Refueling The Soul – Page 2 – The Turning Points of Life

Mary and Martha – A Lesson in Distraction

Luke 10:38-42

New King James Version

Mary and Martha Worship and Serve

³⁸Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. ³⁹And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. ⁴⁰But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, tell her to help me.”

⁴¹And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. ⁴²But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

This is a frequent experience in the life of Jesus with many messages offered. One message however escaped me until I read a lesson by Elder Micelle Christy entitled “Sitting at the Feet of Jesus.” She focused on the lesson portrayed by Martha and her “distraction”.

Martha’s distraction led to five negative characteristic positions:

Disbelief – Martha asks, “Do you not care…?”
Defensiveness – Martha defends her place: “My sister has left me to serve alone.”
Dismissiveness – Martha depersonalizes Mary as “my sister,” as though Mary is not even there.
Demands – Martha flat out says to Jesus, “Tell her to help me.”
Desperation – Martha attempts to control the situation—and Jesus—with her comment about being alone.

Having read this passage in the scripture for decades, I never saw this perspective that reveals the real dangers of being distracted. Since we live in a time of incessant distractions, swirling around us from the moment we awaken in the morning to the moment we lay our heads on the pillow for a night’s rest, this perspective is profoundly significant. Just imagine how we can slip into these negative positions. They individually and collectively can counter our positive intentions and purpose.

This awareness can help one to be more deliberate and intent on resisting the inclination to fall into exhibiting these “D’s” and tumbling into such negativity.

TURNING POINTS

Awareness of the slippery slope that distractions can become averse to our good intentions can keep us on track. It truly is a time to do good without being shackled by distractions and their consequences.

The Power of Children

Matthew 18:2-4 New King James Version

²Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, ³and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

I have always wondered about this passage in the scriptures. Just what did Jesus mean when he taught this. I have learned that much of what Jesus taught had underlying truths that are beyond the obvious. It takes the “asking”, “seeking” and “knocking” that He taught was necessary to get at the full depth of His teaching. So, I have deliberated and prayed in seeking to better understand what the not so obvious meaning of this teaching in Matthew 18.

When people reach a stage in life when they lose their fear of “what others will think” they share their spiritual experiences. These are most often from early childhood when “adult reality” has not yet restricted and limited their vision. As I was reading Dr. Eben Alexander’s book “The Map of Heaven” I realized the proof of this reality from my own personal experience. Alexander’s book references the fact that people who have shared their early spiritual experiences go back many decades – six or seven decades – into early childhood. These memories were “as fresh as if they’d occurred just a few days before”. Young children feel very comfortable with spiritual experiences because they haven’t felt the expectations forced upon them by “adult thinking”. Young children are comfortable with spiritual experiences because it does not threaten their acceptance. Once adult reality sets in, this is no longer the case.

An event in my life that took place when I had just turned four years old. My Aunt Frieda suddenly died. My parents, probably realizing that she was so special to because of all the adventures she took me on, make a bold and courageous decision. Against all social rules of the time and place, they took me to the wake. When I was about 65 while driving alone with the radio off, I journeyed back in time and one of my life’s turning points surfaced in vivid color. I was once again walking hand in hand with my father into the funeral home. I was overwhelmed by the massive wall of flowers that seemed to go to the ceiling. The fragrances consumed the air in the room. My father lifted me up and as I peered into the open casket, I saw my Aunt Frieda lying serenely in a deep peace that embraced my being. From that moment, death for me was a passage into an authentic and profound place of indescribable peace. As a child, I didn’t have the ability to share the profound effect this experience had on my mind. But finally, as an adult, I have the experience and vocabulary to at least express the long-encapsulated feelings harbored deep in my memory for six decades. (NOTE: The full story of my relationship with Aunt Frieda is posted JUNE 2015 in my blog (www.lifeturningpoints.org ) [https://www.lifeturningpoints.org/?s=Aunt+Frieda]

Once attending a seminar, the facilitator expressed his love for talking and working with children. He saw them as “free” thinking and with an unfettered imagination. “I could talk about purple and orange washing machines without one of them saying, ‘NO! they are white!’” he said.

