grace

Woman, you are Freed!

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“I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13: 5 NASB

     My daughter has teased me on more than one occasion that I need to attend “Dusting Anonymous” classes. However, frequent dusting is the least of my culpabilities!
     The Lord convicted me of a greater problem when I bent to dust my dining room table legs, and I whacked my forehead on the corner edge. I was mad-cleaning, cycling with past hurts; and yet, I lead a class that helps attendees work through loss and teaches how to process similar dirt and chaos. The ugly, camouflage bump that swelled and spread matched my heart wound.   
     Although, I don’t want to dismiss my hurt and feelings, I realized I had an unforgiving spirit!
     Whether we’re sixteen, twenty-six, thirty-six, or sixty, we may strive to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God; yet, we sin and fall short of His will, time and time again.
      Whether we commit a great evil, or we bare a bruise on our forehead from our “swamp sludge,” the Lord calls us to repent; and He intercedes on our behalf with grace and mercy.
     In Luke chapter 13, Jesus tells a parable between a passage on the consequences of sin, a guarded aqueduct and collapsed tower, and a healed woman. A vineyard owner planted a fig tree; and for three years he waited for fruit. He was ready to cut the worthless tree down! But the vineyard keeper stayed his hand—He wanted to give the tree more time. He offered to break up the hard ground and feed the soil.
     Likewise, Jesus doesn’t give up on us. He has utmost patience to make our heart like His.
     The crippled woman was bent double. Her sickness caused by an evil spirit. Satan had bound her for eighteen years; and it wasn’t just a physical condition. Jesus raised eyebrows and protests by healing on the Sabbath. But the woman was set free; she stood straight and gave glory to God.
  Forgiveness is not of us. It is not natural or even possible in our own doing, for it is of God.
  The crippled woman didn’t petition the Lord’s help. Instead, Jesus invited her to come unto Him. Sometimes, God requires faith in order to heal; but in other instances, He invites the sick one to draw near. And His presence is enough. 
      Curiously, only two people questioned me about the bruise on my temple, my daughter and a close friend. How much more do we miss heart wounds? Words often leave a lasting mark, especially when they cut to the core of our identity, while my bruise disappeared in a little over a week. Lysa Terkeurst writes, “Relationships often die not because of conversations that were had, but rather conversations that were needed but never had.” Nevertheless, there are times it isn’t safe to address the infractions.
 Whatever your wound or ailment today, anger, betrayal, rejection, unforgiveness, bitterness, or else, you’re hoping I start a “Dusting Anonymous” class. . . God calls us to repentance with His love, mercy, and compassion. Towers of self-provision and self-protection must fall! Like the vineyard keeper, the Lord intercedes and warns that judgment is coming.
  I’m praising God for His patience and perseverance, for being the attentive Gardener who sees and knows our hurts and hearts. Yet, He expects growth and beauty to bloom. He digs through our dirt, fertilizes the soil, prunes the branches, and waters our dry, hard ground. And He helps us to forgive.
  What keeps you in bondage? Draw near to Jesus. Freedom is found in Him.
 

Be blessed,
 

Lily Mae

  

“Woman, you are freed from your sickness.” Luke 13: 12 NASB

Continue in Grace

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As for the fact that God raised Jesus up from the dead, no longer to return to decay,
He has spoken in this way: I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.
Acts 13: 34, 35 NASB

     The Holy Spirit set apart Paul and Barnabas to do the work of God for which He’d called them. They preached the good news and reminded the crowds that God had “put up with His people for forty years in the wilderness.” Not only did the sons and daughters of Israel rebel, they requested judges and then a king; and so, God raised up David, the son of Jesse, a man after His own heart. David was far from perfect, but he repented of his sin and turned back to God.

David is a witness to the nations of God’s mercy. (Isaiah 55: 3,4) Forgiveness is offered for our sins. We can be freed from all things—people pleasing, addictions, sexual brokenness, fear, self-doubt, anger, and bitterness. All things. Our salvation is not gained by works.

Paul and Barnabas challenged the listeners in Acts 13 to “continue in the grace of God!” It’s a message for today. God’s grace is extravagant, kind, charitable, benevolent, and full of goodwill.  It is unmerited mercy and humble servanthood; shoes laced, sleeves rolled back, and gritty grins. We bow, die to ourselves, and choose forgiveness. We let go of our right to control the effort and outcome. Forgiveness is for-giving.

