A story about comfort, part one. Comfort: I hear the word and I think thick, cheesy casseroles, warm sweaters, my husband’s arms. I think steaming chai on a rainy day in Oregon. I think conversation – companionship – with friends. But when I consider the concept of comfort, a completely different image comes to […]
Oh God, You Have Betrayed Us (survivor songs #12)
Another look at vulnerability. Why? Why do we shy away from our own mourning and back off from the mourning of others? Why does vulnerability make us squirm, make us want to flee? Why does it feel so unsafe? Vulnerability does feel unsafe. What semblance of strength does it have to hide behind? Something wounded in us says, “vulnerability caused […]
Creator Hears (survivor songs #10)
Creator Hears by Ramone Romero Prayers Breaths Sighs Cries Tears Prayers of thanks Breaths of spirit Sighs of longing Cries for help Tears of lament Creator hears Creator receives Creator knows Creator feels Creator weeps His hands hold the prayers His Spirit hears our spirit His wounds know the pain His heart feels […]
Vulnerability in Real Time (survivor songs #8)
In the wee bits of down time I can carve out of normal life (‘wee’ being the key word) I have been trying to check out the writings of other 31 Day-ers. The following posts share a common theme of vulnerability (and good writing!). They’re worth your peak. 🙂 ::: the following are all links…so click, click, […]
Mourning Requires Vulnerability (survivor songs #7)
In the following post I am using the word ‘vulnerability’ in both the traditional negative sense (one who is unprotected and susceptible to harm, a victim) and in the more modern, positive, relationship-building sense (one who is purposefully letting down their guard in an effort to be soft-hearted and approachable; in Biblical terms: gentle, meek, compassionate, tenderhearted). […]
What ‘Blessed’ Really Means (survivor songs #6)
“Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” Years ago, I studied Biblical Greek. Seeing as I came into the first class still uncertain about the difference between an adverb and an adjective in English, I couldn’t make it very far without a tutor. So I got a tutor. And then I married him. […]
Formulas Will Never Heal Your Soul – why I won’t say all you need is Jesus (survivor songs #5)
I have a feeling it’s going to take me a few posts to really cut down to the heart of things. It is extremely important to me that you who read this series understand that I am not writing about mourning, or about surviving, because I think You! Too! Should! Be! Happy! I am not […]
Just With Me (survivor songs, #3)
Just With Me by Ramone Romero About The Artist Ramone Romero believes that God is real, personal, and still speaks today – often through visions, pictures and impressions in our spirits. Ramone’s art can be found at his artist’s portfolio and Facebook feed. His stunning paintings inspired by the First Nations Version Project […]
What Do You Mourn? (survivor songs #2)
What does it mean to mourn? The word mourn in Greek can mean to lament, feel guilt, bewail, and grieve (both the feeling of grief and the act of grief). Throughout Scripture it is connected with weeping, wailing, repenting and loss. To mourn is derived from the Greek word pentheo which Strongs tells me bears the following definition: properly, […]
Survivor Songs: Introducing New October Series
“Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 Join me and eleven guest bloggers as we explore the concept of mourning over the next 31 Days, as we tread a well-worn path straight towards Jesus’ heart. Sundays and weekdays will include raw, beautiful stories, deep studies of Scripture, and meaningful encouragement. Saturdays […]