Your Personal Parade of Horribles

#214

Friend,

I learned a new phrase the other day: “Parade of Horribles.”

A former lawyer told me about this rhetorical device where a lawyer can lay out their case to show the chain of devastating events that have happened because of this action or the chain of devastating events that can happen if this action is allowed.

But when I heard it, I thought of you.

Your past few years have been a Parade of Horribles. One thing after another after another. It’s surreal that things keep happening, keep going. Tragedy, challenge, difficulty, loss, conflict. It seems that when the Parade of Horribles gets going, it won’t stop.

But look at you. You are still here. The Parade of Horribles has hit you, and you have survived every float so far. Look at you, you have the grit to keep going. Look at you, the Parade of Horribles is no match for the Parade of Grace. And you are not alone in this parade.

Here is the thing about the Parade of Horribles: it will end. (Though in the middle of the parade, it certainly feels like it won’t.) But the Parade of Grace will never end.

The only thing that can counteract the Parade of Horribles is this Parade of Grace that is surrounding you with love and encouragement. I know you feel alone and overwhelmed, but if you can pause and look around, you’ll see God’s grace through friendships, his timely Word, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Parade of Horribles is like a marching band in a parade. You can’t help but see and hear it, but it will pass. The Parade of Grace is the road the band marches on. You may not notice it, but it is always there.

Love,

Aaron