Protected: Personal Strength Through A Personal Relationship
Out of the Wilderness
Behold! Out of the wilderness you now come. For what once felt insurmountable is now possible.
With your brethren and your sisters, surrounded by such a glorious host, a chance to bear witness to the strength, guidance, compassion and sacrifice thrice defined, of which the world has never seen before, nor since, nor will again until the end of time.
Love is the greatest commandment, the highest calling and the cause for greatest growth. It was through love the greatest loss, and yet the greatest triumph.
Love calls to us. Love has walked among us. Love has been with us and still is now if we only accept it. We loose all that came before, lay it down at the seat of the lamb and become anew through love.
Out of the wilderness of our past transgressions are we lead. Out of the pain and anguish, out of the loneliness and despair, out of self isolation, self defeat and self hatred are we called by name.
Go now to the source, speak of all misgivings, have an honest, open dialogue and receive the love so freely given. Anoint the feet of the one who walked where we we could not; who withstood temptation more powerful than what we could ever turn from, and rejoice in knowing all that has come before lies barren and powerless in the wake of utter divine love.
Thank You Mom
One of the greatest gifts my mother has ever given me was love of music; especially early ‘60s folk and Peter, Paul and Mary, Simon and Garfunkel, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. She would play guitar for me and sing, and I would just listen, enraptured by her beautiful voice and the smile she wore while singing (don’t worry, she’s fine-this isn’t like a memorial post or anything). The first song she ever taught me (and the first I ever learned on guitar) was Catch the Wind by Donovan. I still remember in vivid colors my room that night, the patchouli incense I had burning, her teaching me how to hold the guitar and strum.
We made bath bombs and talked about our perspectives on God, creation and theology in general. I feel so truly and deeply honored to have such an amazing, creative, intelligent, inspiring and loving woman in my life, to look up to and my heart overflows with love and joy to have the opportunity to not only call her my best friend, but my mother as well.
We heard “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Peter, Paul, and Mary (click link below) come up on my ’60s Folk Pandora station and my mom had never heard their version of it. After the first few notes I mentioned how much I loved that song. So it felt wonderful to introduce her to it.
So in the spirit of “gratitude practices”, mom, I thank the God of my understanding each day for you, but especially for the memories made tonight.