Simply Soul Searching
HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
7. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: PEACE OVER ANGER
Wednesday, December 11th
I once believed that anger was wrong, a shortcoming from not having the inner peace of Christ. Most likely this stems from the ways we sometimes observe anger being exhibited in life. We see anger displayed through temper tantrums, hurtful words, bitter retaliations, silent rejections, and in some cases, violent revenge. Sadly, these angry outbursts only lead to more heartache, frustration, resentment, woundedness, regret, and even deep grief.
But we know that anger can also be righteous. The online Collins Dictionary defines anger as “the strong emotion that you feel when you think that someone has behaved in an unfair, cruel, or unacceptable way.” Our anger can be a sacred response whenever we witness or experience these wrongs, and it can serve as an initiating emotion that prompts us to correct what needs to be corrected.
In a recent podcast interview (on “Need a Lift” with Tim Shriver, link below), I heard helpful wisdom about anger from peace activist Aziz Abu Sarah:
“When I watch the news every day, I am as (angry) as many of you probably are. But it’s about what we do with that anger. Anger is like a nuclear power. It either leads to destruction or it leads to light and electricity, and it’s our choice.”
As followers of Christ, how might our anger become a source of radiant light or useful power?
My counselor once told me that yes, for every action there is a reaction, but there is a pause between the two. And what we do with that pause can make the better difference.
We can center ourselves in God before we begin our day.
We can counter a wrong by doing something right or good.
We can keep silence until we find the right words to say.
We can ask questions to clarify, to determine that we have understood correctly.
We can offer a word of reconciliation or understanding when appropriate.
We can be critical of issues and actions over personalities or appearances.
We can protest, speak, or challenge cruel and unacceptable acts and policies.
We can promote, speak, or foster ways to bring about kindness and goodness.
We can support agencies who work for justice and equality.
We can regard every person as a beloved child of God.
By shining with the light of Christ or serving with the power of Christ, we are sharing the peace of Christ.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/israeli-and-palestinian-peace-activists-share-how/id1765227660?i=1000671532297
Photo by Karen; I found this nativity creche at a fair-trade shop. For me, it conveys God giving us this holy family to bring our peace, as well as a sense of being held by Infinite Love.
6. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: PEACE BEYOND COMMOTION
Photo by Alex Block on Unsplash
Monday, December 9th
Some of my favorite posts on Instagram are the tender videos that show children coming on stage with their classmates, preparing to sing before a crowded auditorium. A few nervously scan the audience, searching for parents or other loved ones through the noise and commotion as people find their seats. When they finally find their people, their sweet faces light up with an immediate look of relief, and their precious, teary-eyed smiles warm my heart.
This Advent season, we may long for quiet spaces in which to prepare our hearts for Christ, but the commotion around us increases and even overwhelms at times. Traffic becomes heavier, marketplaces become busier and noisier. Our schedules may be filled with holiday parties, religious services, seasonal concerts, or other special events. News headlines and social media posts continue to take our attention. Difficult relationships can bring angst as we gather with family and friends. Extra commitments on top of our regular responsibilities can quickly take up every open space of time.
When we are surrounded by commotion, chaos, or clamor, we can be like the child on the stage; we can turn our focus to the steadfast One who meets our gaze. As we plan and prepare, we can pray to the One we most long to please. Through all the demands and distractions, we can be grateful for the One who is patient and gracious. When we feel overwhelmed with nervous anticipation or self-doubt, we can seek the One who is quietly present for us.
The One who is smiling with love, just waiting to hear us sing.
5. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: PEACE IN CHRIST
Sunday, December 8th
(As we reflect on our peace in Christ this week, I plan to allow for small pauses throughout my day to think of Jesus as my peaceful presence.)
This week, what does it mean for us to find our Peace in Christ?
We can find our peace in the life of Jesus, from his wise and faithful perspectives shown through every encounter, instruction, trial, and good work. His complete trust in God’s merciful and gracious love helped him to live the life he lived–to endure the things he endured–and so his words ring true. I find his words in the Beatitudes especially reassuring, giving us a sense of God’s peace for the challenges and experiences we have in our life of faith. That he is not preaching from a comfortable throne in a luxurious palace makes these assurances truly beautiful and trustworthy; he is speaking on a hillside, among the poor and outcast, living a humble life.