Grace is a gift of unexpected favor, a well-being and well-doing unto others. It’s an attitude. God sees our struggles, our good intentions, mishaps, and failures; but He also knows our loss and underlying hurts and fears. He isn’t rattled. Sin, shame, and guilt separate, but Jesus unites. He widens our circles. Likewise, God delights in us. He bestows joy, gratitude, and acceptance.

     God grants us holy and sure blessings. His love is devoted, loyal, faithful, and steadfast. Pure. His blessings are trustworthy and resolute. May we listen, learn, and live with thankfulness. Since we’ve been given such a lavish gift, we’re called to do the same.

When we’re confused, we don’t know what to do or say, or how to pray, we can “continue in the grace of God.” The Holy Spirit works in us as we endure and seek the benefit of the doubt. We re-frame the lies, negativity, and damage with God’s Truth. And we make room for others. The balcony seat provides the long view. So, we listen with our eyes and respond with our heart. We walk the uncomfortable hallway and say the hard things. Jesus’ resurrection power is for us. His light will break through our differences. We must be unwavering in our call to spread Hope.

God does a work in His people that is indescribable. He frees us of all things. Trust in His holy and sure blessings!

     May the Holy Spirit enable you to continue in God’s grace,

Lily Mae

Incline your ear and come to Me, listen that you may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown to David. Isaiah 55: 3,4 NASB

Mundane Monday

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Mundane Monday

In that day there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, “Holy to the Lord.” And the cooking pots in the Lord’s house will be like the bowls before the altar. Every cooking pot in Jerusalem and in Judah will be holy to the Lord of Hosts. Zechariah 14: 20, 21 NASB

     Monday’s shadows had greeted me at dawn, the letdown of the mundane after the celebrations, and the preparation, push, and entertainment of the weekend. I was plagued with weariness as I cleared breakfast, and I put our fine china away. And my grandsons seemed to be overcome by the same. The younger child had tripped several times, and the older one had accidentally knocked his trail mix, peanuts, M&M’s, and raisins off the table three times. His gaze had blurred with fatigue while we picked up the castaways and dumped them in the trash. However, I was determined that he would have a snack; and so, we refilled his bowl.

When the forlorn fellow went to add more raisins, and he knocked over the entire box, our eyes locked. Grace won. No words were necessary! In a split second, he awakened with a belly laugh that I hadn’t yet heard that morn. The rattled raisins lifted our countenances. And the mundane became the crescendo!

These are the moments that matter, when we sit cross-legged on the floor and clean the mess. Together! All becomes treasured, the fatigue from our gathering and separating, tipped bowls that clang and clatter, scattered morsels, locked-eyes, smiles, and hands that work in harmony.

Grace permeates our day. . . the start. . . middle. . . and end; but, even more so, our being.

When the Lord returns and reigns on earth, there will be no distinction between holy and secular. Everything will be set apart for the service of the Lord. Everything. Distinguished. Clean. Perfect. Worthy. Purposeful. Even the cooking pots and pans, kitchen utensils, and linens will be sacred.

However, let’s begin now. We can light candles and set out our good dishes and silver for the simple meal, whether we have company or not. The ordinary connection is the festive one; the mundane matters. Besides, each day is an opportunity for sacrifice, an offering of tender devotion and worship of our God.

The Lord sees our gatherings, the collective stories, shared jokes, and hidden undercurrents. He also recalls our loss and suffering, and He is not indifferent. His merciful love heals, restores, and redeems. We are the “apple of His eye,” the most delicate, vulnerable, and useful part. Wanted. Essential. Protected. Therefore, when others harm us, or we harm them, it’s like we’ve damaged the pupil of His eye. He is pained by the infraction. And He will not remain silent.

Take courage. Awaken. Arise.

Do not despise Monday, the day of humble beginnings.

