I love the above artwork, created by a new friend, Tia. You can check out more of her work at:  www.whimsicalart.com.

The girl in the sketch has her cross on and Bible in hand. I'm guessing she's on her way to church or a Bible study. Good places to go, right?

Well, I, too, went to church this past weekend even though I was feeling about as down-in-the-dumps as I can remember. Angry. Frustrated. Sad. Disheartened. Unbelieving. Yes, unbelieving. I was having a temper tantrum directed at God and everyone around me.

Somehow, though, I mananged to get my emotional self into the car with my daughter and her friends and get to church. After getting them settled, I sat in my car and fumed. Yes, I fumed ... not my car. Thankfully, I've learned (and taught others) over the years that you have to just "show up" to church when life is hard. God will meet you there. So, I followed my own good advice and entered the santuary just as the worship time was ending.

The minute I took my seat, the tears started to flow (actually, flood) down my cheeks. It got to the point I was nearing the convulsive crying point. Anyone know what that looks like? You pant, sniffle, and sob. Snot and slobber (sorry for the graphic description) become the main ingredients on your face. Bye bye makeup!

Quickly, I rushed to the bathroom and, finally, after days of holding my pain in, I convulsively sobbed, and sobbed, and sobbed. Fully clothed and sitting on top of the toilet I cried out to God. I was at the end of myself, which is such a good place to be. I had surrendered and was ready to let God take the wheel. Oh, Jesus take the wheel ... that was the cry of my heart.

As my tears subsided, I opened my eyes. The first thing I saw ... a framed picture of outhouses. Yes, outhouses! I had to laugh. There I was seated in the private bathroom, at church, a total mess, gazing upward at outhouses. I began to giggle, snicker, and finally, I laughed. (Really, I'm not insane!) The irony of it all. I have to believe God has a sense of humor.

After returning to the service, I was treated to one of those "I read your mail" kind of messages. I'm sure Pastor Dave had planned his presentation around my personal problems and need for renewed motivation and encouragement. What if I'd stayed in the car? I would have missed out on everything God had in store for me in my brokenness.

On my way out the door, Pastor asked, "Where did you go during worship? Kelli (his wife) was going to introduce you as the speaker for the upcoming women's event."

"Uh ... I was crying in the bathroom." We prayed and laughed.

It's so good to be loved in our imperfections, isn't it? -- Here's your speaker for the upcoming "fancy feast" hiding in the restroom because her emotions have swelled to tidal wave proportions. Don't worry, ladies, she really is the "real deal." Boy, oh, boy, is that the truth. I'll be sure to share this event with my audience.

Sometimes, we just need to "be" in our brokenness and allow God to comfort us in unexpected ways. I don't know what you're going through right now, but God does. Please, don't allow your suffering to keep you from safe places and safe people, where God will minister to you in a very special way. Just show up. He'll do the rest.

God bless you!