And this is comfort: that when the children cry the Man of Sorrows suffers too. Eternity encircled and enclosed the crossbar of his suffering with the pain of ages, all our griefs and every ruination choking out the Breath of Life. Heart broken under awful weight of every horror, crime and burden, he was crushed.Continue reading “Man of Sorrows”
Tag Archives: love
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”
Make Me Ready
Keep a towel on my arm!Keep me ready to kneel before my tired friendto lovingly rinse the dirt glued onas they kept trudgingthrough thick and thin,the rut and puddle, the stuff that sticksfrom where they’ve been, a long and painful road.Give my eyes the knack to catchweariness, hurt withina gesture or a sigh.Give me kindnessContinue reading “Make Me Ready”
I Belong to Yahweh!
I belong to Yahweh!I am his, and he is mine.He lives in me–astonishing, this truth I can’t absorb!I live in him, in whom I havemy being, my true home,my source of life and strength,all my giftings and my soul,the “who” I am, because of him.“I AM,” he said to Mosesand he says it now toContinue reading “I Belong to Yahweh!”
I Am That Heifer!
You’ve made me your heifer, pulling the plow,you’ve shaped me and trained me, showing me howto lean to the left when your strong hand presses,to walk straight ahead, cleaning up messesand tearing out weeds, preparing the wayfor planting the seed in that soil on the daywhen all is in readiness, soft dirt tilled,and we pressContinue reading “I Am That Heifer!”
I Am One Piece of It All
I am not the center of your plans,and yet you give me significance as one special piece of the enormous puzzle that is your kingdom:a breathing, sentient realitythat is growing into your New Creation, a wonder of wondersthat no evil can destroy.So I just keep on saying it,telling you that (paltry as it is)I giveContinue reading “I Am One Piece of It All”
The Red of Love
Love—deep red love— came struggling throughthe pressure of the birth canaland landed safe in loving handsthat washed away the bloodand held him close.They did not know, not yet,that Love’s own bloodwould someday spurtfrom lashes to his back,from nails plunged straightthrough his own hands,and through his feet—blood of Life and supreme Lovethat would bring hope toContinue reading “The Red of Love”
His Joy is My Strength!
When my happiness fades away,disappointment moves in to stay.But his joy makes me strong!It lifts me like a song!It’s not laughter-dependent,doesn’t need a comic moment—not transient like a smilethat might last for a short milethen gradually melt down, maybe change into a frownat the pain and deep distressin my world’s sloppy mess.My Master’s joy isContinue reading “His Joy is My Strength!”
Open Home
The travelers walked in the door, hot and dusty after hours on dirt roads. Mom always found room at the table, one built for her by Dad, big enough to welcome at least a dozen guests. She added another vegetable, salad, bread— done! There was always enough. Then, grown up, it was my turn. IContinue reading “Open Home”
Linnea's Lines 