Perhaps Lent... is about sinking into the depths of redemption, receiving sacrifice and allowing all our carefully crafted idols to fall-- disappear beneath the waves of God's goodness and mercy. Endless waves, the sea gate held open. Perhaps this is the way we get to our knees-- by accepting the buckling weight of so great a love as this-- that One Holy would lay down his life awash in shame for my pitiable state-- and hold the gate Open. jfig 2/2023
Solstice The darkest night still waits for morning… even when it feels no ‘welcome.’ Wind sighs— collapses in exhale leaving room for rhythms— ribbons of air… serpentine currents when felt in cavernous dark. Our Lord met us here—in the cave. Allow the dawn, its light to creep slowly—not jarring into the place one’s soul wanders, and wonder… Is there a God, God of goodness who made the light? If you must hold your breath— hold it with the wild possibility that hope—tightly balled into winter’s fist— may find The Child and yet survive. jfig 12/2022 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. he chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created." "James 1 (NIV) - Every good and perfect gift." Blue Letter Bible. Web. 21 Dec, 2022. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/jas/1/17/s_1147017>.
If I wrote this poem for no one else, Lord, I would write it for my friend, who wanders in the dark, knowing that you are God. We all wander, and wonder. And wait…for your faithfulness, which finds us again, and again, and again. You find us, because you are here, waiting as well, breathless with the expectation that we will look up. Thank you…from the humblest of hearts, that you would creep low; tarry that we might bump into you often enough to become familiar…old friends for the journey; and company us safely home. Amen
You are... the God Who Stays, light that remains when every.other.candle lies extinguished. Deep... in the hollows of the earth you carved a shelter, holding space for resurrection. We needed to know... life can be born, and re-borne in the sanctuary of Your fire-breathing Presence. How fierce... this love that burns within, and without us but does not consume save the dross. You are... the God Who Stays. You are... the God Who Stays long enough to shred two sides - the opaque curtain called 'belonging.'We needed to know... that Father stayed, too: waiting, watching for vision's redemption—holiness unleashed a billion twinkling stars, set free. Which one of you first breathed "It is finished," or was that merely cue— Holy Spirit to join you in the ripe, hungry fields of men, women few, many unseen, longing? You are the God Who Stays. jfig 5/2022
Dear Reading Friend, this is the first in a 3-part ‘observation’ regarding the desperate, reverberating cry, ‘Abandoned!?…?!’; I believe there is a God who hears and tends to this cry. These are not easy words to hear, “I have been abandoned…” Nor is this easy truth to absorb. It seems one has to wrestle a bit. Perhaps a lot. The wrestling feels important: there is no other cry so crashing our airwaves right now. The following verses might be of interest: Philippians 3:20-21; Luke 23:44-46; John 19:30
I have chosen the attached photo because it speaks to me of both what we think we know, and of perspective. I have been wrestling with this topic for a while; years, in fact. When it comes to ‘knowing’, I have as much access to scripture as anyone; and more than many. I have much less Biblical scholarship. My perspective on abandonment is a narrow window; but a thoughtful one. I have tried to look a long way off. Toward that end, your constructive thoughts are welcome. j
Father of Holiness,
We long to see you—the pillars of fire by which you lead us lighting up the night sky—as you lead the way out of darkness into eternal light.
Help us to understand the gap between you and us that can only be bridged by the sacrificial love of Christ. May we dare to cross—toes engage the threshold—day after day following you into newness of life. May we willingly carry stones (while you carry us) that your good purpose will lay to extend the bridge, into spaces our eyes have yet to see.
We want to dance with you, in your company of holiness; stripped of sin and willfulness. We want to see your stars.
jfig 4/2022 #ps-almighty
Prayer of return: leaning My soul might faint (faint it does) but still must get up and feed babies... mine, and perhaps some others as well. Even midst the valley of tears babes hunger— they are multiplying cells so fast I am just beginning to see that you have not equipped me to keep up But to lean— lean heavily, in fact on the God of infinite supply. jfig winter 21/22
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
the words of Jesus from Matthew 5:3.
And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide,” as it is said to this day, ‘On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.’ Genesis 22:13,14
The year 2022 is full of things that need fixing and rescuing. But there is One who came to be our rescue. Prophets foretold it. Simeon saw it. Dare we believe it? Believe that He came not only to ‘rescue’ us from sin as individuals, but to invite us into the abundance of God’s goodness. Into belonging. Into H-O-P-E written overtop the anxieties that grab me when I read the news.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
This post is dedicated to my friends at https://thedihedral.com/ who are a consistent source of encouragement to me.
Let down. Covid, and cancellations, and a Savior has come into the world. But…has anything really changed after all? Winter storms, and wintrier loss and unexpected winds of change altering one’s landscape – for better?
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation…” Luke 2:29,30*
Read Luke 2:22-35 “Luke 2 (NLT) – Then it was time for.” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 6 Jan, 2022. https://www.blueletterbible.org/nlt/luk/2/22-35/s_975022.