Lily Mae

 

Flourish

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I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily, and he will take root like the cedars of Lebanon. His shoots will sprout, and his beauty will be like the olive tree and his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon. Hosea 14:5,6 (NASB)

Spring cleaning proved to be a comical challenge this year. I washed windows, hung clean curtains, and tackled the rods and loose screws with my grandsons’ eager help. They sprayed and wiped the windows with their bottle of vinegar water and cloths, and they climbed the step stool more than me. Our legs tangled in a ballet of work and play and expectation as we beheld the view from above. When the youngest pressed small “piggy snouts” on the glass mere minutes after it was cleaned, a tired Mima exhaled, and then she laughed with her grandsons.

Is there a word to describe such a blissful blur? I’m unsure. However, joy and serenity met us by the porch French doors, and I welcomed the sweet smudges. Nothing could be better! Or, so I thought. After I’d tucked the youngest brother in bed for a nap, the older one and I sat down to read books before his quiet time. Nevertheless, I was weary, and I couldn’t keep my eyes open. My body begged for sleep and my head bobbed until a little hand tapped my shoulder and an earnest voice reminded me that I must keep my head up to finish—out of the mouth of a babe!

It seemed like yesterday that I’d tried to get the child’s mother to nap, and I’d fallen asleep. Though my tasks were similar this morn, my role and perspective had changed.

There were days as a young mother that my cleaning seemed senseless. Cheerios became our tile pattern, a disheveled cookie monster took up residence, and the bandit who stole a dirty sock also discarded clean clothes. The laundry basket was always full and the kitchen floor was filthy. The mess frustrated me and consumed my time!

When I finally finished my grandson’s story and headed downstairs, I made a cup of coffee. But it didn’t suffice. My youngest son’s text woke me from my next catnap, “I miss you, mom!” Stirred from my sleep, I glanced at my full mug that had grown cold and the word painted on it. Flourish. It was a thoughtful message of encouragement from his girlfriend. I still had purpose. Words can either pierce us with hurt, shame us into silence, or they spur us on. I also missed my son and his siblings, the noisy taunts, chatter, and bickering, and the sweaty work-outs, sandwich hugs, and mayhem of our conflicted schedules. Our house was empty now, but I had work to do.

Flourish. Work. Dig in the dirt. Sow. Plant. Wait. Expect. Sprout. Question. Weed. Learn. Grow. Forgive. Prosper. Break forth in faith. Speak. Bloom. Thrive. Do good. Be Kind. Keep my head up and finish!

Like all endeavors, success calls for humility, courage, diversification, and diligence.  Although, we may grow weary and hit roadblocks, and experience failure and closed doors, we must press on and ground our days in Truth. God is with us and for us. And His promises stand. He sees with clarity the road ahead.

Whatever season you find yourself in, and whatever you face, don’t let fatigue, worry, and despair win. Seek God’s beauty in your home and efforts. It might present as sweet smudges. And so, let them remain for a time to remind you of what truly matters.

Return to God with words. Confession. Hope. He receives us with grace. God’s love is free. The orphan finds mercy, the widow courage, and a young mother  finds strength to begin again tomorrow. Then again, the Mima might just finish the pages that she started.

You too will bloom,

Lily Mae

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rejoice in the Lord

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Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Philippians 4: 4,5 (NASB)

Winter was long and lonely, the bitter-cold was reason enough to remain by the wood stove. Tucked inside with a good book or craft, it was easy to hide and hug my coffee mug for warmth. But seasons change.

We rejoice in spring. The promise of the blossom kept our eyes watchful and our steps steady as the days lengthened. With eagerness, we began to clear the lawn of fallen twigs and branches. We also cut down dead trees, planted another weeping willow in memory of a loved one, and added tulips to the rock garden. The bursting hues of eternal hope, purity, and friendship intertwined with our fresh efforts and thoughts.

God desires harmony in our relationships—to be unified, like-minded in cares and concerns, and devoted to the cause of spreading the gospel message of Jesus and His redemptive work. Therefore, we set our mind on our risen Savior, and we seek to know His Word, Walk, and Way. We consider how we think and respond to others, and we choose to slow down and live present. Likewise, we purpose to be gentle.

Read Philippians 4:1-5 and you see. Beloved. Dear one. Brother. Brethren. True comrades. Companions. Sisters in Christ. Fellow workers. My joy and my crown. United in Holy Love. Live in harmony. Forbear with one another. Why? Our Lord is near. Likewise, our testimonies are hindered in the community when we fail to get along. So, we embrace new habits, growth, and opportunities to forgive, gather, share, and serve. And we rejoice in our Lord!

