I don’t know about you, but given the current extreme heat wave, and the reality of social distance socializing….Netflix has become a trusty, reliable standby.
It’s free. It’s watched in the air conditioning. And you’re not in jeopardy of being sneezed on by an anti-masker who’s standing too close to you.
That, and you have prime access to unlimited snacks.
Anywho – I was watching a movie the other night with a particular gentleman friend, called Life as We Know It, starring Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel.
Granted, the movie was 10 years old…which I’m realizing now, probably does not make for particularly relatable blog fodder — but what the hey, just go with me here.
THREE SENTENCE MOVIE RECAP: A hopelessly single guy and girl are godparents to their mutual friends’ baby. The parents tragically pass away, leaving the bad-boy womanizing bachelor, and the given-up-on-love woman to raise the baby in the friends’ mansion that they left to them. Their lives are obviously thrown in a loop becoming instant parents, but after ups and down, they [SPOILER ALERT] fall in love, and actually become a family.
OK
So now we’re all caught up.
I loved this movie. Not only was the company great 😉 buuuut it was really charming, and actually had a powerful message. One that I could definitely relate to, and I’ve got a hunch that — given the current climate — you can too.
It just reminded me that life can throw you wicked curve balls.
Life can be humming along, and then – BAM – you develop an illness, you lose a loved one, you’re relocated, you lose your job, or maybe — even — the world decides to flip on its head in a global pandemic.
CURVE BALLS.
I have certainly experienced my fair share of curve balls. From battling anorexia, to my ulcerative colitis, to my mother’s stroke. I could definitely relate to the feeling of having your world completely turned upside down in the blink of an eye.
And the thing that was really great about this movie — the “feel good, early 2010’s rom-com movie magic” of it all, was that our hero couple got through it.
Things were tied up in a bow, and we left the movie knowing that everything was going to be okay.
We could finally exhale. All was right in the world.
And that, is something that isn’t a luxury we get to experience when we’re in the thick of said crisis or trial.
Those times in my life where I was thrown for one heck of a loop — they weren’t necessarily something you’d want to make a movie about. It wasn’t cute, or quirky and filled with adorable mishaps that wove together a ~love connection~.
But those seasons were beautiful in their own right. Because they developed my dependence on, and trust in Jesus.
When I was first starting out recovery, and in the fight of my life, every single day, against the eating disorder that was bludgeoning my mind — it took every ounce of strength my frail 78 pound body could muster, to cling to Jesus. To throw myself at His feet, and surrender the destructive things I wanted so desperately to hang onto.
I had to choose to actively surrender.
And in doing so, He carried me every step of the way, whether I knew it or not. He rescued me. And brought me through it. Every single curve ball season, Jesus was right there with me, strengthening me in my weakness – in my fear – in my desperation and dejection.
And sure enough, every time, He saw me through, as evidenced in the strong, healthy young woman you see today.
But the wildest thing that I loved about the movie, was how it highlighted how sometimes, it’s the curve balls in life that actually set you up for the rest of your life.
Sometimes it takes a little redirection. Sometimes that redirection isn’t necessarily so gentle.
I know that was the case for me.
The eating disorder — for as absolutely detrimental as it was — it actually was a huge blessing in my life. Because it taught me so many things — hard lessons — that I couldn’t have learned any other way.
It demolished the pride that was slowly seeping into my heart and eroding my soul. It taught me humility, and by stripping me of everything — including my hair — dissolved the vanity that had taken residence in my spirit, and forced me to find my worth, not in my outward appearance, but in my heart. It made me truly rely on Jesus for everything.
But more than anything, it set my life on the path God had in store for me.
It gave me a mission to help others going through similar adversity — which is why I wrote my book, Bloom, and started this blog.
Set backs, are more often than not set ups for the greatest things in life.
I have seen that time and time again in my own life. And I love that this movie so cleverly — and hilariously — depicted that too.
Perhaps, if you find yourself in a curve ball season — like, heck: the entire global population right now — maybe this is just the encouragement you need to hear. I know I did.