Stop and think of a profound spiritual experience from your childhood that you never told anyone about because you feared their reaction. Now as an adult, how would you describe it?

I suggest that what Jesus alluded to with His pronouncement in Matthew 18 was that we need to escape the limiting restraints of the natural and enter the glory of the spiritual. Children can do that because they are still free to soar into the spiritual without fear. Their humble nature keeps an open heart and mind for the spiritual.

Paul was also alluded to this in Romans 12. It is necessary to escape the “comfort” or “arrogance” of accepted adult thinking and be renewed back to childhood freedom to be dependent. The adult perspective is “I know it all!” and I don’t need God or anything or anyone else, I can do it myself. The child is the epitome of “I need you!” Jesus per chance was alluding to recognizing our dependance on Him to enter His kingdom.

Romans 12:2-3 NKJV

²And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

The prophet Isaiah points out in no uncertain terms that our “unrenewed” mind produces thoughts and ways lower and inconsistent the Lord’s. There is the truth of our dependence on Him for gaining kingdom’s entrance.

Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV

⁸“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
⁹“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.

But there is a way to regain that childhood vision of the spiritual along with the natural world. Jesus gave an answer recorded in Matthew 7.

Matthew 7:7 NKJV Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking

⁷“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

With a new understanding that we as adults can still possess a truly spiritual connection with the Divine, we need to pursue it with deliberate ASKING, SEEKING and KNOCKING. Silent meditation without the noise of the world around us and sincere prayers will open us up to the Holy Spirit when He visits us with revelations.

Our soul is our spiritual being that was known to the Lord before we were born as attested by Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV

⁵“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; Before you were born, I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

To gain the fullness of our spirituality it is necessary to escape the confines of the material world. God will do this for us if we ask. Paul gave us encouragement to do this in Romans 12.

Romans 12:2-3 NKJV

²And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. ³For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

The journey to rediscover our spirituality lost when childhood graduated into adult limited thinking and speaking requires faith. And not just any faith. It requires an authentic and profound trust in the Lord. (See my book Solomon’s Recipe for details on this reality.) Faith provides evidence of our spirituality so powerful that it convinces the most vehement skeptic. The writer of Hebrews puts this truth most succinctly.

Hebrews 11:1 NKJV By Faith We Understand

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Remaining without cognizance of our spirituality dooms us to see only the material world. We see so little really when we leave out the spiritual. Paul made a great observation in his letter to the Corinthians. As you read the three translations of his words, embrace the nuances of each. See how you might take advantage of the subtleties as the words affect your feelings and thoughts.

1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV

¹²For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Our vision is limited because we are bound to the material world. It takes faith and a connection with the Holy Spirit to escape the material world and get a God revealed glimpse into the spiritual world’s reality.

1 Corinthians 13:12 New Living Translation

¹²Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

1 Corinthians 13:12 The Message

¹²We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

Wisdom is to see that our vision is handicapped by our insistence that we are independent and individually capable of navigating life. The following scripture seeks to put us in our rightful place.

John 8:23-24 NKJV

²³And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. ²⁴Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

John 8:23-24 The Message

^23-24Jesus said, “You’re tied down to the mundane; I’m in touch with what is beyond your horizons. You live in terms of what you see and touch. I’m living on other terms. I told you that you were missing God in all this. You’re at a dead end. If you won’t believe I am who I say I am, you’re at the dead end of sins. You’re missing God in your lives.”

Take some time re-reading John 8:23-24 and maybe explore other translations to enhance your study. You may be surprised by what the Holy Spirit reveals to your renewed open mind and heart.

TURNING POINTS

It was for me a fascinating turning point when driving and thinking in a spiritual retrospect. To consider my childhood experiences from a different perspective opened new insight.

GRIEVING – Another Look

In the German town of Bisingen there is a small stone pyramid in a field where at World War II concentration camp once stood. In memory of those who died in that camp an engraving appears on that pyramid that reads: Wanderer, if you pass by here, remember those whose lives were taken before they had lived it meaningfully.

