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”
Tag Archives: peace
Prayer Beside Lily Pads
Sitting by the lake, your peace rolls in, rippling rows dancing with the water lilies. They soak in sunshine, pale yellow arms reaching up into light, their green pads waltzing with waves. I watch and wait, my soul-petals lifted, loving you and your creative love of little things— like lily pads, like me. I amContinue reading “Prayer Beside Lily Pads”
One Sure Thing
In this slippery tilting world your heart is one sure thing. You love me always, whether I am striding in the right direction or fallen in a patch of thorns, listening raptly to your voice or indulging my addictions, desperately trying to feel good. Unfailing love: hesed, the Hebrews said. This is what we longContinue reading “One Sure Thing”
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”
Where is Peace?
The angels sang of peace.And yet I struggleto rememberwhat seemsso elementary:peace has its sourcein you, the Prince of Peace.Peace seems to be the theme song ofa mocking bird,just borrowedand played back,called out in blandirrelevance, mere words.Where is goodwillwhen wars devourthe planet? Evenin your Bodythe cruel manipulationof the truth scores wounds;ill will is out to banishContinue reading “Where is Peace?”
Letting Go
“Hands off” is not easy to accept. But how else can one “let go” and “let God” work? But there are times when it becomes obvious that there is no way to control a situation. Then the only solution becomes clear . . .
The Totally Unexpected Response
I’m cringing at this growing dump of insults, hurled in public spaces or in texts or face-to-face. Grudges fondled and fermented could ignite a searing blaze. Our natural response is fear and hatred of this “enemy” whose words and push-back feed distress, a tangled mess that could lead to catastrophe. But, Yahweh, You have toldContinue reading “The Totally Unexpected Response”
The Peacemaker Challenge
When you’re insulted respond with compassion, listening first, speaking with insight into the roots of that person’s distress. Not that it’s easy. Not that it’s normal. Take self off-center, then humbly reach out to crush the hard walls that maintain division. Be like your Savior, the great Prince of Peace: who purchased our peace byContinue reading “The Peacemaker Challenge”
That Day He Took Control
Frustrated with my habit of sliding two steps off the path, and always hiding the fact that no matter how hard I tried, I was not faithfully following you, I finally let tears come and wash away doubt: I knew on my own I could not figure out what walking with you was really about.Continue reading “That Day He Took Control”
War, and the Place of Protection
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, your tenderness the song that plays incessantly and heals me,Continue reading “War, and the Place of Protection”
Linnea's Lines 