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
(Matthew 5:1-12, NIV)
May we go in peace this week, remembering we are tenderly and dearly loved, trusting that God’s goodness will surround us to the very end.
4. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: HOPE WITH PERSEVERANCE
Friday, December 6th
“No matter how tall the mountain is, it cannot hide the sun.” (Chinese proverb)
When the angel announced to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus (in the biblical story of Luke), Mary could not know what the future would hold for her and her son. But she took the first faithful step—she answered the call to be part of God’s plan of hope for the world. Mary didn’t know how all this was going to work out, but she put her hope in God, who would be her help and guide throughout her life-long journey.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38 NIV)
Hope is more than passive waiting.
Hope is the obedient willingness to begin a journey without knowing where it will lead.
Hope is the timid courage to take the first step in faith.
Hope is the peaceful trust that we do not go alone.
Hope is the humble wisdom to check our location (are we on the right path?) and our direction (is our next step the better one?) as we continue onward.
Hope is the patient insight that we will need to rest, reflect, and recenter with our Guide at points along the way.
Our hope in Christ is not contingent on reaching desired destinations but in trusting the goodness of God. In our own calling to be part of God’s plan of hope for the world, life can be like an upward climb, with obstacles and challenges over difficult terrain. And yet, when we look to the top, the majestic vista beckons us on. We know the journey will be worth it, no matter how far we are able to climb, even if we cannot reach the summit. Because we know the Light will continue to shine; the Light that can never be fully hidden.
“In every winter’s heart there is a quivering spring, and behind the veil of each night there is a shining dawn.”
~ Khalil Gibran
(Photo by Karen)
3. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: HOPE AGAINST DESPAIR
“Heaven is a house with porch lights.” ~ Ray Bradbury
Wednesday, December 4th
This season, I know that many of us need the hope of God in Christ to lessen our feelings of despair.
As I reflected on my own despair, I found an enlightening post by Dr. Almut Furchert (Dr. phil., Dipl. Psych.), a German American scholar, practitioner, and writer (and more) who once lived behind the Iron Curtain. She explained how totalitarian systems of government are “built on the human capacity to despair. Arbitrary policies, raw displays of power, and flaunting of common courtesy are all designed to make us lose courage and hope. And frankly, in the face of the human condition today, the status quo of this world, it is easy to think there is nothing we can do.”1
Oh my… so creating despair can actually be a political strategy–and one we have certainly experienced in our recent U.S. election. Problems were exaggerated (and often untrue), fears were ignited, division was fueled, and blame was rampant. Now, as new threats and hateful words are boldly proclaimed, I begin to feel as if there is nothing I can do.
But I am gratefully encouraged by Dr. Furchert’s reminder from Søren Kierkegaard: “Create possibility, create possibility!… Then the desperate can breathe again…”
And possibility is Hope.
When we follow the ways of Jesus, we choose to live in defiance of all that comes against God’s love for the world. Our hope in Christ inspires new possibilities in ourselves and others. Our lives reflect a visible resistance to the wrongs before us, as every act of hope-filled kindness becomes an act of rebellion, every word of encouragement serves as a useful deterrent, and every reminder of steadfast goodness forms a quiet shield against the forces of despair–both within ourselves and in defense of others.
May our hope enable us to act courageously despite our fear. To walk calmly through the chaos. To speak openly for those who are silenced. To tend all of creation with spiritual wisdom. To help in ways where others refuse, for those whom others ignore. To “create possibility (so) the desperate can breathe again.”
To “turn our porch light on”… to shine through the darkness with love.
1 (4) Almut Furchert | Substack
(Photo by Karen)
2. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: HOPE AMID UNCERTAINTY
Monday, December 2nd
I often wonder—sometimes worry—what the future might bring. There is an ever-present, underlying uncertainty to life, isn’t there? No one knows what tomorrow will hold for us. We may enjoy good fortune or learn upsetting news… achieve a goal or face another obstacle… celebrate a win or mourn a loss… savor good health or struggle to survive. Life is filled with surprises, detours, victories, and devastations. I sometimes wish that every day could be regulated, every plan could be achieved, every dream could come true–or at least to know what the future holds so I can be better prepared to face it.
