“We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.” Romans 8:23

Surfing through phone contacts I came across a VERY special name I hadn’t talked to in a very long time. Just seeing the name made me smile. The last time I tried to dial the number…it rang…but no one answered. Not even voicemail. But as I said, this name was special. So I hit dial…and THIS time…she answered!

I met her when she was the leading lady for our U.S. Senator at the time. She was in charge of all U.S. Service Academy appointments, and since my son Clint was applying, our paths crossed. Because she took such an interest in my son, I fell in love with her immediately. Later, when my other son Colt applied, our journey continued. When problems came up, one call to her was all it took to fix. Next to God, SHE is the reason my sons are where they are.

I recognized her voice IMMEDIATELY when she said hello. After catching her up to date on each of our kids, we got around to talking about the MAIN thing that made our friendship so special…JESUS! It was then that her voice dropped a little and an underlying groan could be heard. I perceived it, because I share it with her.

Her husband has passed on and is “in heaven waiting for her,” she said. She is looking FORWARD to the trip, her reason being the same as mine. We just can’t believe what has happened to this world. Like me she doesn’t watch the news because deliberate ignorance has, at least, SOME bliss. She made me laugh when she said, “If Jesus doesn’t come back soon, He’s going to have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah!” Did I tell you she has a feisty side?

If you are a grandparent you probably qualify. Being older means seeing things through a foggy lens that cracked a long time ago. Older people, and I am one, SEE that evil is on the rise and that righteousness is under attack, and not doing well! I have fought to keep evil at bay, but it just seems to keep coming…stronger than ever. I groan in community! Sadly, and like my friend, I sometimes feel that God just isn’t paying attention! But He knew I would!

Groaning is not a sin! In fact, Jesus groaned (John 11:33)! The Bible ALSO says that even JESUS doesn’t know when this ridiculousness is going to end (Matthew 24:36)! Which means that somehow, Jesus, the second person of the Godhead, is as ignorant and upset about the same thing my friend and I are! (and before you get upset at me calling Jesus ignorant… go look up the word!)

So here’s the question of the day…does the rise of evil upset YOU and make YOU groan? If not… WHY NOT? This is an invitation to come join God’s favorite son Jesus, my friend and me in The Groaning Club! After all, groaning IS Biblical and we could use some ideas for a name for it!