Let Down Yes, Simeon's answer is, yes. All of eternity is altered by this child's first breath. The next breath...peace is yours. Like Mary's milk let down to nurture the Christ child (let down poignantly a slight bit painful...tiny bit sweet), we must lay down singular expectation to nurture His Presence in the world. The One who will not let us down. He is here breathing hope and human dust into everyday miracles. Every day. Where shall we find Him? Simeon... welcomed him from the arms of a stranger (young girl at that) from persistent whispers of Spirit Holy winds, amid the long-sounding echoes of his own cautious journey. Look—look for Him Listen... Nurture His Presence He is here. jfig 1/2022
Simeon practiced expectation. He tended the fire of belief by expecting God to be and do as He had said. For one who would follow Jesus, this practice is critical as breathing. Not because Simeon could see the circumstances of rescue, but because he could now embrace the Christ Child. For one who would follow Jesus, this letting-go of other notions, in order to fully gather in the wonder of the Infant King, is life-altering. Simeon allowed the Advent of the Messiah to frame his outlook toward what came next, as one of peace.
Holy God, I’d like to be like Simeon, embracing your Presence in a way that alters my own expectations; that allows you to fill me with wonder at who you are. Would you settle me into your peace, in such a way that I not only welcome what comes next, but my renewed expectations inform others that YOU ARE HERE. Help me to tend the fire of belief in a way that brightens the darkness of circumstance and softens the faces of those with whom I conflict. Peace. May I be one who can confidently say, I have seen your rescue. Every day. Amen
*Luke 2:29,30 The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Mary Mary stoops, figure bent by society— female, poor. Confronted with a messenger she bends lower still tends the embers of belief. "How will," she asks. Not, "How can???" I will, not what if disgrace bends me until I break? She stirs the fire again This is good news...I think. Elizabeth? Run!!! Would you run? To the one barren? Unless you believed? The whole story of God's goodness finds welcome, in the embers of Mary's heart. "Amen" jfig 12/2021 My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever. Luke 1:46-55 ESV
It is difficult for me to turn my gaze from how a thing is going to impact me; to how it looks resting on the altar, at the feet of a Holy God. Not so Mary. She drapes her wedding dress upon the altar and says, “Let it be.” As You say. She does not make the error of token agreement and then leave it all up to God. She willingly lays down her plans, her earthly security, and puts on the garments of a servant. Expressing gratitude. We have tried all kinds of gimmicks in our family, to facilitate expression of gratitude, with variable success. Mary rests her expression of gratitude upon God being who he says he is; doing as he says he will do. Throughout history. And the fire of her belief explodes in tongues of worship.
God with the mighty arm, you have used your strength to work the miracle of our salvation. Historically, we look for this, again, and again. We look for it now. Help us to recognize your salvation, as you lay it out before us in invitation, by your Spirit. While we wait with expectation, gift us the humility to bend in submissive participation to your good plans. Amen
Reflection Questions: How have you been able to enter into gratitude this Advent season? How is what you believe, informing your worship of God? May you experience peace, hope and adoration as you trust in Him.
Luke 1:13b “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.
Read Luke 1:5-25 “Luke 1 (ESV) – In the days of Herod,.” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 12 Dec, 2021. https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/luk/1/5-25/p1/s_974005.
Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the lord.
Zacharias "Do not be afraid, Zacharias; your prayer has been heard..." Zacharias means 'Yahweh remembers.' Really? Manhood stretched. Quiver empty. Waiting for an heir. The fulfillment of purpose, appointment of his division, slow roll of lots. Waiting...for any of these to find him. Yahweh remembers. "Do not be afraid, Zechariah." Pinnacle priestly moment: fingers tremble light the incense The light explodes— into apparition? But wait... Do not be afraid, Zechariah Your prayer has been heard, AND... and...and...and...And. Elizabeth...Son John Joy and gladness Rejoice Greatness And... he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Legacy. Your God. Faithfulness, step by weighted, waiting step In spite of...the wait. Yahweh remembers, Zechariah, So do we. jfig 2021
Reflection questions: I interchange the forms Zacharias and Zechariah in this poem, quite simply, because I think there is something beautiful about the word form Zacharias. As if a human could be cast in different lights. It is Zechariah’s aura of faithfulness, upon which the spotlight briefly rests, scene I in the story of Christ’s birth. Is it this faithfulness, seed of God’s own image cast in beautiful bronze glow, which Yahweh remembers? It would be well beyond my credentials, to suggest that God chose Zechariah for his role, because of his faithfulness. But I wonder (after Z. got over being flustered, of course); if God reminded Zechariah, and Zechariah reminded God (because they were on journey together), where exactly they were headed.
