The Shadowlands
In several of his writings, C.S. Lewis talks about the concept of the “shadowlands” as an analogy for the world we live in. Because the fingerprints of God are upon us and upon this world we are able to experience things like goodness, love, and mercy. But because we live in a fallen world, these things are not experienced in its fullness. These things are veiled by the “shadows” of pain and suffering. So we walk in this world through the shadowlands, but look forward to a day when Christ returns for us that the shadows will disappear. It is on that day that all pain, suffering, sickness, and death will be removed, and we can fully experience God and all that is good which comes from Him. It speaks to the blessed hope we have in Jesus.
We identify quite a bit with Andrew Peterson’s song “Dancing in the Minefields” which speaks to the joys and trials of marriage and to this idea of living in the shadowlands. Here is an excerpt from the song:
‘Cause we bear the light of the Son of Man
So there’s nothing left to fear
So I’ll walk with you in the shadowlands
Till the shadows disappear
Ruby pappachen
November 29
Jerel & leeza, I am sorry and yet encouraged to read this news of what y’all are going through. I had to experience 4 miscarriages before God blessed us with Josiah but I still can’t imagine the pain and sadness in what you guys are experiencing. We will be keeping you guys in our prayers. We stand behind your courage and hope in Christ. May God continue to keep you guys in His protection and guidance. Standing on His promises with you, biju & ruby
Ruby - juju
November 29
Hi, I was really moved to read your post. Both of you have been in my prayers for a while now and the subject of prayer changed to thanksgiving and care when I heard that Leeza was expecting. The past few weeks again the prayer changed for peace, wisdom, strength .. your words are a testament of how the Lords grants us peace in the most difficult circumstances. Here is a saying that spoke volumes to me during my time of trial when Joash was born…”sometimes when a storm rages the Lord calms the storm, other times, He lets the storm rage and calms his child”. We are praying with you for a miracle.
Smitha
November 29
Jerel & Leeza,
I guess I should introduce myself, I am Sajith’s fiance and very soon I will have the privilege to be a part of your family. It broke my heart to read what your going through.Its beautiful to see your steadfastness in the Lord even through these troubled times.It just takes faith like a mustard seed to move mountains and I pray and hope that the Lord honors your faith and you will see a miracle happen in your lives and that all may see it and know that He mostly truly is the living God. The Lord our creator who has very skillfully fashioned us and has paid great attention in creating every blood vessel to every organ to every tissue in our body will heal your little one. Please do know that though we are not physically there with you through this we are praying for you.. May the Lord continue to strengthen you both…
God bless
Smitha
Mary Kuravackal
December 13
Dear Smitha,
We are truly touched by your concern and sincerity and the encouraging words. I am Jerel’s mom. Sanju and Sajith call me Ammachi. Appachan and I want to welcome you to the family. We wish we could be there for the wedding but we do not feel comfortable to be that far away from Jerel and Leeza at this time for obvious reasons. I do hope that this is the beginning of a long and wonderful relationship. Our prayers are with you for a happy and blissful married life. God willing we will see you in the near future.
Ammachi
Santhosh & Sheela
April 5
Jerel&Leeza,
our heart felt condolence to you guys. May the Good LORD give you peace that passes all understanding. we admire your faith. we pray that many souls will be saved and be blessed by your testimony. Thank you for sharing it with us. Let God be glorified. We love you guys !!!!
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Ps 46:1)
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Santhosh,Sheela,Sanjay,&Sajini