Sometimes, people of faith like to refer to themselves or to others who hold the "right" kind of faith as believers. This descriptor seems inadequate. I don't feel comfortable or right when I try it on. But this story of faith grabs me. It could be my story. A sea of people stood between me … Continue reading A Desperate Faith
This poem arrived last week. I'm just starting to understand why I needed it. Rumi said: "Poetry holds its meaning loosely, like a rock in a sling. We let fly. The rest is out of our control." I think I'm also just starting to get what that means. Just fly. Just fly. An eagle soars: held … Continue reading Just Fly
Recently, I opened up a magazine from my alma mater to peek at the section of class news. I was happy for those who are making partner and who are accomplishing great things in the world. But standing in the kitchen in my pajamas instead of in a downtown office with a twenty-mile view, I … Continue reading Living in the Ellipses ( you know, the . . . )
Silent Night Holy Night gets drowned out in presents and preparations, wrapping, cooking, shopping, family, family, and more family (whom I love dearly!). The way we celebrate Christmas seems to be a how-to-primer on how to miss Heaven on earth. We walk right by-- wearied and noise-worn, or excited, oversaturated, and overstimulated. Today, I want … Continue reading Holy in the Silent Night
I. "Don't be afraid," They sang into the dark. Light: Brilliant, Bewildering, and Blinding Tore through the dark night sky. Light Sang: God is with us. Don't be afraid. As the flaming messengers disappeared, Dark returned. Running, Stumbling through the unlit hills and streets, Shepherds searching. Seeking. Finding. Shouting. Overcome by God with us. … Continue reading An Advent Invitation and Blessing
Somehow, for me, the Questions were a door that ushered me into an experience of God that was real and beautiful and unexplainable--like nothing I had experienced before the Questions. The Questions were like keys springing open locks that had kept my mind from seeing what was real. Once opened, there was no turning back. There is no way to unsee. The Questions forced me to let go of Beliefs to which I had been clinging to like a life preserver. A set of Beliefs are not what save us or give us life. That Life is from God. Not from what I understand about God.
With empty hands and an empty heart I lay myself at your feet, an exhausted, empty heap. Empty of words. Empty of plans. Empty of Amazing or Courage or Daring Doing. And instead of "You should"s And instead of "Why aren't you"s You place your hand gently on my head and whisper Deep into my … Continue reading Sacred Empty
I. The caterpillar is beautiful in its own right: vivid green, yellow, and black. Is it comfortable in its own skin as it congregates in the sunlight, consuming what is left of the garden's dill? Or is it aware of the change growing inside? The caterpillar is just who it is meant to be . … Continue reading Re-Created
Who are you listening to? Do you listen to Them? I have. Why? Who are They? And why do I give them so much power? Paralyzed by what They might think. Nameless, Faceless Opinions. * * * Do you listen to Should? I have. Why? Should is an ordinary, but insidious word. The definition for … Continue reading Who are You Listening To?
Jessica Sanborn 