Power Paradox

When I let go take my hands off lose control then I am weak powerless to influence situations fix the problem do it my way.Then paradoxtakes over:his hands firmlyin controlhe is strongpowerfulable toaccomplishthe miracle required.And there’s a corollary:when I livewithin his graceI have his powerto use for him:the paradoxof mutuality—Christ in me. Have you comeContinue reading “Power Paradox”

Moaning in the Desert

Bleak, dry ground extending to every horizon, sun beating down—no shelter, no way to move forward but step by tired step, feet filthy, sore. No food! I just scraped the last dried scraps from my shoulder bag. My children are crying: where are we going? where is home? not here! Is there really a promisedContinue reading “Moaning in the Desert”

Rooted, Held Firm

When I choose to trust in spite of everything I shoot new rootlets into the pulsing burrowing system that anchors me in Jesus’ love. Living thereI amdrinking inhesed and agapeunendingintimateunselfishempatheticforgivingunretaliatinglove beyondmy understanding.My heart is fullmy veinsare pulsingenergy of lifeand Jesushas becomemy constantstrength and song. There is so much imagery in the Bible about plants! TheContinue reading “Rooted, Held Firm”

Confession in the Storm

When turmoil seems to rule like waves surging high to crash, foaming— and you, Lord, seem to be asleep— fear also rises and takes control of our thoughts.We hear the rage of the storm.We feel the cold wind pierceand chill our hearts,icicle spears that do not melt.We run to you,crying out for you to actContinue reading “Confession in the Storm”

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””

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”

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”

What He is Weaving in the Wind

Wind whips wisps of hair into eyes blurred by despair; gusts grab my pulsing heart. Nearly toppling, scrambling for safe purchase, I scream . . . DON’T BE AFRAID! STAND UP, THROW ROOTS TO DEEP SOIL, TWIRL THEM ‘ROUND ALL OBSTACLES— GO FURTHER DOWN, FURTHER IN; WRAP THEM ‘ROUND MY LOVE! KNOW THAT I AMContinue reading “What He is Weaving in the Wind”

The Joy of Living in Light

Before God said, “Let there be light!” and there was light, God was. And Jesus was: Light of the world, uncreated light that was, and is, and is to come. Within the new Jerusalemno other light will shine,for he will reign, and dayand night (light undulating) will be redefined. Foreverwill be lit another way.And IContinue reading “The Joy of Living in Light”

When Peace is Elusive

We yearn for peace but turn away from the one certain source that will not die, a fifth dimension of hope that is founded on truth.It is transparent reality, not wishful thinking, but cannot be seen by cataract-laced eyes;it is only even partly known by those committed to the Great Beyond while in the HereContinue reading “When Peace is Elusive”