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
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82 responses to “Curve Ball Season”
He always knows the path that is best for us no matter how many curves. We just need a little push to hang on around all those turns-onto him that is. Another good one and thanks. John.
Thank you so much John – you’re so right – He ALWAYS knows the best path, even if and when it’s not the one we had anticipated! Have an awesome evening! Hugs and love xox
He sees every turn, and knows every scar.
He’s still God—wherever you are.
Oh my gosh I love that thought – He knows every scar. That is so powerful. Especially because by HIS scars we were healed! Thanks so much for stopping by, David. I hope you have a great night. Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome. I’m just glad I popped in here before Jeffrey H. King wrote a paragraph. 😁
Oh gosh hah – I always appreciate hearing from both you and Jeff! I always walk away with a brand new perspective, so thank you!! 🙂
Actively choose surrender. Sounds like an oxymoron; working at doing nothing. But, being a type A person with a German heritage, working at doing nothing – surrendering – is a damn tough thing to do!
Set backs that are setups. What looks like a downer is actually the climb on the first roller coaster hill. Did you ever hear about the joke that two kids were put alone in two different rooms to see how they’d react to widely different experiences? The kid in a room full of toys was sad. When asked why, he said he had no one to play with. The kid in the room full of horse manure was having a ball running around and digging through all the manure. Asked why he was so happy, he said that with that much horse manure, there had to be a pony in here somewhere!!
Here endeth the lesson…
Whateth a lesson!! Thank you so much for this awesome perspective, Jeff. I love that — you’re right – how incredible that in surrendering, we’re probably working harder than toiling away! Hahaha oh my gosh – the first thing I thought of with that experiment was that poor kid’s mother in the horse manure! Hahahah what a hoot, gosh. Thanks Jeff for stopping by and offering your two cents! I always appreciate it! Hope you and your girls are having a fabulous night!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I arrived here early! Thanks for this great post Caralyn!! It’s spot on! Setbacks are only set ups! I’ll keep that in my mind always! Yes, our lives are only worth living when He, Jesus is in it. As some who battled suicidal thoughts and depression, I realized how messed up life really is without Jesus. Truly, there is no living without Him. I pray He helps us all. Thanks for another great post! Lots of love!
Hi Temiloluwa!! Haha yes! Within the first 30 minutes, look at you!! And gosh, thank you. Yes! Set ups for His perfect and perfectly timed plan. What a comfort that is! Thanks again for stopping by! You rock my friend!! Hugs and love xox
Beautiful reminder. Perfect timing. Thank you. 😊❤️
Aw thank you so much! Yes! Perfect timing – which is particularly difficult to remember during seasons of waiting. But He is always on time 🙂 hugs to you xox
I like what you said that those curve ball times increase our dependence on Jesus but we have to willing to surrender to Him during those times.
Thanks for sharing this Caralyn.
Aw thank you so much! Yes! That willingness to let go of control and surrender is always particularly difficult for me. But it is truly the only way!! So glad you stopped by, my friend! Have a great night! Hugs and love xox
Good one C ! Thanks for the encouraging message .
Very encouraging and inspiring. Thank you!
Thank you so much!! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Hope you’re having a great Monday! Hugs and love xox
Absolutely truth. Keep it coming girl. The whole world needs to hear it.
Thank you Amy!! Oh gosh you’re too kind. Let’s spread His goodness! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
TY! Love your outfit-romantic and preppy at the same time. Need at hat like yours but need to buy it in person cause with my full head of hair I have to make sure it fits well. Last summer, I left a Panama hat like yours in the NYC subway heading back from downtown Manhattan to midtown. 😢
Aw thank you so much! Haha I feel you! I have so much hair too!! The one I have has a generous fit! I linked it on my amazon page if you want to check it out – Eric Javits! i literally wear it every day! Haha And oh nooooo! That’s such a bummer! Hope you have a great week! Hugs and love xox
Amen! We all had bends in the road that took us to places we never thought we’d see. I had to cry out – God, where are you? Why haven’t you heal my [fill in the blank pain]?
