When There Are No Words…

Nothing more to be said or written. What is there to do when it seems there are no more words? What happens when the cries and pleas of those in need are ignored? When ears are deaf, and eyes are blind to the underlying angst and pain? When shaking heads do not cease to shake and wonder, “Why?”

Discord, disparity, outrage, and disbelief build to the beaten down, and the rhythm utters, “Too much! Too much!” Yet, in some places, perhaps in pockets unseen or not noticed, the tide is slowly turning. Faith, courage, and wisdom are building from a whisper, and the voice of Truth is coming, “Enough! Enough!”

Oftentimes, whether they are good or bad times, happy or sad, the most powerful thing is to step back and allow oneself to be filled with the Breath of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, in memory and honor of all that was, that is, and that will be. For standing firm in the loving presence of God, makes it possible to stand firm with peace and knowledge in one’s heart and mind, and provides the strength to forge ahead.

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour
– Matt Crocker, Joel Houston & Salomon Ligthelm
from Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

O most blessed Light divine,
Shine within these hearts of yours,
And our inmost being fill!
Where you are not, we have naught,
Nothing good in deed or thought,
Nothing free from taint of ill.
Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour your dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away:
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray. – excerpt Veni Sancte Spiritus

Wisdom on the road…

Out on a drive, trying to catch some fresh air and see something different, or perhaps even new, I came across a sign like the one below.

The words seemed so striking, causing me to pause. How poetic, given the times in which we are and the ways in which the world is moving along these days. Although, the world is likely moving just the same as ever. As its occupants, it can seem like the world has stopped, or come to a crawl, because we have needed to slow down, if not halt altogether in some regards.

Moving along… somewhere else, at another juncture, on another “not larger than life” road, a different sign. Same meaning, but seemingly more helpful in times like these.

A hopeful note. As if to say, “In time, this too shall pass.”

Life often shifts along the road. We find ourselves sometimes needing to let go, and other times needing to wait, or to hold on… but always needing to believe and to persevere with faith, trust, and hope.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to my voice in supplication.
If you, O Lord, mark iniquities,
Lord, who can stand?
But with you is forgiveness,
that you may be revered.
I trust in the Lord;
my soul trusts in his word.
More than sentinels wait for the dawn,
let Israel wait for the Lord.
For with the Lord is kindness
and with him is plenteous redemption;
And he will redeem Israel
from all their iniquities. – Psalm 130:1-8

Lord, as we walk through each day, help us to use our voices in ways that matter, bringing help, and providing love and nurture, wherever we may be heard. Help us to continue calling out to you, trusting that you hear our prayers, in the joyful as well as the difficult and challenging moments, and help us to hear… to listen carefully, with grateful hearts, for your voice and your glory in all things. For this, we pray…

Lord, hear our prayer.

Contrast…

Looking across the yard, the tree branches still snow clad from a recent storm seem livelier than in the weeks preceding. It is interesting what contrast can do, often bringing life to that which seems to be on the way to being mostly lifeless, if not already. Oftentimes, it is in or through differences, when one is able to hold them side by side, that strength is found; not only that, but also a common sense, pointing to the essence, or the heart of any matter.

Trees are made with branches, and leaves that come and go.
We are made, all of us, with body, heart, and soul.
Trees are made to stand, side-by-side, tall, proud, and free.
We are made to stand, side-by-side, tall, proud, and free.
Trees are made to gently bend or lean, but not break.
We are made to gently bend or lean, but not break.
Trees have roots, for bearing fruit, always in due time.
We have roots, for bearing fruit, always in due time.
Only, trees, though, they know how, to open, and let go.

Trust in the Lord…

“The maker of heaven and earth,
the seas and all that is in them,
Who keeps faith forever…” – Psalm 146:6

A Banner Time…

A few weeks ago, my daughter had an assignment in a design class to create a folder using images with which one might identify. Between discussion around the project and looking through some photographs from a recent trip to Walden Pond and the surrounding area, memories of creating banners and posters at various points throughout my childhood and in the ensuing years come to mind. One of the earliest memories is as a young Sunday school student finding joy in seeing all the banners made by different classrooms of students. The banners made with colors and using images that each class collectively picked were hung up around the church. They were simply displayed, in the spirit of sharing so that everyone was free to receive them in whatever way they might.

In chapter 17 of the Book of Exodus, after Amelek has been defeated, it is written that Moses created an altar to the Lord, naming it Yahweh-nissi or “The Lord is my banner.” (Exodus 17:15). Victory had been achieved through the Lord, with Moses holding the staff of God raised up in his hands.

Throughout the Bible, God’s people are provided for; their needs do not go unmet. In times of trouble, it is never God who strays, but rather the people. There is example upon example of those who persist in identifying with, and embracing, the Lord as their banner. Ultimately, though different people and various kinds of situations are involved, each one always seems to arrive at a place where all things come together, reminding them, reminding us, that God is greater than any one story or situation could capture. Also calling us to remember, faithfulness to God is achieved in countless ways, even when others do not, or cannot, see it.

Given the task of creating a banner to be raised up and shared, what would it look like? In what ways would God be reflected in it? In my words and actions, how do I pay homage to who I am, who I was created to be, and “Take up the banner of the Lord! (Ex 17:16)”?