So, I was intrigued when I recently found this quote:
“Uncertainty is the refuge of hope.” ~ Henri Frederic Amiel
Amiel’s words are wise and comforting. Yes, we may hope on one day and be disappointed the next, but who knows what the third day might bring? Every uncertainty is a possibility for change. Every unknown tomorrow holds promise and potential. Our uncertainty can serve as an invitation to fill our present moments with goodness, to share this hope and encourage one another, and to ask God for insight and guidance… so that we might bring about a better and brighter tomorrow.
Our soul waits for the Lord;
he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him
because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.
Psalm 33:20-22 (NRSVUE)
As we wait and walk through every uncertainty, we can cling to the hope we have in Christ, our loving God who is with us always… the One who gives the hope of new mornings, second chances, fresh beginnings, daily resurrections, and eternal perspectives… the One who is our refuge for every trouble.
We may not know what is “just around the bend,” but Hope is lighting our way.
(Photo by Karen, near Meeks Mountain, Hurricane WV)
1. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: HOPE IN CHRIST
Sunday, December 1st
(You may appreciate having a small practice to serve as a daily reminder in this Advent time. As we reflect on our hope in Christ this week, I plan to light a candle and remember Jesus as our light of hope.)
As we begin this Advent week of Hope, what does it mean for us to first find our hope in Christ? How does Jesus—through his life and love—give us our reason for hope?
My thoughts immediately turn to his resurrection, of course, and the hope that comes in knowing that God’s love defeats even death. But I also find hope in the way Jesus lived his life. Even with the threats, scorn, sorrows, and hardships that he faced, he continued to trust in God’s infinite love. Jesus even assured his followers not to worry. “Look at the birds of the air… Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to your span of life?” * He not only heard the needs of others and helped and healed them, but he also promised that his helping and healing presence would be with us yet today.
In all of life, Jesus saw beyond what was; he understood his circumstances with a deeper peace and wisdom. He recognized there was something more to this ordinary and often difficult life, and he lived in this eternal hope.
And my greatest reason for this hope in Christ comes from those inexplicable moments when I sense surprising hope overwhelming me, an abiding hope that comes from beyond myself.
Let’s carry these hope-filled words with us this week:
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it… And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. *
God, the Creator of the infinite universe… God, the One who is timeless… God, the ever-present Source of Love… God, the Reason for our Hope, is dwelling here with us now, shining with an eternal hope to light our way.
* Bible verses are Matthew 6:26-27 and John 1:5,14 NRSVUE
Photo by Karen
AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: INTRODUCTION
As I began to prepare my Advent reflections for this year, it was difficult to find an inspirational theme. I struggled to write anything of significance amid election outcomes and personal heartaches, along with life’s regular responsibilities and unexpected interruptions. I prayerfully questioned how I could write about the gifts of the season—the hope, peace, joy, and love of God shown in Christ—among all these other things; among the turmoil, trials, and tasks that often surround and overwhelm us.
My thoughts turned to Jesus, who was born into ordinary human life and shared the human experiences and emotions of every generation. Each Advent season, as we prepare to celebrate his birth, we also celebrate his presence already with us. Jesus has always been, has already come, and continues to dwell within and among us. He has come to dwell with us among all these other things.
And suddenly I had my theme for this season: An Advent Among Other Things.
God is here with us in all of life, its joys and sorrows, its happiness and heartaches. All four gifts of Advent are treasures especially because of the hardships. We need hope because life holds disappointments and frustrations. We need peace because our souls are not always well. We need joy because we have times of worry and sorrow. We need love because life together can be challenging.
An Advent Among Other Things will be an opportunity to notice the gifts of God in Christ—among, along, as, with, because, for (and so on)—the rest of our daily feelings and experiences. It is my hope that we may be filled with these gifts and come away more refreshed, reassured, and inspired to love and serve one another in these days ahead.
Reflections will be posted on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week in December (they will actually be published in the evening prior to each day).
Thank you for reading—may you be blessed this season!
