Every cloud has a silver lining.

At least that is what they say.  And by “they,” I mean “we.” And by “we,” I mean “me.”

I know I have said it.  You know you have, too.

I want you to do something with me, at least as a mental exercise:  Take out a piece of paper.  Write that saying down nice and big.  Underline it.  Highlight it.  Circle the key words.

Now crumple it up and throw it away.

For too long we have accepted the usage of this idiom as some sort of balm, a way to foster positive thinking.  As believers, this phrase should have no place in our lexicon.  It is empty encouragement that is – at best – limited and short sighted, and – at worst – downright unbiblical.  Continue reading →