Beloved:
Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed,
because you know from whom you learned it,
and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures,
which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is inspired by God
and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction,
and for training in righteousness,
so that one who belongs to God may be competent,
equipped for every good work.

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus,
who will judge the living and the dead,
and by his appearing and his kingly power:
proclaim the word;
be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient;
convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. – 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

Coming Together and Falling into Place…

Over the past number of weeks, I have had the opportunity to sit in a passenger seat beside my son as he learns to drive a car. I would be lying if I did not admit to the experience as being more than a little intense, and perhaps a little scary, at times. However, as time has passed and miles driven have accumulated, it has become more enjoyable, feeling more like a privilege as milestones—watching turns become easy, successful navigation of rotaries, crossing busy intersections, traveling roads with higher speed limits, etc.—have been reached. The process and progress seem to be coming together and everything (knowledge, skills, confidence, and belief) falling into place.

Thinking back on the beginning of this journey with my son, it all started, like many things, with overcoming any trepidation and taking a leap of faith. Gaining strength from the desire within—“I want to.” Then, with some support and encouragement, a vision—“I think I can.” Finally, moving into action and proceeding with patience—“I know I can, because I am.”

On the countless roads we travel, sometimes old or familiar, sometimes new, a reminder that while the surface and surroundings may change, underneath, and at the heart of whatever matter it may be, it is really all the same. Walk (or drive), but go by faith.

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. – Hebrews 11:8-16

Waving…

Sometimes walking or climbing to navigate and continue onward. Sometimes stopping to more fully appreciate the beauty all around, to take a breath or two of fresh air, or simply to rest. Depending on the time and the day, perhaps depending on the air, the path is very clear, or not so much. Yet, even in those moments of uncertainty or when it looks like there is no passageway to be found, before long there is an opening, and the way to proceed is there, revealed.

Sometimes turning back, it may seem to have disappeared, a distant memory, but not lost. Lingering, leaving the sense that somewhere down the road, it will be there once again. For now, carry on, but also, remember… trust… believe.

Teach us to count our days aright, Lord, that we may gain wisdom of heart. – Psalm 90:12

This Alone…

As a child, I remember being struck by the great change in Moses’ appearance at one point when he came down from the mountain. Moses, as portrayed by the actor Charlton Heston in The Ten Commandments, now had a face that was aglow and silver streaked hair. I recall watching intently and listening, wanting to know more about what had happened between him and God. It was clear that Moses’ experience was a pretty big deal, changing not only his appearance, but also seemingly strengthening his resolve and helping him to journey onward once more.

In the Book of Numbers (chapter 11, verses 25-29), it is written that the Lord imparted some of the spirit that had been given to Moses unto a number of others, seventy elders to be exact. Just verses before that, Moses had asked and questioned the Lord about the current situation. He also expressed his thoughts and feelings regarding the struggle to lead the people through the wilderness while trying to deal with their growing unhappiness. In verse 11, Moses said to the Lord, “I cannot carry all this people by myself, for they are too heavy for me.”

The Lord hears Moses and responds, lessening the weight Moses feels upon his shoulders, reminding him that he is not alone, and providing what he needs to continue his part in carrying out God’s will. Eldad and Medad, who we are told were on the list of the seventy elders, but who were not in the group that had gathered to receive the spirit, also began prophesying. When this is reported to Moses, Joshua, his “assistant,” is of the mind that Eldad and Medad must be stopped at once. However, Moses, his heart fixed on God’s will and his desire to cooperate with it steady and strong, is not only able to see the truth, but also to speak it.

We are all God’s people… all called to be prophets… all called to participate in carrying out, and cooperating with, God’s will.

Moses believed and bought into God’s grace, placing it, rightfully, above human judgment and understanding. He took the leap. Do we?

Knock, and He’ll open the door
Vanish, and He’ll make you shine like the sun
Fall, and He’ll raise you to the heavens
Become nothing, and He’ll turn you into everything. – Rumi

The LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses.
Taking some of the spirit that was on Moses,
the LORD bestowed it on the seventy elders;
and as the spirit came to rest on them, they prophesied.

Now two men, one named Eldad and the other Medad,
were not in the gathering but had been left in the camp.
They too had been on the list, but had not gone out to the tent;
yet the spirit came to rest on them also,
and they prophesied in the camp.
So, when a young man quickly told Moses,
“Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp, “
Joshua, son of Nun, who from his youth had been Moses’ aide, said,
“Moses, my lord, stop them.”
But Moses answered him,
“Are you jealous for my sake?
Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets!
Would that the LORD might bestow his spirit on them all!” – Numbers 11:25-29

Through the Tunnel…

As we drove into the darkness of the tunnel, the bright, sunny day behind us, I lifted my sunglasses, resting them on top of my head. Now what had been too dark, was still dim compared to before, but bright enough to see with the lights along the inside walls. We traveled forward, staying strictly within one lane, continuing at a steady pace, and eventually we could see sunlight once more as we neared the other end of the tunnel and the road opened up before us.

Sometimes, among the mountains, hills, and valleys of life, there are the plateaus, pitfalls, and tunnels too. Through it all though, the grace of God lives and breathes. It seeps into each and every crevice, pours into spaces that are wide, washes over and takes root wherever there is a soul willing to give into it… ready to succumb.

The goodness of God exists from beginning to end, in every place, and at all times.