When I read this passage in Malcolm Gladwell’s book “Revenge of the Tipping Point” I stopped and thought of our grieving over the passing on of our loved ones. As I paused to take in what I had just read, I re-read it several times.

That we feel grief over someone’s passing on is in fact the evidence that they lived a meaningful life. A life that impacted us to the point that it evoked grieving. What a potent way to see the gifts we received through the unique relationship we shared with them.

We all live our life with the hope that we have been a blessing to those we love. That our life with them had meaning. Not just meaning per se, but a meaning so profound that it produces grieving. If you read my other articles on this blog related to grieving, you will know that I see grieving as a positive experience. It’s something to cherish when we are able to rejoice in the blessings we garnered in the unique, one-of-a-kind relationship with that person.

With this new perspective, that our grieving is evidence of our loved one’s meaningful life in part through the blessings we possess, I am even more encouraged that we can deepen our appreciation of having a positive sense of grief.

Turning Points

I am constantly in awe of how the Spirit reveals to me new realities not only of grieving but countless other aspects of our life journey into learning and finding meaning in our own lives.

Gratitude – The Parent of Virtues

The amazing power of gratitude has found a deep-seated presence in my thoughts and soul, compelling me to write yet another article to join the other posts on the subject. The thoughts that have been cropping up in my mind have stemmed from the statement attributed to Cicero.

As I have stated before, gratitude is a deep sense of appreciation when one receives something undeserved. Gratitude has the power to transform our thinking. Using each gift we receive is the height of Gratitude. And again, I reiterate Hazelden’s quote:

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

It can turn a meal into a feast,

a house into a home,

a stranger into a friend.

These two quotes have been my constant companion in my thoughts for weeks now. So, I write, what can we learn from this observation regarding Gratitude?

Gratitude is an attitude, and that implies that it is a decision, not a gift. If we look at the fruit of the Spirit and consider them as a starting point, we will see them as a gift of the Spirit. Something given to a faithful and open, accepting soul. Gratitude has the effect of opening a soul to accept the fruit as gifts of the Spirit.

Let’s consider the character of virtues. What is virtuous? Virtue is the quality of moral excellence.

Honesty, Courage, Compassion, Generosity, Fidelity, Integrity, Fairness, Self-control, and Prudence.

The cardinal virtues are Justice, Prudence, Temperance and Fortitude.

The theological virtues are Faith, Hope and Charity.

I urge you to explore how you have experienced gratitude as it opened for you a grip on the fruit of the Spirit. I invite you to share them with me and my readers.

Turning Points

Realizing more vividly the power of gratitude, causes me to protect my sense of gratitude from the daily onslaughts of the world’s noise that tries to inflict negativity on my senses. This is truly a turning point.

Gratitude – A Power for Transformation

Gratitude is a deep sense of appreciation when one receives something undeserved. Gratitude has the power to transform our thinking. Using each gift we receive is the height of Gratitude.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

It can turn a meal into a feast,

a house into a home,

a stranger into a friend.

– Hazelden

Gratitude is an ATTITUDE. Appreciation is the root of Thanksgiving. Appreciation is the exercise of wise judgment, delicate perception, keen insight and sensitive awareness in realizing the worth of someone or something. EXERCISE means that we must consciously work at it. WISE JUDGEMENT means we use our knowledge and experience for discernment of truth. DELICATE PERCEPTION means we look at the fine points, consider that which meets only the inquisitive and searching eye, magnifying what appears at first glance to be small. KEEN INSIGHT means we take a sharpened cut to see into something, to get at what is not obvious, to what is inside and beyond the casual view. SENSITIVE AWARENESS means we are willing to be vulnerably open to get to that which may be hidden even by our own fears. REALIZING is making something very real to us. WORTH is value. When we practice with zeal appreciation, gratitude becomes our attitude and thanksgiving flows generously and sincerely from our hearts.

