ENCOURAGE - EQUIP - EMPOWER
IT STARTS HERE.
You know how our favorite sounds like laughter or a musical instrument can bring us happiness, calm, even a sense of love and peace? Research has even shown that listening to running water can help lower stress for some people. Or perhaps, like the sounds of a stadium after a touchdown or a concert with thousands of voices singing along, they excite us and make us feel a part of something larger than ourselves.
Think for a moment about your favorite sounds.
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When my dear friend recently invited me to spend an hour with her at a prayer labyrinth, I was both intrigued and concerned that I would not be able to quiet myself long enough to make it through…I had no idea what to expect but agreed to commit an hour of my time for this experience. For me, it turned out to be deeply emotional and meaningful.
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This past Memorial Day weekend marked 16 years since “the accident.” A horrific car accident that would change the trajectory of my life in a myriad of ways. Physically, spiritually, mentally, and relationally. Recovering in the hospital, the only change my mind could focus on centered on the changes to my body. Severe injuries sustained by my right leg led to the need for an above the knee amputation, and a few months down the line the addition of a prosthetic leg.
I’m about desperate for a visit. No one has come over to my house in what feels like forever. If you came over to my house, I’d let you choose one of my special teas, and I’d steep it in my glass teapot over my tea warmer and pour us each a cup. Then I’d tell you this story of what God did for me during the pandemic.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.”
These words from Psalm 23 seem so soothing and comforting – and easy - at first look. But what I’ve been learning recently is that those verbs – MAKES – LEADS – RESTORES – these are action verbs. God is doing something here.
A few years ago, our pastor started a sermon with this quote from AW Tozer: "What we believe about God is the most important thing". I remember thinking 'Oh, that's good'. I then heard, saw or read that quote five more times in the next two weeks. So, I thought, maybe God was trying to get my attention with those words.
It was a bit of a “fairy tale”… the beautiful orphan catching the attention of the most powerful man in the land. She moved from her home and was offered all the best that money could buy. This girl was not only lovely, but she was brave and wise too. But fairy tales usually have dark sides, and this one was no different. The young woman was in danger--as were her family and her people.
Over the past two years, many events in my life have been unexpected experiences. We were pregnant with twins only to lose them far into the pregnancy. Started a new job to further my career only to realize it wasn’t a good fit. I got pregnant again and miscarried that baby. We started fostering children, and found it to be its own journey down the unexpected.
