When My Life is Derailed, How Do I Respond?

Holding Firm to the God Who Never Moves

By Beckie Fanous

A massive interruption. A derailing. A pause. No matter how I describe it, there is a uniqueness to this season of life that is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.

We were engaged with life and ministry, involved with community, a part of something bigger than ourselves, doing what we believed we were called to do… and it all came to a screeching halt. We were asked to step off the train early—the locomotive of ministry and community and leadership. At times, it felt like we were invited to step off. At other times, it felt like we were pushed off forcibly. Either way, here we sit, no longer “in the game” as we once were. Silenced. Isolated. Grieving. Wondering.

The train initially slowed down for a minute or two. It seemed to struggle to find its way to another track. And then, it did. We watched as it picked up speed and kept going—without us. Now and then someone from the train looks over and gives a wave—maybe a sad wave, maybe a friendly wave. But then they return their attention to being on the train, not wanting to get left behind.

Our presence on the sidelines mostly goes unnoticed. We have moved into people’s rearview mirrors.