Like most of life, the game wasn’t fair. When the music stopped and the familiar voice came through the speaker, the regulars gathered in the center of Bud’s Roller Rink for the limbo. With nicknames like shrimp and shortstuff you can imagine, I had a distinct advantage. I was tiny. To clear the first several bars I simply ducked my head and shoulders. Toward the end, I hugged my knees in a tight ball and rolled right under the bar without brushing it. If I had any real competition I stuck one straight leg out to the side and leaned below my bent knee to clear the bar only inches from the floor. I can’t remember for sure, but I don’t think there was even a prize for being miniature. Now, I’m wondering how low I can go.
Limbo, limbo, limbo
When I got older I learned that’s not how you properly limbo, yet I never grew much so I still maintained my advantage. Besides I could bend like Gumby and my strength was disproportionate to my size, so I continued winning the prizeless game.
Now I hate limbo. No, I loathe it, despise it, can’t stand it. The last two to three years of my life I’ve lived in constant limbo. Stuck between doctor and patient, Mrs. and Ms., here and there, life and death, I want it to end or at least I think I deserve a prize.
Every time I clear a bar and circle back around, someone has lowered it to an impossible low. The bar is precariously perched on pegs waiting for one wrong move before it crashes and I’m out. Honestly, this is about as low as I can go and I’m only inches off the floor anyway.
Wondering how low I can go
Alone in my dark house, I’ve curled up tight in a ball and I’ve bent over backward until I nearly herniated a disc (Gumby isn’t as young as she used to be). But it doesn’t feel like I’m winning. No, it feels more like I’m waiting for the bar to clang to the ground and leave a knot on my head as a consolation prize.
Living in the land of limbo
At least I’m in good company. Abraham lived in limbo after God called him to leave his country and everything familiar.
Oh how we love familiar…
Joseph lived in limbo while unfairly imprisoned, he faithfully served until he became second in command.
Oh how we hate injustice…
David spent years in limbo running from a deranged man he would succeed on the throne.
Oh how we hate waiting..
Are you living in limbo? Between what you’re called to do and doing it? Between knowing and choosing? Between questions and answers and fear the answers aren’t what you want? How low can you go?
Are you on the floor?
Sometimes we know what we are supposed to do but we can’t see a way. Yet God doesn’t often reveal the way until we’ve made the commitment to follow His leading regardless. At least that’s how He deals with me. He calls me to give up familiar, wait for His timing and leave justice to God. But there is a prize for looking up and not staying on the floor.
We know what we are supposed to do but we can't see a way #faith #commit Click To TweetHe is the lighter of my path
Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” HCSB
He is the lifter of my head
Psalm 3:3, “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” NIV
And the lifter of my feet
Psalm 40:2, “He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.” NLT
So I will tuck in tight to God and His promises, then eventually I will raise my arms in victory. Because the Lord is by my side and on my side and He is the prize.
Isaiah 43:2-3, “When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end – Because I am God, your personal God.” MSG
I still hate limbo. Can we stop and just play The Hokey Pokey now?
Vickie,
I cannot begin to understand what you are going through but I do know the dreaded game of limbo, of not knowing the “why” and the “how long”. Thank you for reminding us that we are in good company and remember Sister that we have a God whose name is Faithful.
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”
Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV
http://bible.com/111/deu.7.9.niv
Prayers over you this morning!
Amen! I’m writing that on an index card. Thank you so much
This makes me want to come up there and wrap my arms around you. I know this is a hard season, yet I also believe you will overcome and one of these days you will find yourself laughing with joy as you play The Hokey Pokey. I hope I’m there with you. “You put your right foot in …”
Put your right foot out… I would love for you to come hug my neck
I seriously will soon if it would encourage you. I love you. If you’re up for a visit, email me. xo
Thank you for such encouragement Vickie. I hate that you are going through all you have had to endure over the past couple of years. But you have blessed so many with your strength and faithfulness to God!
Thanks friend
I’m with Dorothy hold your hand during the limbo, and ready to do the hokey pokey with you….put your right hand in (up).
Love you dear girl.
Y’all make me smile
Laughter is good medicine.
You did it again! What a perfect analogy of life in this fallen world. Praying for you today, and everyday, for God’s greater grace as you keep clinging to Him in the midst of these almost unbearable and seemingly endless trials. Thank you for bringing us along so we can see God’s glory that would not be seen if you didn’t transparently share your pain. ❤️
So glad to have you along
Always enjoy your posts. I hope you get to play the Hokey Pokey soon because you know—that’s what it’s all about!
For sure!!
Limbo is much more difficult as each day passes, but perhaps God makes limbo this way for a/His purpose. BE STILL AND KNOW GOD! My limbo days seem longer than they were 40 years ago, but as I cease to wrestle the limbo, I can more easily Know God in my Stillness!
Amen. To know Christ is to know the fellowship of suffering
Thanks for putting yourself out there so we know we’re not alone in limbo land. Praying for you always!
Knowing we are not alone is powerful. Thanks for your prayers
Vickie your limbo is challenging yet we know you will come out as more than a conqueror.
God, your coach has promised to empower you for the journey. “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.” Isaiah 35:3 ESV We love you and we are praying for you. This too shall pass.
Thank you for your prayers, your encouragement and support. Great to connect with my sisters in Christ
Yes! Such a wonderful metaphor for real life. One of my favorite posts! Glad someone requested it.