The power in gratitude, thanksgiving, is that it emanates out of profound recognition of having received something completely undeserved. It can be so easy to fall ito the idea that we haven’t received enough in life. That in some way we have been short-changed. We have this destructive inclination to measure ourselves by our neighbors. The consequence is that we see them has having more and that more is undeserved. This kind of thinking destroys our vision of the real gifts we possess. As the famed parable of Jesus, “for the kingdom of heaven is like . . .” wherein three servants each receive talents according to their ability and hence not equally, we tend see ourselves as one with the least talents. [Matthew 25:14-30] The consequences of this can be devastating.

The message is that it is critical that we discover our talents, the gifts that God has given each of us according to our ability. It is eye opening when we set out to discover these gifts we have received and the profound gratitude that fills our heart, mind and soul.

There is fascinating book that brings an interesting possibility to the parable of the servants that received talents. “The Servant with One Talent” by Michael V. Ivanov explores a continuation possibility for this servant who failed.

There is another character of Gratitude. It is succinctly presented by Cicero.

This statement “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others” immediately recalled the fruit of the Spirit. What greater virtues exist other than the fruit of the Spirit? Gratitude surely is the most powerful when it is the first thing in heart and mind when we begin a new day or when life’s challenges become overwhelming to steal our ability to sleep. Gratitude is potentially the solution to all negativity in our life including grieving. One might say that gratitude is the arch enemy of chronic pessimism.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

I urge you to explore how you have experienced gratitude as it opened for you a grip on the other fruit of the Spirit. I invite you to share them with me and my readers.

Turning Points

Grieving and Gratitude

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

In my day-to-day experiences, I find so many souls grieving. It almost seems like they are attracted to me in some strange way. As I have been grieving for over seventy-seven years, I must be some sort of authority on this deep emotional and spiritual reality of life. As I have navigated over eight decades of grief, I have experienced ever deepening understanding of how to experience grieving in a positive way, one that doesn’t steal away my peace and comfort. Therefore, I am very sensitive and observant to catch little and sometimes subtle revelations of positive touchstones for grieving more rewardingly.

My other articles on grieving within this blog attest to numerous of these discoveries. It’s also comforting to note that learning how to grieve with positivity enables us to be a blessing for others, helping them to discover what we have learned.

My latest revelation came as I scrolled through social media and came across this beauty.

This is one of those moments when two critical truths intersect. I have a passionate appreciation for gratitude and its power to transform one’s thinking and perspective. When my eyes first fell upon the words in this picture I immediately thought of grieving. That’s because I have found that we can find joy, yes JOY, in grieving. (See Grieving V in this blog for more on grieving with joy)

I urge you to explore how you have experienced gratitude as it opened for you a grip on the other fruit of the Spirit. I invite you to share them with me and my readers.

Turning Points

With all the negative publicity on the evils of social media, I find it a positive thing when such goodness can come from posts such as the one in this article. For me it is a turning point in seeing another benefit of gratitude.

Being an Angel

Hebrews 13:2 New King James Version

²Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

We understand that angels were created by God before the earth and heavens. He created them to serve Him and to do His will. They were created differently from we humans. They have unique characteristics making them free of some of the human limitations we have. However, key to understanding angels is their purpose, to do the will of God the Father.

Scripture makes many references to angels and thereby reveal their function and purpose. There are many words in the Old and New Testaments showing just how God used His angels in myriad situations to convey His will to the people for their blessing.

In the life of Jesus from beginning to earthly end an Angel played a key role. Firstly, an angel spoke to Mary to prepare her for her unique role in the great plan of salvation.

Luke 1:29-31 New King James Version

²⁹But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. ³⁰Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus.

And then as Jesus faced His grueling sacrifice in the Garden and angle came to give Him the strength to accomplish His task.

Luke 22:39-44New King James Version

The Prayer in the Garden

³⁹Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. ⁴⁰When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

⁴¹And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, ⁴²saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” ⁴³^[Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. ⁴⁴And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Now let’s look at the question; Can I be an angel? Can a human being be an angel? The answer I believe is NO. We do not have the characteristics of angels. However, I believe we can function as angels, and often without realizing it. I have experienced something that can be considered being an angel unwittingly for someone, a stranger.