“And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.” Luke 1:6 When I read this story, I am struck repeatedly by the almost certain human impossibility of Zacharias and Elizabeth’s faithfulness. Surely such strength of character is improbable given a long wandering journey of grief. At least without some deviation of purpose, without resentment… Step after waiting faithful step, Zechariah’s footfalls echo Yahweh’s, a journey they have somehow, mysteriously pursued together, one reflecting the Other. How can this be?
In what way have you experienced God’s faithful presence in your season(s) of waiting? What would you like Yahweh to remember about your journey together?
It strikes me that Zechariah arrived at faithfulness, not just for his own sake; but as comfort and strength lent to his wife. For the sake of those he served as priest. As a foundation from which his son, Spirit-filled, would move? Is there some way in which you would like to invite Father, Son, Spirit to keep you company now as you pursue faithfulness? Who is waiting with you, for the coming of His Salvation?
Lord, God Almighty, we long for the company of Your Presence, as we wait, and wonder… and wander.
THANK YOU for your faithfulness that guards our very being and gives us hope. Your strength, Your unwavering purpose. We need all this, and more. We need the mystery of you giving us strength not our own. Like Zechariah, may your faithfulness find its reflection in us. As we walk in it, may heads and hearts turn toward you in readiness for your salvation. Amen
Isaiah 40:31 They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
2Cor. 2: 14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Have you noticed? All the main characters in the Nativity story were simply tending to their ordinary lives, when suddenly… They step into their roles from the horizontal plane of everyday life. Spotlights find them in the mundane, sometimes painful, laborious and anticipatory; all of them waiting. With all of Israel they wait for Messiah, but each waits also in the angst of their individual postures in the world: Mary, for a wedding. Joseph, for his bride. Zechariah, for his appointment. Not unlike any of us.
In observing these characters through scripture, there are comments that pop; aspects of character that slip into Luke’s narrative. Perhaps it is these traits that allow each to respond a certain way in the critical moment? It is this question, that captures my attention.
Read Luke 1: 1-45 “Luke 1 (ESV) – Inasmuch as many have undertaken.” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 10 Dec, 2021. https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/luk/1/1/s_974001.
Have you noticed? Waiting is not passive— but tends the fire of belief. Sometimes, it consumes an inordinate amount of energy, either anticipatory or fearful. Year 2021, waiting in the slow line raises questions: Text, text, text…what matters? Tap, tap, tap…what am I worth? Diverse others behind and before me… What is her reality? His need? What…do I really believe about what is right and good? What do I really believe, period?
Year 2021—waiting. Have you noticed? Some of us are not adept. Others, far too much so—practiced?
from Luke 1:3b,4 “I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”
What do I really believe? This is a good question. Personally, if I am not careful to continue laying the fuel of hope, based on God’s undeniable faithfulness to me; the flame of my belief flickers, distorting what I see in the midnight sky. Fires(yours, too?) smolder lower and lower, hungry for oxygen. This waiting is one story of Advent.
Waiting Waiting is not passive... but tends the fire of belief. Subconscious yearnings curl skyward for fiery coal held in God's hand alone to touch one's lips feet, fingers: propel these bones that carry any purpose at all into the kingdom of light. Carry me... Burst my heart, God upon the dream of your making. My fingers pick at the timeworn threads of dreams my way— like lint upon a tattered garment. Your hand massages the oft-furled script, patient as my feet find the rocky path. The path... straight by definition, far from so, in experience. Come, come to the manger come with me— to see the why and the wherefore; all the reason belief has form. jfig 2021
Reflection Questions: For what are you waiting? What fuel lies banked in your heart? What will you do, as God breathes his living presence into the everyday drama of your life this Advent season?
THANK YOU for joining me. As we continue, I hope we will ponder together, pray together, worship and rejoice together. In his goodness, j
Longing; a meditation from Psalm 84 My soul longs for the courts of the Lord where you are extolled and i, am not. Set instead to carrying— one small ration called hope...a flame. Your breath— alight in me sets hope to dancing on the walls of the world. jfig 8/2021
In her book, Dear White Peacemakers, Osheta Moore includes in her description of white supremacy, the unwitting agony for one white, of striving to live up to a certain standard of excellence derived from skin color alone. And that without knowing that one is carrying this weight about on her back. Conversely, for one of darker-hued skin, there is constant pressure to prove that one’s humanness is more than painfully perpetuated untruths about color. Either way, we are all left striving to prove our worth.
In the courts of the Lord, all this striving falls away – eyes glued to our Creator, Provider, Healer, Messiah. Corporate activity is just that, pointed toward one end. Meditating upon Psalm 84, imagining the atmosphere of the ‘Courts of the Lord,’ the activity that is ordered there, has provided immense relief to me as I continue to wrestle with questions of racism, human worth, and how we live together on the planet.
My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. ESV
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. NIV
“Psalm 84 (NIV) – My soul yearns, even faints,.” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 22 Aug, 2021. https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/psa/84/2/s_562002.
“Psalm 84 (NIV) – My soul yearns, even faints,.” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 22 Aug, 2021. https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/psa/84/2/s_562002.
Roasted Words 