bridges

sometimes the bridges you build end up in places that you never expected. just don't be afraid to land on a shore that you did not intend or an island that you weren't planning on visiting. just go with it, and your bridges will be the better for it. because when they veer off to unexpected detours, that's when your heart has taken over. and that is not such a bad thing.

sing

sing, o soul, of joy and wonder
for He reigns
and will walk beside you to the end.

run, my feet, along the sunbeams of laughter
where the burdens are small
and the steps are of tangible light
for He has taken your burdens and cares
and thrown them to the wayside.

dance, oh spirit, with the waves of thundering hosannas
where there is naught left
but to say Holy, Holy, Holy
for He sits in a cloud of unapproachable light
forevermore.

cry out, my heart, when the darkness seems too great
where the road has faded away to nothing
do not be afraid
for He is there, even then
and will guide you out of that blindness.

and sing, all that is in me
for He beckons
bringing abundant life
and the promise
of a full life.

live deep

the armband has become nearly ubiquitous. a bright yellow circle of promise, with the words "LIVE STRONG" lightly etched into the side. in a way, it's a challenge; the words exhort us to live hard, live well, live with strength and dignity.

great goals to be sure. but what about depth? the words say "live strong," but it says nothing about living deeply, in and beyond the moment. it's fine to rush along on top of the waves of today, but if that's all you do for the rest of your life, can you really say that you've lived life to the fullest? for living to the fullest does not only imply breadth but also depth.

how many of us live deep? have you explored not only the shores of emotion but also the abyss of the soul? have you dared to sit in the solitude of your thoughts and face whatever may come? have you lived not only in the moment but also beyond the moment, with body, mind, and soul? can you say that you grasp the depth of Humanity's nobility, treachery, virtue, and fury, and have seen the same in the dark corners of your soul?

but such is the human condition; to fear what is unknown, to seek the comfortable, and to build a fortress of security around what little we have. let us dare to wade out until we are in over our heads, and when we are there, to find that we are human.

whisper

at first i held the pain in a cage
who would understand?

the world tumbles around me
the human spirit fails
as a once-strong bond of love frays to
nothing
as the circle of trust is broken
as distractions take me off the narrow path
obstacles stand between me and Him
courage fails
where can i turn to?

and i cried out to You
where are You
why do you plunge me through this grief
relentlessly
i know You are there
but i can't feel it

You are the Almighty
save me from this!
this cup is too bitter

but then
a whisper
gentle

I'm here
I know you're calling
haven't I said I'd be there?
stop placing Me out of reach
I want to draw you near
and place you close to my heart
yes I am Lord and Creator

but I am also your Friend.

and I love you.
give me your pain
and i will give you peace.