One pastor whom I listen to on the radio said: “If you talk about suffering, you will never lack an audience.” Who knows who else is reading this today or next week and go “Wow! This helped!” 🙂
Thank you so much!! Yes! God hears us when we call out to Him! Because we are His kids and He loves us so much. Wow – what a powerful thought. Hope you’re having a great Monday! Hugs and love xox
I can’t help but tell you I have spent the past few days reflecting upon the same ideas, specifically the 10% what happens and 90% response ratio. We are truly in control of so little, life is one big surrender fest in reality. It takes emotional maturity to not fear change and to embrace whatever life throws at us. Perspective and attitude play large roles in it all too. You roll with the bunches because you’ve lived the alternative. That’s something we both have in common and why I always enjoying reading your blog! Life is what you make it and when you’ve been to a place that’s threatened to turn out your light completely, you want to live each day afterwards with renewed faith, hope and a joyful attitude. So much love Carolyn, always
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Hi friend! Oh gosh thank you so much! I’m so glad you’ve been having similar thoughts too. You’re absolutely right – one big surrender fest, I love how you put that. Amen!!! I appreciate you stopping by! Have a great week! Hugs and love xox
At this time of life I have lots of opportunity to reflect on the past, particularly my young stupid days. LOL. While there is a lot to regret obviously I’ve come to view those years as an object lesson on what not to do and what doesn’t work so in a sense that time was not wasted. Those years were the building blocks for a more intelligent and productive future once God had given me a few knocks to get my attention and turned me into more productive directions. Like you, I’m thankful for His patience and guidance. 🙂
Thank you so much Ian for sharing your thoughts on this! You’re so right – that time was NOT wasted. God uses absolutely everything for good. What a comfort. Yes! Lots to be grateful for! Hugs and love xox
Hello to the Beauty Beyond Bones blog! It is nice to read that all is well in your existence. A pleasant read tonight, thank you.
Great to have the opportunity to drop by, and to read your thoughts on how you’re handling. Keep up the brilliant blogging, and have a spectacular month of August! Ta ta for now and all the best.
Hi Odell!!! Aw thank you so much 🙂 – Yes! I’m so glad you dropped by as well! I always smile when I see your name pop up! 🙂 ta ta for now! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Yes. This. I’m not good at dealing with curve balls, but I know you’re right.
Thank you so much Greg! Same here – they are always unexpected and always bring about challenges. Luckily we have a Helper, and can surrender it all!! Hugs and love xox
Amen!
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It is a funny thing about us humans on this side of eternity. We need our trials. We need our pain. For some reason it is the only thing that provers to us who we really are and who we really are not.
Thanks so much Joseph for sharing this powerful perspective. You’re so right – we need those challenges — because they bring us back to the feet and heart of Jesus. Hugs and love xox
Amen! That is exactly where we need to make our stand or our kneel as the case were.
Yes! That’s where!!! Xox
First off you rock the mask wearing look 🙂
I have had so many curve balls since I stepped out in faith to follow Jesus and serve him but it is all worth it even though I did not think that when I was experiencing the curve ball moments.
Oh gosh thank you! You’re right – the curve balls are always always worth it. His plans are the best! Hugs and love xox
A great post. I am usually good at dealing with curve balls. However the next curve ball, is going to get thrown back hard in the direction whence it came.🤣. Mind you given my ball skills no telling where it might end up. Bad attitude I know but honest. Thank you I enjoyed your post.
Thank you so much! Hahaha too funny! I personally think humor is the best way to make medicine go down 😉 hehe Hugs and love xox
I watched the film. I was very much a sceptic. I thought “Once a player, always a player. I watched the Thanksgiving Dinner and all I could think was “Social distancing guys, wear a mask.” I don’t think any of us will ever feel entir ely comfortable standing close to anybody again.
I thought “What a nice sensible arrangement, no messy emotional entanglements”, (till towards the end of course.) Carolyn honestly the arrangement they had at the beginning would have suited me just fine. At least he was sincere.
My greatest dread was that our own children would be left with nobody when they were little. They are now all grown up, which is a relief in many ways. The characters in the film did manage to work as a team, despite their differences. Without realising it, they covered all the bases between them.