Spring has sprung. Spiritual maturity also reveals buds of trust, love, mercy, and gratitude. God desires unity and peace for believers, and He is faithful to complete what He has started. However, when we don’t know how to support others, or how to fight injustice or mistreatment, or where to begin, we fix our gaze on Christ. We follow His example and gift-wrap humility with grace, mercy, and loving-kindness. We take the hit and turn the other cheek, and we wait. We go where it is uncomfortable; we make a call, walk the extra mile, or write and stamp the letter. And we stand firm in our Lord.

Winter might linger longer in the northeast, but there is always the promise of the awakening. I’m thankful for the spring rain that pops the loyal green and opens the forsythia and my heart. My husband breaks through the dirt and plants new seed. Hope. May flowers will also bloom, the hidden lily of the valley under my porch, vibrant tulips and columbine in our rock garden, and blue Bells by the river.

Rejoice in the Lord! Embrace the rain, and let your gentle spirit be known to all men.   Your kindness will leave a lasting impression.

Lily Mae

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6(NASB)

 

 

 

Honeysuckle Road: Way of Forgiveness

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Be kind to one another, tender-hearted,
Forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32 NASB

The weekend before my father’s open heart surgery, my husband and I traveled to Virginia. Saturday evening after dinner, my Father and I spoke alone, and as he flipped through a small book, he said, “Martha, the women you minister with may find this book on anger, bitterness, and forgiveness useful. I’d like to give it to you.” And I didn’t miss a beat as I grinned and replied, “Well, maybe I should read it first, and see if it helps me.”

Startled, my father hesitated, and then his eyes twinkled with amusement, and I’m certain they mirrored mine. He chuckled as if his true intentions had just been exposed.  I’d written my father the previous year on his birthday, and I’d told him that I’d forgiven him my past hurts, but I still had a long list of other people to work through. And I hadn’t felt at peace with him yet. However, in that moment, the wall between us crumbled, and my stone-cold heart softened. Since my father has now passed, I treasure this memory.

My husband couldn’t accompany me the weekend my father died, but my children traveled with me to their grandfather’s bedside. We joined my brothers, sister-in-law, and mother, and we held each other and wept, told stories, laughed, and helped each other to blow our noses as we maneuvered around protective hospital gowns and gloves. It was a beautiful mess. I had a few sacred minutes to sing to my father alone, and when the final grandson arrived, and life-support was removed, we sang “Happy Birthday.” The following day, my father would have celebrated his 82nd birthday.

The last half hour of my father’s life, we sang his favorite hymns. We ended with “When Peace Like a River”, and our voices slowed to a whisper as my father took his last breath to the lyrics “It is well with my soul.” He was finally home and set free of earth’s burdens.

God can also heal our generational hurt.

Our extended family was broken and torn asunder from sin, loss, and failure, and our wounds left their scars. Then again, in most families you can find the orphan, rebel, wanderer, outcast, harlot, traitor, scoundrel, and even the self-righteous proud one. But God sacrificed His only son to die so that we may all be free. Jesus came for the lost and injured; He looked the shamed one in the eye, and He ate with another on the edge of the margins. He still longs for intimacy; and so, He reveals Himself to us in the midst of our angst, and He weaves a tangle of pain and beauty as He draws us toward Him.

Our stories matter.

My father understood the power of our testimonies and the hope of redemption that they offer. We are called to demonstrate Jesus’ love and grace, mercy and forgiveness, and kindness and compassion. Ordinary work, play, song, dance, ministry, and worship are possible when we fix our eyes on Him. But forgiveness is a lifelong process for some.

My father became my dad when I watched him grandparent. He was patient when he taught my children to hook the worms on their bamboo lines, and he removed their fish. He hunted with them and also cheered them on at games. I believe that he has finally learned to waltz with my granddaughter, Reese Amelia, on streets of gold. We will clink and clank out a melody on our cereal bowls from this side of heaven, and smile at his sweet memory. And Dad, your knees no longer have to be covered for our family photos! We love and miss you already.

