The Beanery Writers Group is posting a Lent Devotion each day of the season. They are using devotions posted at www.methodists-care.org , the Open Hands Ministries web site that includes information on the United Methodist Churches in the Ligonier Valley. Devotions are written by southwestern Pennsylvania writers. Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Ezekial 37:4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. (KJV) Joan sat at our dinner table, her head bowed so low her hair fell into her food and her nose would need to be washed if she leaned forward any closer. She was our guest while undergoing three months of intense abuse counseling. As a victim of incest by her father and others, her spirit had become so dry, so buried, she couldn’t raise her eyes to become part of the family. Her bones were “dry.” It reminded me of the title of a book asking the question When Were You First Killed? Its title hinted that the first incidence of child abuse kills, and subsequent events continue the slaughter. Joan’s behavior at our table verified the depth of her “murders.” Could her “bones” ever revive? According to Scripture, there was hope. Intense counseling helped Joan understand her innocence in the abuse while a growing Scriptural understanding lead her to understand her worth in God’s eyes. Family activities, including a revolving door for teenagers, demonstrated healthy family dynamics. But most of all humorous events and chatter creating laughter enabled her body to heal its own chemistry. Joan’s progress was marked by the gradual lifting of her head during meals. Other indications included removal of hair covering her face and dressing in feminine clothing. Her broken spirit was coming to life. Do you or does someone you know have a broken spirit? If so, effective counsel and joyous humor can help the body heal itself through chemicals produced by laughter! A merry heart certainly doeth good like a medicine, helping to flesh out those “dry bones.” Prayer: Dear Lord, I know you provide good counsel and opportunities for laughter for those with a broken spirit. Help them see through their pain to the healing power you provide. Amen. ---written by Carolyn | 