(Photo by Karen, outside of Atlanta, GA)
WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE ME KNOW? (GRATITUDE AT THANKSGIVING)
(This is my last excerpt from my recently published memoir of my time with ovarian cancer in 2015. The words in italics are from my journal entries. This excerpt was written just before Thanksgiving, when I had completed the most difficult of my chemotherapy treatments.)
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Grandpa Bob often said, “If you are always grateful, you will have a happy life.” His words are true. During this time, I discovered that even in our trials there would be blessings to find; I just needed to notice them. I made a gratitude list on Thanksgiving Day.
Generous God, I thank you. Thank you for this new hope I have for a wonderful future with Jim and our family. Thank you for bringing all of us—Jim, Kevin, Leila, Angie, Jennie, and our families and friends—through our struggles and to this day. Thank you that we CAN celebrate and be so very grateful for life. Help me to never forget what a treasure each day is. You are an amazing God.
This Thanksgiving I am especially grateful for these blessings… (I list a number of them in the book). Thank you for all other gifts that have not yet come to mind. Keep me aware of your presence; let me not become so busy and scheduled that I don’t listen or watch for you. Guide me through this day. Let me be a source of love and kindness.
I love you, God. We have come so far. Today I rejoice!
Grateful Karen,
Your heartfelt gratitude blesses me, but it blesses you, too. When you take time to notice and acknowledge the blessings I shower on you, your heart is uplifted. Your countenance is more cheerful. Your life is more deeply rich and full.
Live in gratitude, for life itself is the most precious gift of all. That you even exist is a gift from me. You are alive. You have a feeling soul and a thinking mind.
The lessons of this worldly life are abundant treasures, too.
Yes, you have faced some very trying times, but I was always with you. I gave you strength and courage. I helped you endure each hour of the day until you could rest again in sleep. I gave you family and friends to help, and Jim’s help, despite his heart surgery and stroke. I have heard the many prayers of concerned friends and strangers. I have helped you become aware of many gifts along the way.
And now, I have restored your health. Enjoy these holidays, savor each moment and each person, and know that I am still present, always.
~~~~~
Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends.
Photo by Karen
My memoir, What Would You Have Me Know? Contemplation and Companionship in a Time of Cancer is available in paperback or Kindle. During my time with cancer, I deeply sensed God’s loving presence through my prayerful reflections and the kindness of others. I wrote this book as a gift of gratitude to God and the caring people in my life–but I pray that it may also serve as a source of peace and hope for any reader.
WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE ME KNOW? (HERE AND NOW)
(Throughout this month, I am sharing a few excerpts from my recently published memoir of my time with ovarian cancer in 2015. The words in italics are from my journal entries.)
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When we do those things that Jesus tells us to do—forgive, repent, love, share—we are living the kingdom now. We are seeing a glimpse of heaven; we are experiencing the joy and delight of the kingdom in the present moment. These kingdom-living moments are heaven for us, here and now.
The more we pursue the ways of Jesus and desire to follow him, the godlier we will become. Maybe we should strive to be living the kingdom way as much as we are able. Then, at our earthly life’s end, the transition to the heavenly realm will be a small one.
The beauty of God’s loving presence is here, no matter how far our field of vision extends. God’s presence is within us. God’s presence is in our souls and in the fragile shells that encompass our souls. God’s presence is surrounding us in the fog, cushioning us in the grass, shining upon us from the sky, accompanying us with every stream, meadow, tree. God is in the people who are on this journey with us. God is in this very moment. God then stretches to infinity beyond it all.
And so will we.
As curious as we may be, we no longer need to search beyond our vision for the kingdom of God. We only need to feel what is already deep within us, to see what is right before us, to love what is all around us, with a heart ready to notice how God’s loving presence is present. Perhaps if we increasingly notice and participate in kingdom living—here and now—then, when it is our time to leave this earthly realm, we will simply turn our heads and smile in recognition.
Photo by Karen, Bar Harbor ME
My memoir, What Would You Have Me Know? Contemplation and Companionship in a Time of Cancer is available in paperback or Kindle. During my time with cancer, I deeply sensed God’s loving presence through my prayerful reflections and the kindness of others. I wrote this book as a gift of gratitude to God and the caring people in my life–but I pray that it may also serve as a source of peace and hope for any reader.
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