I don’t know what sorrow you’ve endured. It’s easy for regret, anger, and bitterness to steal your joy. Likewise, shame and doubt and fear can hinder God’s purpose for you. Seeds can’t grow in hard ground; so, I encourage you to plow the soil and sift through your dirt. Choose to forgive. Close the gap. And love. For love covers a multitude of sin.

My final words are to my mother. You are a resilient and generous and courageous woman. Your love for Jesus and unconditional love for your family has been evident through every storm and season of life. You’ve held us together with love and laughter. And so, I want to remind you that you are not alone. Though we live at a distance, your entire family supports you and the community encircles you. We love you, mom.

God called me to return home to Honeysuckle Road, and pain and beauty intertwined. However, forgiveness and reconciliation also became possible. And it is just the start. God is gracious to complete what He has begun. And what a sweet fragrance He leaves!

It is well with my soul,

Lily Mae

Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Matthew 18: 21, 22 NASB

 

 

Grace Amnesiacs

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Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you,
For my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

 

 

The ornaments on our Christmas tree were removed with the curious help of my two young grandsons. Small hands played with the Tom and Jerry ornament and the alligator Santa, and the Tweety Bird chime was twisted and tangled and teased. So, when the balloons on the Raggedy Ann were tugged so hard they snapped off, I exhaled with grace. I’d also accidentally broken my husband’s childhood fishing ornament.

A week later, the tree was still up and white lights softened the empty room and my early morning devotional and reverie. My truth set in. I was a bear the night before when I felt dismissed and overlooked, and I took it out on my husband. James 2: 13, 14 reminded me that mercy triumphs over judgment. As I pondered my ugliness from my quiet corner, my better half asked from his coffee nook, “Are you a grace amnesiac?” And he chuckled. He was unaware of what I’d just read.

It wasn’t yet 7 a.m. on a Sunday morning, and my husband’s Lucky Charms and train of thought collided with my almonds and yogurt and stack of books, which included a Greek and Hebrew Key Word Study Bible. So, we can’t take ourselves too serious. We are quite the odd mix-match. I laughed as I joined him and asked about his devotional.

Paul David Tripp cautioned Christians that there are moments when we forget who we are in Christ and we live like grace amnesiacs. Despair prevails and we are ready to quit. The task set before us seems much too grand and burdensome.

We forget our royal heritage and the rhythm of God’s grace. And so, we drift.

We may rebel against God and doubt His plans, or we push others aside and seek attention and accolades. Then we also lash out or retreat in anger when we’re upset, rejected or dismissed. And when we fear the sanctification process, our hands are thrust out in a posture of exclusion as we tighten the reins of rules and regulations. We forget the back street where Grace found us and how prone we are to return to the bondage. Some of us lose days, weeks, and years in our struggle.

Although, the mask of pride and perfection is donned, God sees our hidden deeds and thoughts. We look just like our enemies. And we are so in need of God’s love and mercy.

It’s easy to extend grace to wide-eyed cuteness who can only reach the lower, dangling limbs. However, mercy triumphs over judgement- no matter the size. We must grant grace when it’s difficult and uncomfortable. Remember. Reflect on what our Savior endured on our behalf. We didn’t receive the death sentence that we deserved because Jesus bore it. Consider. The standard of measure we give will be used for us in return.

Lord, help us to remember that we cannot endure and overcome in our own strength. Help us to love the unlovable and to be merciful to those who continue to hurt us.

Renew our hearts to live grace!

Lily Mae

For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy;
Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2: 13 NASB

 

 

 

 

Keeper of My Heart

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The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.
The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in
From this time forth and forever. Psalm 121:5-8 (NASB)

 

The child drapes her arm around her daddy like an open collar, and powder pink sways in his bronze arms. Her sleepy gaze drifts backward to me and I smile with orphan envy. She is held secure in love. When I bow my head and break the bread and drink the cup, I remember and then I re-member.

When I was in first grade, my parents were missionaries in Africa; and so, I attended a boarding school. My teacher was a harsh disciplinarian, our fingers were either smacked with a ruler, or we were locked alone in a closet. And I learned to not ask questions.

