Keep on Running!

Run! Run! Run! The track is long getting longer not what I expected but this is race to the finish step by step to the goal He put in place. He planned outthe path aheadprepared his runnerwith practice runsand breaks for resttime to eat be refreshedwater for thirstthen shows the pathso run! Run! Run! I’mContinue reading “Keep on Running!”

Our One Hope

This is not what I thought it would be, a quiet safe place with time to rest and peace my constant cup of tea. Instead I toss and turn, my heart churning with yearning for that final resolution of these conflicts,a revolution that turns the worldupside-down, filtering out the eviland cleansing the cup so itContinue reading “Our One Hope”

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”

My One Safe Place

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”

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”

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”

Eyes on You

When even the sunrise is muted by gray, the air polluted and blackened by carbon, there is one place where I can play, breathing in air that is free from dirt, a place where my heart-hurts fade away— here beside you, finding a way to gradually lay each major worry, each broken hope on theContinue reading “Eyes on You”