The long car twisted through tall grass In the shy darkness following sunset. Suddenly it was before us—the village, Mud huts huddled close like frightened sheep. Our headlights swept across them and then fell On a pile of children tumbling from the night To swarm around the car as we stepped out.A skinny girl lookedContinue reading “Remembering: “Smothered in the Night””
Category Archives: Africa
Africa in my Veins
Its heat beats deep in my veins thrumming tumbling drumbeats off-beat softer scuffling of my feet beside dark feet in the community of rhythms that thump the earth and thrust our souls into one warm hum Its winds blow gently through my hair flowing even now in wisps of ash, flower powder, dust –night airContinue reading “Africa in my Veins”
While You are Here
Endure! Stay strong, not relying on muscle strength because it won’t last. Like the grass, like flowers, you will fade away and dissolve. You will go back to the dust. It is on God you mustalways focus! Glue your truston his goodness, his wisdom!He has known you sincehe formed you in the womb.He knows yourContinue reading “While You are Here”
Living Inside His Love
Living inside Your love I move within a world protected not that I am never wounded but that you keep me safe from ultimate harm from all malignant and pernicious evil inside the loving kindness of your heart I’m held where goodness is my atmosphere and tenderness the song that plays incessantly and heals me,Continue reading “Living Inside His Love”
My Essential Companion
I thought I was alone, figuring out how to navigate this world. Sometimes I walked in burning sun, seeking shade or longing for sunset. Or blasting winds would throw debris over the path, hiding the way forward. Crossroads scared me. Right? Left? But then I sensed eyes on me, a presence by my side. WhoContinue reading “My Essential Companion”
The Seesaw of Suffering
Dead weight suffering drops its heaviness on me, leaving a depression— thumbprint of loneliness, harm-pit threatening oppression. I suffer the moment, weighed down (way down to the depths) knowing the promise: the seesaw balance works best when re-balanced. See—my share in pain is for your gain! My end down, I gather comfort greedily from richContinue reading “The Seesaw of Suffering”
What Started at Pentecost
Filled! Not once, but forever! He came to me to live in me, to stay, always. He is the one who gives me power to do the work God planned for me— each day, his way. It started out at Pentecost, a day that changed the world, when he filled the disciples so that theyContinue reading “What Started at Pentecost”
He Holds My Right Hand!
You hold my hand, Lord, always: King of this whole world, you lead me, making my right hand your chosen tool so that each act becomes a holy service in your master plan. You hold my hand, you love me: Lover of my soul, you treasure me and nurture every gifting given and make eachContinue reading “He Holds My Right Hand!”
Back to Congo
My Congo! Oh, to be out in your cold morning air, To feel the chill bite of your wind, To see the red sun peeking over your pines Hear hummingbirds humming a hymn! I long to be there when the sun spreads her warmth To the black, rich dirt at my feet, To walk betweenContinue reading “Back to Congo”
That Long Climb
(My hand held by my young friend while climbing–photo credit to Josh Wohlgemut) “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” And how does that work out? I’m tired, dragged down by all the brokenness: women scrounging far and wide for water, youth without a future, men distressed. Marriages are fragmented, replete with selfishness, misunderstanding,Continue reading “That Long Climb”
Linnea's Lines 