I look to you

Yes. Another Sunday.

I wonder what Sundays would look like to someone who had no sight? How do you describe Sunday? B/c for me it’s an affirmation that Christ is my rest…even though it’s one of the busiest days of my week. I find gratitude and love and hope in where I see God working. In how I see His love even though I may have heartache dwelling inside. He ALWAYS shows Himself to be the One that I need. Small ways that are very big ways to me.

So, yes. I look to Him. I was one of the many who was pretty excited about Whitney Houston’s interview and ‘come back’ on Oprah’s season premiere. I saw part 2 of the interview! It was awesome. Imagine, a woman who has been through hell and came out of it to say, Lord, I look to you. She is just every woman. But saved by the grace of God and so…what a testimony.

Tonight, the close of a day full of life and work and joy…and a little sadness…I sing. Jesus, through it all, I look to you.

Amen

I Look to You by Whitney Houston

You’re Not Shaken

I have a beautiful neighbor that I’d love for you to pray for who has been living these past 9 months as a widow. I know that it’s not an easy road she has. My heart goes out to her even though I don’t show it. No conversation. Not sure what to do after I knock on the door. It’s fear. But…God doesn’t call us to be the hero with the right words.

I have another friend going through a break-up and while I’m not an expert, I can at least answer the phone and check in. Even if I’m inadequate. I have good intentions, and I’m praying God takes them. If I can understand just a little bit about how tough it is for another child of God, I can do that much more to help them out somehow. I don’t know how exactly, but in some way. It’s really not about what I’m doing – it’s just the testimony that Christ wants, to use His Christians to reach out to a hurting nation. He can do it without us. Through it all, I believe God wants us to turn back to Him. Every step, turn to Him. Every breath, turn to Him. Every tear…in the silence…when alone…turn to Him. He is not shaken.

Sorrow in your heart

 

I’m reading an extremely interesting little piece of literature called “Their Children Dance” by H. Frank Fort. The presentation examines the art form of dance with a Biblical analysis that crosses cultural boundaries although it makes some rather hoky references to country square dancing halls. Definitely a must-read. Inside it cites Ecclesiastes 11:9-10.  Remember Ecclesiastes is the book of questions with a lot of philosophies and repetition that “All is vanity.” With that in mind, there’s a directive to be happy in your youth, and walk in the direction of your heart. Verse 10 continues stating, “Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh…” I can appreciate being told to be happy. It’s not always effective, but it’s a nice idea. Being told to remove sorrow from my heart is another story.

Removing sorrow from my heart isn’t as simple as telling myself to stop crying. There’s no off switch or psychological exercise I can use. Sorrow is a consuming emotion that takes strong effort and the help of time to control. The pain is a result of a great human history of imperfection. But the sorrow here competes with the joy of youth. I can’t put on joy to mask reality if I’m grieving. We can’t ignore grief either. But in context, there comes a time to remove it from our heart – that great part of our being that gets most of our attention anyway. Knowing that sorrow doesn’t last a lifetime is seen here where it’s commanded to leave. We can at least see that there’s a timeline of change.

And the last part of that verse? It reads that “childhood and youth are vanity.” Yeah, great stuff. Another translation states that “youth, with a whole life before it, still faces the threat of meaninglessness.” So, basically, watch your actions, the actions of your youth. Meaninglessness can be beaten, but definitely not on our own. Life’s turns come with at least the ability to move on and remove the sorrow from your heart.

Lyrics to The Byrds, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” – adopted from Ecclesiastes 3 - here at http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/forrestgump/turnturnturntoeverythingthereisaseason.htm.

On that note: ”Canticle of the Turning” listen free at http://groups.imeem.com/kzg3zRiJ/music/VK284prm/rory_cooney_gary_daigle_theresa_donohoo_canticle_of_the/.