When even the sunrise is muted by dust, the air polluted with smoke and red dirt, there is one safe place where I can stay, breathing in air that is healthy and clean, a place where my heart-hurts heal as I pray. Here beside you,I’m finding a wayto gradually layeach major worry,each broken hopeon theContinue reading “My One Safe Place”
Tag Archives: Africa
Remembering: “Smothered in the Night”
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””
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”
Higher Things
Even tiny finches live in a dimension far above mine— perching on light poles, playing among tree blossoms, drinking sweet nectar. But you, Lord, also call me to higher things, to not stay prisoner to dust and traffic and corruption. You say my name and my soul rises to meet with you. You give aContinue reading “Higher Things”
It’s Not Over Yet!
Everything vibrant is going to seed: burgundy tufts on the yellowing grass, slender filaments lined with beans drooping down between withering leaves, millet high on the dusty stalks, papaya clusters, lemons, limes — all reminders that it is time to pass on the treasure of living life, to breed a crop of who we are:Continue reading “It’s Not Over Yet!”
The Legacy of Love
Mothering is a long line of love, from my mom’s mom (and hers) to me, to my children, to my daughters and their children— a long, strong line that I pass on with joy, taking great care to keep intact the wisdom, courage, TLC and friendship that has made our line so rich. I amContinue reading “The Legacy of Love”
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”
Like the Air that I Breathe
So much sharpness in the world today: bare tree branches that pierce the sky like forked lightning, zebu* horns poking the air like staples, headless palms erect as straight pins. Hawk wings slice the atmosphere, machetes crack through vines, bike spokes whirr. Even the blades of grass have a cutting edge. If air were solidContinue reading “Like the Air that I Breathe”
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”
Linnea's Lines 