still disappointing.

I have, no doubt, disappointed a lot of people. And, honestly, only God knows how many. Most were probably by accident, because I don't want to disappoint those around me nor does anyone. Most of us want favor from those around us. We want them to approve of us. We want that round yellow symbol with the smiling face on it posted on our Facebook page. Some I've disappointed because they were expecting something that I wasn't willing to do or supply. If I can't or won't or am unable to and you are disappointed, I'm sorry but that's how it has to be.

But how do we deal with disappointment? How do we deal with those who disappoint us? Some I know would simply take the bull by the horns and go confront them and ask why. Some would look them up and confront them face to face and eyeball to eyeball. Others would do it by email or text or even by phone. They don't quite have the courage to take on the disappointed face to face so they confront them remotely.

And then there are quite a few who just stuff it in a storage locker and let it fester and simmer and inflict more disappointment and hurt.

But what causes the disappointment? Probably millions of causes, if the truth be told. Back when Native Americans roamed North America, he would hunt the deer and the buffalo. When he made a kill they used every part of that animal down to even the bladders and the intestines. I mean every part. Can you imagine the disappointment when they came upon hundreds of buffalo rotting in the sun that had been skinned and maybe just their tongues taken to eat. Sickening. They absolutely couldn't understand how someone could do something like this.

But that's what real disappointment is, it's a sickening empty spot in your stomach or heart that at one time was joyous and happy, but no longer is. I've been disappointed. I've been disappointed by individuals and groups and churches and companies. Even been disappointed by friends. But I'm not the only one. Thousands of Vietnam vets were absolutely crushed when they returned from Vietnam. They didn't deserve the welcome they got back here.

Probably the hardest disappointment to handle is when you need a friend or a hand and they aren't there. At one of the lowest points in life, you reach out to your friends and they aren't there. For whatever reason, you are alone with your problem or situation.

So what do you do? Where do you turn? Is there help? The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline hotline is 1-800-273-8255 or 1-800-273-TALK. There is a Stephen Ministry program in Cape Girardeau that will help. For more info in the Cape area, simply call any church and they will help get you in touch. If you are in a bad way, go to the nearest hospital and tell them you need help. Most churches will help you. Some will undoubtedly condemn you, and, if they do, find another one. Look in the phone book for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Don't do nothing -- look for help.

Several years ago Marge and I were facing a health crisis that appeared to be really serious. There was the possibility of death or serious surgery. At that time, we were without a church and our friends in church seemed to have turned their backs. This was probably one of the most difficult times we have faced in our 60-plus years on this earth.

What helped us the most was our steadfast faith in God. We became Christians back in Nebraska in the 1970s, and have walked with Him since then. It was this trust and faith in God that gave us hope as we faced this serious health challenge.

Experts say the holiday season -- from around Thanksgiving through Christmas -- is a time of disappointment and loneliness for many. As we celebrate both Thanksgiving and Christmas, share with those around you. But all through this special time of the year, give thanks.

Have a good one,

Until next time.