I was at social gathering at which I was not acquainted with everyone attending. After greeting a few people who I knew, I noticed a lady sitting all alone. I greeted her, a perfect stranger, and introduced myself. She introduced herself as Mary. As we spoke and shared our backgrounds, we found common ground and had a delightful conversation. Suddenly her husband joined us. She introduced us and the conversation continued without Tom contributing. Tom just sat quietly taking in the conversation.

For some unknown reason I initiated the topic of grieving into the discussion. I knew nothing of this Tom save for his name. As I spoke, I introduced the concept of ceasing to consider that someone who died “passed away”. Rather we should think of them as “passing on”. I explained how when we consider what our friend “passed on” to us in our unique relationship with them we will find authentic gratitude for the treasures we gained. I went so far as to say that when the gratitude reaches profound status in our heart and soul, we can find joy in our grieving. Joy that we were so blessed to have had such an extraordinary life together with our deceased friend. (See multiple Grieving Articles at this blog for the essence of my conversation)

Without a word, Tom abruptly arose and walked away. I feared for a moment that what I said may have offended him. As I watched him leave, I saw him walk away from the group and disappeared alone down the lane.

Mary then confided in me. She said, “He needed that!” She proceeded to tell me that he had lost his best friend a few months ago. He was having a hard time finding peace and comfort in his grieving. His wife further explained the depth of her husband’s relationship with his friend who had passed and the frustration he was experiencing.

Shortly afterward I was leaving and saying my goodbyes Tom came to me and thanked me for my words. His smile revealed that what he had heard had changed something for him.

During a conversation about “being an angel” a few days later, it dawned on me that I functioned as an angel to this man, a total stranger. In retrospect I now understand why I spontaneously initiated a conversation on grieving. Was it God reaching out to him, perhaps even answering his prayer? I was simply “functioning” as an angel. I was not an angel. But to this man I suspect I filled his need and as such he saw me as an angel.

[See “My Son is an Angel” article on this blog for more on angels]

Turning Points

It is a humbling experience to realize that God would use me to be a blessing for a total stranger. When I have the courage to allow the Holy Spirit to inspire something that seems out of left field, good things ensue. It prompts me to keep aware of what the will of God is calling me to do.

Music of Garden of Innocence ~ San Diego

I have been working with Garden of Innocence San Diego since 2008 when I was introduced to this wonderful organization on March 1^st for the burial of their 100^th baby Annmarie. The moment I held her casket in my arms I experienced a life-changing feeling, a new sense of purpose. Since that blessed and fateful day, countless times I have experienced the most beautiful heartwarming moments in our Garden.

Some of these moments were highlighted by songs that were written by artists who also experienced special “Garden Moments” inspiring them to create beautiful and touching music and lyrics.

The first of these I am sharing is “God’s Child” by Joe Rathburn. Joe served as the musician for some of our services. He then wrote and composed what has become a signature song for our Garden of Innocence – San Diego. Here is the link to Joe’s Website. (https://joerathburn.com/welcome-page)

Joe was the keynote musician at our 25^th Anniversary event where he presented his song “God’s Child”.

Here is the link to God’s Child: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKRKGMagKpo.

Robin Harper was also deeply moved by her experience with Garden of Innocence that inspired her song simply titled “Garden of Innocence”.

Here is the link to Robin Harper’s “Garden of Innocence”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WntNFDEVtvk

I trust you will enjoy these two songs and the presentation by their authors.

Turning Point

I have experienced when a deeply emotional event like a funeral or a wedding or a life-changing happening in the life of someone special to us, there is a song and music adding something quite unique. Our souls are overwhelmed with love. The combination of words and music reveal as a prism previously hidden essences of our deepest thoughts confirming our vision of our life’s purpose. And like a diamond, each time we hear them they reveal a facet not seen in previous listening moments. It’s like a flower unfolding revealing beauty previously hidden within its bud. And at times we can even see how that song has had its effect upon our hearts, souls and minds fulfilling its intended divine purpose. And how sweet when the words of a song amplify the purpose of our life.

