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“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” ― Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and SpeechesDear Lord, Remember me as time tests my spirit, revealing its weakness’ and all those flaws I’d like to keep secreted. Remember me, the lonely child who came to You, broken and hurting, fearful that I would never be someone worthy or worthwhile, someone who could see clearly – the risen Savior, the One who forgave me and gave me a new life, a new hope, a new heart that believes I can be who He says I can be. And, that means that I can believe in my dreams, even when they feel too wild and wistful, too far – just too far. He brings me closer to the sounds played by the music that pours over this heart when I hear Him. In the silence. In the stars. In the summer and in the wind as it blows quietly, soothing away the fears that often pursue me. It feels like summertime, wherever He is, wherever I see beyond the darkness. Into the light of His grace. Thank You, Jesus, for being my anchor in the storm, my hope when hope seems gone, my music – the rhythm of a heart and soul who believes You will always be everything I need. Thank You, Jesus, for setting the captive free!
*Be glad that your life has been full and complete, Be glad that you’ve tasted the bitter and sweet…
*Rice, Helen Steiner; Snapdragon Group, Rebecca Currington. Little Daily Graces: A Celebration of Thankfulness (Helen Steiner Rice Collection) (p. 152). Barbour Publishing, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
EVEN THIS...
during the lonely moments, mists rising
on the heady winds, the breeze
soothing the stifling heat of summer’s passion,
breaking through the hesitant impressions
colorless dreams, beautiful - whimsical trees
blessed with callow green, colors of a season
sunshine blowing away the seeds
dandelion whispering
through the lavender heat
leaving a trail of snowy beginnings
pouring out hope
for the music of embedding
into the sweet earth,
melancholic senses reverberating
echoes of what is lost
among the light’s carefully settled praise
as Summer sighs…
the night comes to life
stars glistening, penetrating the spirit
so there is a soundless still
the light of a moon
who hears my sincerity, the rhythm
of a mystery rising
in the healing hopes of a soft night
where the blessings realize
her heart is the source of summer’s seeking
in the buds, blossoms and blooms
all the tell-tell signs
woven through the season, the still life
of a Wednesday afternoon
when time stores up its wisdom
and prayer warriors seek the Savior
who will awaken a miracle
in the hearts of those who hear Him
turning the pages, one by one
a mural of sweetest miracles
flaming through the petals, the seeds
of grace, the bridge to this place
where summertime reveals
the image of His quiet, His gentle
the flow of a river,
as it touches the sea and breathes…
even this…
even this….
breaking away the chains
with its slender key – the light
playing softly with shadows
who resonate in lonely silence
rebirthed by the still
calm who knows He is here,
stirring joys, the truths
abiding in peace
and the gentling embrace
stars, moon, seas and wind
the forests and feelings
all impressions of His grace
a purity that steals
heartbreak from the moments
as summer grows old
and the autumn settles in
trees vibrant and hopeful
unbeknownst to them
leaves dread the coming fall
but then, overall
welcome the stillness of a season
when everything seems
as unmoving as the mountains
tranquil like the heart
who simply believes…
even this…
even this…
a story written in shadows,
promises, hushed
winds who seek the spirit
who believes – still grieving
the moment before
winter tasted her fragile needs
those who see
the forest, despite the trees
who mourn,
slowly changing
remembering, His grace
is better known
by the heart who can feel
beyond the present
but through the ages
timeless as His music
playing on through the heavens
in pages and pages of light
falling heavy on the silence
as dew falls on the night,
remembering, even this…
is the summer’s bliss – a risk
rising in the spirit
who sees, beyond the grief
to the soul of a life,
the soul who sees Him
in the seasons, in the flowers
in the trees – walking the mountains
on trails of mystery,
quietly revealing
intimacy, to be free
amid the chaos of darkness,
amid the darkness of night,
amid the night who sighs softly
listen and hear
the heart who can feel
the soul who is still
can know Him – in this moment,
in this time – with the timeless love
that stirs hearts to thrive,
stirs spirits to arise
and know Him who is light
Him who is life
Him who is alive…
Even this – is His kindness
that we see, beyond the sea
He is alive, and – Praise GOD, He is living in me!
* And I rejoice that I am being transformed into Your likeness with ever-increasing Glory!
* Young, Sarah. Jesus Listens--for Lent and Easter, with Full Scriptures: Prayers for the Season (p. 62). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
