16 Nov Disappointed
Disappointments. We all face them.
Some seasons seem full of disappointments. At least that is what it has felt like for me. It’s been one disappointment after another. The book process was very disappointing. Most everyone I worked with let me down. Deadline after deadline was missed. Work was not up to par. What was promised, was not fulfilled. Every obstacle that I could have faced, I faced. I had close to 100 people tell me they would help market and most didn’t fulfill their commitment. And what about my closest friends who didn’t even acknowledge the book or didn’t buy one either? They didn’t owe me anything, but it still left me disappointed.
And the reality that I am still waiting? That is disappointing too. Friends are popping out babies left and right and I am still waiting. 4.5 years of waiting and waiting. It’s disappointing.
And the election? Dare I even bring up all the chaos that has happened with the election. Half the country is disappointed, which many don’t realize, but happens every 4 years. Protests are happening. Name calling is taking place. Ugliness has ensued. I know so many are disappointed and honestly I am disappointed in how people are responding.
Clearly I am not the only one who has faced disappointments. Maybe it’s just a situation here or there, but sometimes it feels more like a constant state of mind. And, I realize that yes, I have been the one to let others down. I am sure it happens way more often than I realize. I know I have come up short many times and disappointed those around me.
In the middle of the book craziness including both stress and tears, you want to know what the Lord told me? That when I put my hope in other things or people, I will be disappointed.
Ugh.
Isn’t that the truth? People are always going to disappoint you, including your spouse, best friends, or closest family members. The president-elect, whether you voted for him or not, will disappoint you. Your co-workers will disappoint you. Airlines will disappoint you. Being sick on an important day will disappoint you. God not healing a loved one will most definitely disappoint you.
So why do you think people grow angry? Why do you think hurtful words are exchanged between friends? Why do you think people blame God? Why do you think people are protesting over Trump winning? Why do you think I became frustrated with so many people throughout the book process?
When hope or faith or trust or anything is placed in people, disappointment happens.
But hope in Christ?
“Hope does not disappoint.” Romans 5:5
Hope in Christ will never, ever disappoint.
If your hope is in anything besides God, don’t be surprised if you face disappointment. I know I am not the only one currently wrestling with this idea, so if this is also you, I wanted to re-share this post on how to overcome disappointment and the second on being unoffendable. Join me in asking for forgiveness and removing all expectations from other people and instead putting all hope in God, the only one who cannot and will not disappoint you.
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Annette
Posted at 07:49h, 16 NovemberCaroline, I had this very reaction to the election. Do not put your hope in another human being. But I need to point out that there is usually only disappointment when another side loses, there is a lot more at stake this time around as we can see by the newest appt. I live and work with refugees and minoritues and they are scared. Something is trying to redefine us. Our country was built on protests, so protesting is good. But violence, no.
I still haven’t bought a book but I will. Don’t give up on people, it s debut coincided with a lot of confusing energy. It’s a hard time to focus. Disappointment has hit our home too, but we have grown use to it and remain grateful for what there is. Gods plan is still Gods plan. Your Jeremiah moment is still here. Don’t overlook that.
Still so happy for you!
Staci
Posted at 08:40h, 16 NovemberYou are always full of such wisdom in the face of trials. God blessed me 21 ? Years ago with a friend that not only would I get to share good times and bad times with but someone who would be a constant encourager to me and EVERYONE around her. You amaze me everyday and I can’t wait to snuggle those babies I’m going to spoil them like my own!
Renee Young
Posted at 09:17h, 16 NovemberThanks for such a crucial reminder this morning Caroline. I don’t think I am disappointed in people in my life currently, but I know it will happen. I feel like I am more or less just disappointed in some circumstances in my life right now, and without realizing it, I can get wrapped up into expectations which often result in my disappointment. My husband pointed out to me over lunch the other day that I have a “expect the worst” or “see the worst situation” in everything. I told him I do this so I don’t have to be so disappointed when it doesn’t work out my way, but he reminded me that this is a really unhealthy way to live and pointed me back to Christ who is our Hope. That conversation along with this post are really eye opening for me. Not something I often want to admit I do, but glad it hit me in the face.