Their argument resonated with me. Especially when the Dr said,
“If we argued like that, we would still be married.”
It is just so true. It is not the way you handle the highs which matters, in my view it is about whether you both care enough to remain open and vulnerable through the lows.
Hey maybe I am not so wrong about curve balls. I found this quote about curve balls.
“When life throws you a curve ball, hit it right out of the park.”
I suppose that is more helpful, than some of my mental images, amusing though they are.
Oh I really like that!! Thanks for sharing! Outta the park! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
I can only say ;wow!I am startled to see the number of things you are doing within the 24 hours allotted to you like many others besides being a loving mother.Hats off to you.Take care🌹👍🙏
Thank you so much! One day I’ll be a mom…but not yet! 🙂 God willing, of course! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Oh that means I have blessed you with lovely kids in anticipation. Most welcome.🌹👍🙏
Isn’t it so, my friend:
When all our life runs smoothly, we may think life is under our control. Suddenly if there is a turning point, our own built card-house falls down and only then we get to know: nothing is under our control because He is the One, the puppeteer, Who holds the strings in His hands. Certainly: for each of us He has a unique plan.
Thanks for sharing, my dear friend Caralyn 🙂
Stay safe and healthy.
Hugs and love
Didi
Thanks so much Didi – what a powerful image of the house of cards! You’re right! He is the one! And how lucky are we to be beneficiaries of His unique plans! Have a wonderful week! Hugs and love xox
Thank you, dear Caralyn 🙂
Also for you a happy week ahead 🙂
Hugs and love .)
Didi
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That sounds like a lovely film, Caralyn.
You’re right about the curve balls in life – we really appreciate the strength the Lord gives us at those times. 🙏 🙌
Thank you Lesley! It was a great movie, highly recommend! Amen – His strength is seen best in our weakness!! Hugs and love xox
I believe every curse has a blessing, and God invites us to seek and find the blessing in whatever “curve balls” come our way. Good post.
I think you’re absolutely right Madeline! It’s an invitation back to Him! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
This is so, so good. Thank you for sharing. I especially loved this truth: “It’s the curve balls in life that actually set you up for the rest of your life.” I was thrown a curve ball this week, and I’m trusting that good will come from it.
Hi Kristen, Aw thank you so much! And I will definitely be keeping you and your curve ball situation in my prayers. Hang in there, beautiful. Nothing is ever wasted when it comes to God! Hugs and love xox
Amen to that! Thanks, girl! I appreciate you. Keep shining so brightly.
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just like in baseball, the ability handle the curve balls that life throws at us is often the difference between success and mediocrity…
You’re so right about that Jim. That’s the difference!!! Hope your week is off to a great start! Hugs and love xox
And thanks for stopping by 😉
I’m so glad you were able to get well. <3 Thanks for such a buoyant post in these crazy times. I love the way you always turn toward the things that light your life. ^_^
Aw thank you so much 🙂 yes me too! Very grateful for that second chance! Hope your week is off to a great start! Big hugs to you! Xox
Such wisdom. I also recently watched that movie. You are correct that is helps one with perspective as well as intertaining. Keep up the good work and positive thinking and sharing such words of wisdom.
Thank you friend. Isn’t it a cute film?! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Great article… I like the title picture too… With a picture like that, its interesting you mention “Curves”…. Haha…
Anyhow, reading your post, I’m reminded of the curve balls that have been thrown my way in the past years. It has taken me years to get to a point, where I can safely say I begin to star living life again and maybe finally have the freedom to begin a relationship with someone and Strike 3 – Covid hits..
Certainly feels like I’ve struck out when comes to life. I’m having the job I dreamed of having, etc., etc., etc., and I’ve spent the major part of my life fixing other people’s lives at the cost of my own happiness.
But like you, a movie came to the rescue; a little known Christmas movie called Klaus.
https://julxrp.wordpress.com/2020/08/01/klaus-its-worth-it/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WENzsh9Ra0
I won’t get into the specifics of the movie. You need to see it for yourself. For everyone who hits a home run in life, there are those who are being struck out with curve balls – one after another. For every winner, there is a loser.