At the end of the day, I ran and hid in the hedges because I was petrified of the mean dogs that lived on our compound. I felt safe and sound under the lush, green cover. So, I played with my twig friends and built stick boats and homes until our supper bell rang. Then I raced to get in line.

Years later, I slipped on the same powder pink as the little girl in the pew, and my mother pulled my hair up fancy. I set off for the garden with a skip in my bare feet, but gnarled hands refused to break their rhythm. When I failed to get more than a quick nod and a few mumbled words, I turned and walked away. Then I pulled the bobby pins from my loose bun. I was not seen.

I taste the salt of past tears and recall the hurt. Then my Abba Father declares His great love for me. Though I was dismissed and silenced, God has broken through my defenses. He tucks my tendrils in place with care. And He steadies my footsteps as I stand and sing, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.”

My Savior has hedged me in with thorns, and He protects, defends, and preserves my life. He’s never forsaken me in my wounded and weakened state. I too am kept by love. And so, He calls me to rethink with mercy.

The same gnarled hands held my Jelly Bean close, and her dark eyes were as bright as the pink stripes and sun on her shirt. Her grandfather had hooked the worm on her fishing pole and helped her catch the bass and crappies on the lake. She beamed with joy. And so did he.

I am challenged to lift my eyes and to seek the good intentions of others. And God’s grace prevails. The creator of beauty will not rest until His restorative work is complete.

What is the Lord asking you to remember and re-member? The Keeper of your heart and soul is trustworthy. He protects and preserves your life from here and forever more.

Step up with His assurance,

Lily Mae

Grace in the Grit and Gravel

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For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.

John 1:16 (NASB)

God is gracious. For the past month or so when I return home, royal wonders greet me, and I can’t help but smile. I didn’t plant these beauties in the grit and gravel, and I’ve done nothing to sustain them. Nevertheless, they continue to thrive.

God is good. He gives me gifts when I don’t deserve them. I’ve been uptight and miserable for months. God brought me through a season of rest four years ago when I had a runner’s mishap, and I didn’t cope well. My injury this summer required surgery. At first, I welcomed the break from the mundane miles, but I had hopes of a speedy recovery. My countenance fell when I didn’t bounce back.

God is loyal. He stayed by my side when I began to unravel. I admit my response wasn’t pretty. I clenched my jaw to retain my thoughts, and then I spewed a few unkind words to several, and my tears smeared black as I raised a fist in frustration and questioned God’s way. I am thankful He endures.

It’s been more than a month since the surgery, and I can’t meander around our property without pain. My left leg has compensated for so long, that both knees are weak and spent. And so, I wrap both legs for support when I watch my grandsons, and I do my best to keep up with them.

One Friday morning, the oldest was tired and ornery, and he had tested my wit, creativity, and stamina. Unexpectedly, he asked to be rocked, and the youngest soon crawled over and fussed to be picked up. My heart melted with love, grace, and compassion as I also tucked him beside my hip and we sang songs. And this is what God has done for His obstinate grown child.

When I broke down the following day, and I had a fit of my own, God reminded me to lean into His love. Come and rest. Abide. I was mortified by my attitude and behavior, and I recalled that others suffer far worse things; I begged for forgiveness. And God didn’t shame or forsake me in my sin. Instead, He gave me grace in the grit and gravel.

Whatever you are facing this day, God’s mercy surrounds you. Trust in His goodness.

 

Lily Mae

 

 

 

The Voyage

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And He told His disciples
That a boat should stand ready for Him
Because of the crowd. Mark 3:9 (NASB)

The Voyage

Everybody crowded close
Seeking a touch… healing
Driving words…ready a boat
An escape
Pressed on all sides
Jesus drew away

Moving
Above the deep
Swiftly leaving
Hidden away
Silently waiting
Preparation time

Chosen to lead
Appointed to speak
He makes us
Ready to be planted
The courageous and strong
Side by side

Intimacy with God
His perfection close
Mirrored understanding
Unconditional love
Never ending grace
Mountains of mercy

Having been with God
We are sustained
The least of these
Summoned and sent out
Circle of Hope
Ever be

Take a risk
Break the silence
Speak truth
And bring change
Freedom for the enslaved
Imperfect leading imperfect

Climb in the boat …do battle for Jesus
Your voyage

~Lily Mae