Scintor would like to enter the conversation

[Teskas]

What I would like to know is why scintor keeps getting spammed for fake Prada. No matter, spam deleted.

[Jeff Gerke]

Scintor, tell us how you're doing. I see that you've been visiting recently but you haven't posted since like February. We miss you, friend.

Jeff

[Spokane Flyboy]

Running with the Matrix theme I've been going with, maybe Agent Smith took him over?

[scintor]

Actually, I've been lurking quite a bit these days.

I'm kind of embaressed because I got to the end of my story and was in the middle of the big battle and didn't like how it was unfolding. Then things in my life and family started to go south and I haven't been able to write at all.

We started having financial problems and the tension started getting so bad that I couldn't get myself into the frame of mind to write. I tried to start back up, but it never got anywhere. I felt a little embaressed to be participating in a writer's forum when I wasn't writing anything.

Unfortunately, then my family's financial got even worse. The only way that we have been able to pay our rent and bills has been scavenging for recyclables seven days a week. I don't know why it has been so hard for me to admit to my friends here at the Anomaly that this is what I have been doing, but it has.

Pride is a funny thing. I'm not too proud to dig through people's trash cans to help care for my family, but I was too proud to admit it here. You have all been so great in helping and praying for me through all of my physical struggles, I don't know why asking for help and prayers in this area of my life is so hard.

Well the good news is that I have been getting lots of exercise and I am in better physical condition than I have been in years.

Anyway, that's what I have been up to.

Your Friend,

Mark McDonald
AKA Scintor

[morganlbusse]

Hey Scintor, I'm praying for you. When my husband was laidoff last year and we were living in my mother's basement, those months of loneliness and despair drew me so close to God. His hands are large and so gentle as he carries us during hard times. May you feel his comfort and love during this dark time in your life. And know that you are not alone.

[duchessashley]

Definitely praying for you, Mark! Even though we may never have met face to face - we're here for you, man.

[metalikhan]

Mark, this is not exclusively a writer's forum — this is a Christian forum for SFF readers and writers alike. And, dear friend, just because you're not writing anything at the moment doesn't mean you're not a writer. One thing that may come from this difficult time is a change in your writing. Even though you're not working on a story, I would encourage you to journal daily if only a line or two about what you did that day — record your own "story" as you're living it. Down the road, you might be surprised at how much material you have to dovetail into a work of fiction that glorifies God's provision and sovereignty in hard times.

I think financial devastation is one of the more difficult things to bear in a country so confident in its affluence. Even followers of Christ have trouble holding onto their joy in the Lord when they suffer such tremendous losses; and sometimes I wonder how much havoc the prosperity gospel has wreaked among believers.

Just remember, my brother, He does provide, even though we may not like how He does it when we are in the immediacy of our hardship. When we look (often in hindsight) at how He delivers us through our adversity, we can see how much He loves and cares for us, how much He teaches us in enduring our hardship. He rearranges our priorities and opens us to the possibilities available to us when we truly rely on Him.

I'll share a bit of my own journal from when my husband and I went through our own financial devastation. (Maybe you'll get a smile or chuckle from it.) There was a long period when there was not enough food in the house for both of us; but because my husband was border-lining diabetes, I didn't let him know. I didn't go without food, however.

Notes during that time include these gems:
"Can't taste a difference between English plantain and common plantain. Salt helps. Might try wilting it like lettuce." (weeds from the front yard)
"Some kids saw me eating blue hyssop blossoms today. I didn't notice they were there 'til one of 'em screeched. They ran away. I guess now I'm the loony of the neighborhood." (Blue hyssop tastes like licorice.)
"Getting tired of fishing husks out of oatmeal but can't complain too much — a 5 pound bag at the feed store is just 2 bucks. The dogs never looked in better shape — maybe my hair will turn as glossy as their coats."
"Ack! Don't forget, GL, older dandelion leaves are NASTY. Just pick young ones." (for salad)

You are on my long term prayer list because of the health issues you've been enduring but I'll add your economic problems to my prayers. Endurance and courage for you through this time of trial.

Oh, and a hearty congratulations on your improved physical condition!

[Teskas]

Mark, I am sorry to read of your troubles. Metalikan is right. This isn't simply a writers' forum. If you are in a writing trough right now, your presence here is still most welcome. And, frankly, I admire a guy who will do everything in his power to look after his family, even going the trash-search route. I won't tell you how to feel about what you're doing, but I will say, I feel sad you are under strain. Something very wrong has happened in America, with all of its plenty, when good and honest people are struggling like this.

You might want to get some help, or at least some advice, from your local social services. Also try Crown Financial Ministries (crown.org). They may be able to put you in touch with a trained financial counselor in your area who might be able to help you improve your situation. Crown is a Christian ministry, and does not charge for any counseling.

You are in my prayers.