TRANSFORMATIVE MUSIC AND SONGS – Part 2

There are poems and songs whose music and lyrics have the power to touch our hearts, minds and souls and transform our personal perspectives. They grip our attention and cause us to listen and relisten as the spirit of the words and collaborative music reach the depths of our being. They team up to extricate us from our daily world of activity and challenge us to consider who we are and why we are here and where we might choose to go. I found these poems and songs to be thoughtfully written and when the songs are sung they touch me deeply each time I hear them. These poems and songs speak to my soul and refuel it. I will present a few of them here. Hopefully you too might find them something special.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Joseph M. Scriven

What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear.
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior still our refuge!

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do Thy friends forsake Thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

In His arms He’ll take and shield Thee;

Thou wilt find a solace there.

I find that if I read them slowly, feeling each word and phrase, the depth of their meaning to me is inescapable.

BE STILL MY SOUL

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the veil of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Katharina A. von Schlegel, pub.1752 tr. by Jane L. Borthwick, pub.1855 copyright status is Public Domain

I have found that poems much like song lyrics possess the power to touch the heart and soul. This is especially true when we have journeyed through grief and tragedy. In my yet to be published book on grieving I note the following poems that can comfort and renew my soul.

This poem by Henry Van Dyke gives an interesting metaphor to give a new perspective on the death of a loved one.

I Am Standing Upon the Seashore

Henry Van Dyke

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, “There, she is gone”

Gone where?

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast, hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me — not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, “There, she is gone,” there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “Here she comes!”

And that is dying…

Death comes in its own time, in its own way.
Death is as unique as the individual experiencing it.

Sometimes a poem or song has multiple effects upon us. This poem, My Cross, is just that for me. First, it brings to profound remembrance of my dear mother. I found it among her papers, typed on a small piece of onionskin paper when after her debilitating stroke it fell upon me to care for the finances of my parents. The paper was faded and threadbare on the edges from heavy frequent use I surmised. But in that moment, it solved a long wonderment I had as to how my mother was able to navigate her constant health issues with an amazing positivity.

Second it provides another perspective of meaning. It illuminates the diverse blessings in the burden of our myriad lifelong troubles here represented in a cross.

Years ago, I discovered the source of this poem, titled “My Burden” composed by Amos Russell Wells. Amos R. Wells (23 December 1862– 6 March 1933) was an American editor, author, and professor. The poem “My Burden” was published in a volume titled “The Collected Poems of Amos R. Wells” in 1921.

MY CROSS

Upon my back was laid a grievous load,

A heavy cross to bear along the road.

I staggered on, until one weary day,

Lurking temptation sprang across my way.

I prayed to God, and swift at His command

The cross became a weapon in my hand.

It slew my threat’ning enemy, and then

Became a cross upon my back again.

I faltered many a league, until at length,

Groaning, I sank, and had no further strength.

“Oh God!” I cried, “I am so weak and lame!”

And lo! my cross a staff of strength became.

It swept me on till I regained the loss,

Then was upon my back, again a cross.

My soul a desert. O’er the burning tack

I persevered, the cross upon my back.

No shade was there, and in the burning sun

I sank at last, and thought my days were done.

But lo! the Lord works many a blest surprise –

The cross became a shade before my eyes!

I slept; I woke, to feel the strength of ten.

I found the cross upon my back again.

And thus, through all my days, from that to this,

The cross, my burden, has become a bliss,

Nor ever shall I lay the burden down,

For God one day will make my cross a crown!

I hope that sharing these perspectives I have gained from poems and songs open up new vistas that warm your heart and refuel your soul for each tomorrow of your life.

Turning Point

I find that many songs and poems contain words that reveal as a prism previously hidden the essence of our deepest thoughts confirming our vision of our life’s purpose. And like a diamond, each time we hear them they reveal a facet not seen in previous listening moments. It’s like a flower unfolding revealing beauty previously hidden within its bud. And at times we can even see how that song has had its effect upon our hearts, souls and minds fulfilling its intended divine purpose. And how sweet when the words of a poem or the lyrics to a song amplify the essence of our life.