Thanks for your faithfulness to Christ.
Nicole
Posted at 09:30h, 16 NovemberSo good, Caroline. Thank you for this reminder. It is so true – we can only rely on Jesus and put our hope in him. =) Praying for you, friend.
Patricia
Posted at 09:34h, 16 NovemberI think disappointment is a very natural reaction, and it is justified in many situations. Having a response to disappointment is one thing, but when you allow it consume you and you can no longer focus on the hope in Christ, then we definitely need to check our spirit man and remind ourselves of who Jesus says he is! You are definitely not alone in the season. Stay encouraged sweet friend.
Lauren Gaskill
Posted at 10:09h, 16 NovemberAmen, sweet friend! Romans 5:5 is one of my favorite verses. I cling to it! I’m sorry that your book process was so disappointing. Glad to see how God is using the book to bless many though!! <3 Love and hugs!
Andi
Posted at 10:46h, 16 NovemberOur hope must always be in God!
Vanessa Sokic
Posted at 10:48h, 16 NovemberOh Caroline, I’m so very sorry you’ve experienced so much disappointment. Your words are very true in that we cannot put our faith in man-at all!! But it doesn’t mean it’s not hard. I was convicted reading this because your email has been sitting in my inbox with a star (one I need to address/respond to) and I’ve been so overwhelmed with life that I haven’t gotten to it. But I AM a woman of my word and I will support you in this endeavor. Don’t you let the enemy steal your joy in this. You wrote a book that the Lord clearly lead you to write. It’s going to change lives and impact many. It just may look different than what you had envisioned! Just like our stories of becoming a Mother look so very different than what we expected. But He is still good and faithful.
Jennifer S
Posted at 11:38h, 16 NovemberHey Caroline, I’ve started reading your blog about three months back. You inspired me with your journey and just recently, I felt so disappointed with circumstances and friends around me popping babies just added on to that disappointment.
My journey is a lot shorter than yours and I am inspired by your positivity and ability to rely on God in trials. I just ordered your book and I can’t wait to read this. To be honest, I have lost my hope so I do hope this book is able to provide me with the encouragement I need this season.
Rebecca Jo
Posted at 12:21h, 16 NovemberHeck, I disappointment myself every day… if even I do that to myself, the world is going to do it too – just shows my need for God – the one who never disappoints!
Aly
Posted at 12:29h, 16 NovemberThank you Jesus for never disappointing us, for never letting us down! Thanks for your honesty sister, I am proud of you and I know our daddy is too!
Starla Jimenez
Posted at 12:31h, 16 NovemberBeautiful reminder and encouragement. God is our peace and rest during these waiting moments.
Amanda Bumgarner
Posted at 12:55h, 16 NovemberYES. This is basically what I posted about in my blog the other day. About how people are going to fail you, but God never will. This is so true. I have been VERY disappointed by how people are responding to the election with so much hate and ugliness from both sides.
But I am really so sorry you’ve had such disappointment from your book! Sounds like you should have asked me to edit it for you. I always hit my freelance deadlines 😉 As for marketing, I know I signed up to help market on social media, and you sent out an initial email saying that you would follow up with people about what they signed up for, and I don’t remember seeing anything. If I missed that email, I’m really SO sorry! I completely understand why it was hurtful if your close friends didn’t acknowledge your book at all. I know from experience of working in publishing just how hard it is to get a book out there to people and for people to read it. But I’m proud of you and think you did an awesome job. Not everyone writes a book and that’s something to celebrate! 🙂 Love you, girl.
Betsy Herman
Posted at 14:41h, 16 NovemberOh Caroline! Book writing & promoting is the hardest thing I’ve ever done! I’ve written a post that I haven’t published yet about the postpartum period after publishing a book. It’s tough! Hang in there and keep pressing forward and being faithful to the things God has called you to!