Life is a game of Poker. You play the cards you are dealt. It’s not fair. It will never be..
The point being.. just because you know you are going to lose, you don’t stop playing the game. You take the tiny runs you can and try to be content with that.
That’s what the movie reminded me.. Here were two people who in spite of their misery, committed one selfless act that sparked a chain reaction that went on to change the world around them.
In other words, God uses your curves to bless others.
That’s a very wise observation. Sometimes the obstacles that are thrown in our path turn out to be anything but….we can use them to learn new things and find new directions that were much better than what we had before.
I love that movie, I’ve seen it so many times 🙂
Great article. Awesome title photo… With a picture like that, its interesting you mentioned “Curve”….
Reading your article, reminded me of a similar situation I had last week. What a coincidence.. !!!
I was thinking about the way that my life has turned. It really hasn’t gone the way I wanted. Never did. Probably never will. You could say that I have been hit with quite a few curves. And just when I thought that I was done with it all – the fixing other people’s problems, done my duty and finally I can be free to live my life – perhaps finally have the freedom to start a relationship with someone, here comes Covid-19 and its “Strike 3 – You’re Out!” Life is like a game of Poker. I’ve played a game or two; not very successful, but enough to know that you have to play the hand you are dealt. Some get the great cards, while others, they always get the losing hand.
Life will never be fair. For every winner, there will always be a loser. The interesting thing is that you can’t really say anything to God about it because, well, He’s the one that gave me this life. I didn’t choose it.
Like you, it took a movie to remind me of something… a little known Christmas flick name KLAUS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WENzsh9Ra0&t=5s
I won’t get into the whole story, etc., but I would highly suggest watching it.
For me, watching the movie, it showed me that two men, despite the situation they were in, committed one selfless act that changed the lives of many. It just dawned on me, that was mission – to be the loser. By me being the loser, someone can be a winner. By accepting that, I become a winner myself.
In other words Caralyn, God will use your curves to be bless others.
I wrote a tiny article about Klaus on my blog.
https://julxrp.wordpress.com/2020/08/01/klaus-its-worth-it/
“It’s not a dead end, it’s a launch pad” – such a great point and one that’s good to remember for those moments where we can’t see ’round-the-bend. Kind of reminds me of Super Mario – he encounters so many obstacles in the game but there’s always collectable treasures (that act like boosters) too along the way.
Great 👍
Fitly spoken. Thank you.
I’ll check out the Panama hat! 🎈Happy Birthday beautiful! Continue your special day with joy and peace!! 🎈
Absolutely! Surrendering to the Universe is the necessary first step. I didn’t really love this movie at the time but I like this take on it.
Thanks so much! Yeah the movie grew on me too! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
You are right. You have to just go with the flow of life. Always give it to Jesus.
Yes! Always give it to Jesus – amen. Hugs and love xox
Great article… Even more a great picture to go with it.. With a photo like that, its interesting you mention “curves”…
Reading your article, I’m reminded of my share of curves. And just when I thought I could finally be free of it all and maybe be free enough to even start a relationship with someone, just then comes Covid-19 and its “Strike Three! You’re Out!!”..
Of course Life is a game of Poker. You play the cards you are dealt. And like yourself, it took movie, to help me see something I forgot.
It was a movie on Netflix called Klaus.. Worth a watch.
The message, “God can use your curves to bless others”.
Thank you so much! Aw I’m sorry about that. But hey – I think this strange season is actually a wonderful time to form connections with people! So don’t give up! People are hungry for relationship! Love the poker analogy. And thanks for the movie recco!! Hugs and love xox
Good article, I know in your case Jesus was what kept you focused and got you through. In my line of work which is around helping with mental health, it is that “Focus” or at least a change of focus which is such a key in turning things around for the person.
No matter what is happening, how we focus is such a key. Thanks for sharing. I did up a free e-book last year to help people with doing that and also explaining some of the psychology and neuroscience that goes with that. Here is a link if you ever want to have a look.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-ways-help-prevent-suicide-full-mental-jacket-e-book-clint-adams/?trackingId=true
Thank you Clint! I look forward to reading your ebook. Hugs and love xox