This is beautiful, friend. <3 I think we feed the light when we take those fearful thoughts captive and surrender them to Jesus. When our heart says, "Look at the bad thing here..." and our soul says, "But look at what God's done here, and what he's doing there, and what he will continue to do." I think we feed the light when we pray honest prayers and pour out our emotions to God, then say, "I give it to you, because I can't do it any more. Sustain me, show me more of you." And we take the next step forward not knowing where we'll go, or what it will look like, but trusting God has already gone before us to clear the way. Instead of worrying, we yell "Plot twist!" and get curious about what he's up to.
Beautiful Deidre. I have been feeling this way too - that do all we can to put light and beauty that Jesus gives us out into the world. I believe this is part of His plan to bring comfort and encouragement till He returns.
This is so powerful. Thank you for the poem, for finding words to describe my own rage and confusion in this upside down world. I feel like I’ve been invited to throw another log on the fire; to keep the light glowing, to keep the darkness at bay: a vigil against despair.
Jody, how beautiful! I have never tried burning incense before; I love how you so intentionally tie it to the practice of washing dishes, making what could feel like a tedious chore feel like a moment of worship, instead.
This is beautiful, friend. <3 I think we feed the light when we take those fearful thoughts captive and surrender them to Jesus. When our heart says, "Look at the bad thing here..." and our soul says, "But look at what God's done here, and what he's doing there, and what he will continue to do." I think we feed the light when we pray honest prayers and pour out our emotions to God, then say, "I give it to you, because I can't do it any more. Sustain me, show me more of you." And we take the next step forward not knowing where we'll go, or what it will look like, but trusting God has already gone before us to clear the way. Instead of worrying, we yell "Plot twist!" and get curious about what he's up to.
I could go on.
This is a great post.
Jess—yes, to all of this. And also, I would like to get better at yelling, "Plot twist!" when my plans change or I don't understand what God is up to!
Beautiful Deidre. I have been feeling this way too - that do all we can to put light and beauty that Jesus gives us out into the world. I believe this is part of His plan to bring comfort and encouragement till He returns.
Deborah—I think you're definitely doing your part in putting out lots of light and beauty into the world ❤️
Goodness. This is powerful. Tend the light. Feed the light. Starve the darkness. I feel like this needs a hashtag.
Ooohh. When you write it like that, it's making me think... next year's sweatshirt motto for The Second Cup?
Oh yes!!! And I’ll definitely be buying one because your current one is my favorite sweatshirt!
This is so powerful. Thank you for the poem, for finding words to describe my own rage and confusion in this upside down world. I feel like I’ve been invited to throw another log on the fire; to keep the light glowing, to keep the darkness at bay: a vigil against despair.
Ah. Wow—a vigil against despair. That is really beautiful.
Jody, how beautiful! I have never tried burning incense before; I love how you so intentionally tie it to the practice of washing dishes, making what could feel like a tedious chore feel like a moment of worship, instead.