TRANSFORMATIVE MUSIC AND SONGS – Part 1

There are songs whose music and lyrics have the power to touch our hearts, minds and souls and transform our personal perspectives. They grip our attention and cause us to listen and re-listen as the spirit of the words and collaborative music reach the depths of our being. They team up to extricate us from our daily world of activity and challenge us to consider who we are and why we are here and where we might chose to go. I found these songs to be thoughtfully written and sung and touch me deeply each time I hear them. I present the lyrics and then a link to YouTube so you can listen. Hopefully you too might find them something special.

God’s Gift To The World

This one
That one
Each one
Is God’s gift to the world

They are
We are
Each one
Is God’s gift to the world

There are no extra people
In a mansion or a ghetto
Each heart and soul is counted
Though they’re different than you

So look across the ocean
See those on distant corners
Or see the one beside you
Look in their eyes and you’ll know that it’s true

And all the lonely people
The first ones and the last ones
All the great and small ones
The ones that win and lose

All of the remembered
Even the forgotten
From every single nation
You know it’s true… for me and you

This one
That one
Each one
Is God’s gift to the world

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Michael Himelstein / Terry Sampson

Link to Carl Anderson’s rendition of “God’s Gift To The World”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ8nOrQ2A-M

Not Too Far From Here

Song by Hilary Weeks

Somebody’s down to their last dime
Somebody’s runnin’ out of time
Not too far from here
Somebody’s got nowhere else to go
Somebody needs a little hope
Not too far from here

And I may not know their name
But I’m prayin’ just the same
That you’ll use me Lord,
To wipe away the tears
‘Cause somebody’s cryin’
Not too far from here

Somebody’s troubled and confused
Somebody’s got nothin’ left to loose
Not too far from here
Somebody’s forgotten how to trust
Somebody’s dyin’ for love
Not too far from here

It may be a strangers face
But I’m prayin’ for your grace
To move me and take away the fear
‘Cause somebody’s hurting
Not too far from here

Help me Lord,
not to turn away
From Him
Help me not to rest
While those around me weep
Give me your strength and compassion
When somebody finds the road of life
Too steep

Somebody’s troubled and confused
Somebody’s got nothin’ left to loose
Not too far from here
Somebody’s forgotten how to trust
Somebody’s dyin’ for love
Not too far from here

Now I’m letting down my guard
And I’m opening my heart
Help me speak your love
To every need-full ear
Somebody’s waiting
Not too far from here
Somebody’s waiting
Not too far from here

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Steve Siler / Ty Lacy

Link to Video with lyrics:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1mkVnuTUD8

Link to Michael Crawford’s rendition of “Not Too Far From Here”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtSlnoSz6Ac

Love Understands

I see the empty souls,

That walk the streets alone,

Families that hunger for a home.

Their pride is gone.

And I don’t realize,

That I could change their lives,

And mine by wanting to give more.

Open up your door.

So when you see a broken heart

Extend your hand,

Love understands,

Come up with more than just a dime,

Invest your hope,

And give your time.

Now wonder if this was you,

How would you get through?

And if you had others to feed?

Imagine all you’d need.

Too have to start again,

At someplace that I have been,

And I get to help to find a way.

I’m gonna start today.

So when you see a broken heart

Extend your hand,

Love understands,

Come up with more than just a dime,

Invest your hope,

And give your time.

A place to sleep, a place to start.

But when you give yourself it warms the heart.

So when you see a broken heart

Extend your hand,

Love understands,

Come up with more than just a dime,

Invest your hope,

And give your time.

So when you see a broken heart

Extend your hand,

Love understands,

Come up with more than just a dime,

Invest your hope,

And give your time.

Link to Marilyn Scott’s rendition of “Love Understands”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IaLzbMYGjg

[A future Post will explore spiritual hymns and hope they soothe, inspire and comfort the soul]

Turning Point

I find that many songs contain words that reveal as a prism previously hidden the essence of our deepest thoughts confirming our vision of our life’s purpose. And like a diamond, each time we hear them they reveal a facet not seen in previous listening moments. It’s like a flower unfolding revealing beauty previously hidden within its bud. And at times we can even see how that song has had its effect upon our hearts, souls and minds fulfilling its intended divine purpose. And how sweet when the lyrics to a song amplify the essence of our life.