CHARITY
Posted at 16:03h, 16 NovemberWhat a great post. I myself am working at not having such high expectations of others. It’s only led to disappointment. I definitely expect that from people because the instant gratification is what I crave. But I know that God is always in my corner loving on me. It’s so important to remember that always. I am extremely proud of you and your accomplishment. And waiting is oh so hard. I pray for you every single day.
Brittany
Posted at 19:34h, 16 NovemberLove this! Great word on disappointment.
Skigranny1
Posted at 20:11h, 16 NovemberThanks for sharing. This is what so many of us feel but sometimes hard to put a finger on it. Today one of my devotions was 2 Corinthians 12:9 – His grace is sufficient for us; His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Praying for you today. Your books sounds like it can be an encouragement for us all.
Cheryl
Posted at 21:12h, 16 NovemberYou are SO right…I could so relate to your words tonight! We just cannot afford to place our hope and/or trust in anything other than HIM. I so often think of the song, “On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.” I am facing some severe disappointment right now that has caused me to cry and wrestle for days on end. It is just so hard to understand! So, I feel your pain, sweet friend. Surely Jesus is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother…or any other. He is our only hope in times like these. Keep encouraged, and know that I care and am praying for you! Sending you a great big hug right now! 🙂
Nance
Posted at 04:29h, 17 NovemberThank you so much for sharing your heart and I can relate well that disappointment starts when we lose our focus on the main source of all our needs. Such a great reminder! Congratulations on your new book! It’s been my dream to write a devotional too! <3 May God bless your endeavor to share His word.
Laura
Posted at 07:59h, 17 NovemberAmen! And what I absolutely love about the scripture that you shared from Romans are the verses that come before it–scripture telling us to “rejoice in tribulation… .” That has been a hard one for me–but knowing your heart, I am certain that you have worked to turn those disappointments into something constructive. And by encouraging our hearts to rejoice, even in disappointment, it allows us to hope–and to not get so disappointed any more! This post is such a blessed reminder of what attitude to approach life with! Thank you!
Kristi
Posted at 10:40h, 17 NovemberIsn’t that the truth! When we put our hope any where other than in our amazing God we are sure to be disappointed.
Many difficulties and disappointments are bound to come and it is how we handle those disappointments that will help us glean from them and see how things can be different in the future.
Scott LaPierre
Posted at 11:36h, 17 NovemberOh wow Caroline, I’m so sorry.
I knew your launch was coming up, and I was waiting to see how it went. That’s very disappointing.
Having published my own book in August, I can understand the desire to succeed. Hopefully with time God will encourage you through the book’s success if that’s His will.
Keri McCue
Posted at 10:47h, 18 NovemberI was just talking about this with a few friends on Wed. How so many times we get SO led down by other people. We were specifically talking about marriage/dating life and how so often we put all our hope in that person. When in reality, the only person who can fulfill us is our Heavenly Father. You are so right, people will disappoint us…constantly. And we will constantly disappoint other people. Which is why it is so vital to put all your hope and trust in Christ! I loved that this went hand in hand with conversations I’ve had this week. I’ll be sharing with those people 🙂
Elena
Posted at 11:16h, 18 NovemberDefinitely a harsh reality of life, being disappointed. I’m sorry to hear you had so many let downs with your book, however I am so happy for you that you were able to get that accomplished, even through all those let downs. You know many of us can relate on the TTC topic too. I remember constantly being disappointed watching others have success around me especially because we were so aggressive and did cycle after cycle with a failed outcome. A great reminder that life ain’t always rainbows and butterflies!
Alana
Posted at 11:46h, 23 NovemberCaroline, thank you for this reminder! God never disappoints. By the way, I am about a week in to the daily devotions in your book, and I LOVE it!! Thank you for this blessing that you worked so hard on. I can relate to the long wait for a baby as well (I am almost 4 years in now), but I know that God is using you to bless others in the wait. Keep the faith and hope in Him!