“From the atheist to the faith-zealot on the life continuum, each of us has assembled our core beliefs which shape our world view. We make our life decisions accordingly. These are very individual, personal, and powerful.” – from page 11, Turbulence
“I wrote these essays over a period of about 30 days in 2021. Our cabin is very remote and carries many memories of God-solitude as well as echoes of God’s Voice through many people over many years. I am grateful for what we have experienced here together.
There were many times I would awaken in the middle of the night impressed about a next pivot, a clarification or a pressing thing to communicate. This is often how my walk with God has unfolded over these 50 or so years. I display my hunger to know Jesus, and I search His God Story to learn while life is constantly pressing in on me and is my backdrop for my growing faith. He continues to communicate truth and comfort to my soul through His Spirit of grace, and I take one more step in His direction.
Like you, I am sorry for turbulence we have had to endure – some worse than others. The word selah pops up from time to time particularly in the Psalms. In essence it means “I lift this up to the highway of praise that flows before the Lord of all living.” I lift these essays before my Lord.
We have shared a variety of personal stories of some of our dear friends’ turbulence in an imperfect existence. They know these things firsthand. Thank you for letting me pass on your stories. You are very faith-filled and brave people and an inspiration to my soul!
As always, it is a privilege to suffer this turbulence shoulder to shoulder. You are some of the first souls I will hope to see once we have arrived at the City of Light.” – from page 7, Turbulence
SOLID TURBULENCE QUESTIONS
√ What is your personal view of the role of chaos in what we see and how we live?
√ How can a seemingly small story such as our own matter in a bigger picture?
√ How would you personally define transcendence and your view of God?
√ How familiar are you with the idea of living with a clear God-conscience?
√ What makes you sure your compass is set to true north? (and what is that?)
√ How confident are you in a hopeful reward in this life and the one to come?
SATISFACTION FROM HOPE
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” – Romans 5:1-5
Between the divisive covid debacle and some personally disappointing turmoil of our own, this poem reflects some of what we know and feel. Where there is chaos or difficulty there is always hope – our Great God is everywhere – always! Perhaps our suffering has a greater purpose.
PERFECT STORM
I was thinking about you today and the perfect storm
in which I find myself. I wrote this poem for you – for me.
It is hard for me to think about the loss I feel
Companionship is such a touching thing for me –
for my heart Many times on this journey I have been taught through what is lost
And it can make my soul crumble if I let it
But if I protect myself I seem to suffer loss as well
So I have learned to turn my face toward the storm
Just like you, soldiering on to a more perfect destination
Thank you for what you have brought to my journey I really think my deep life is a string of heart-lights in this dark world
These are the things I value and carry with me
Not merely faces but the privilege of gifts of heart Which have blessed my soul in their very depths This heart which I have seen in you
And the light you have shone into me
I am sorry for the ways I have – or am – letting you down even now
It is weird to look to imperfection for comfort
But in this perfect storm I want you to know
That you and those whom you love
Will always be in my God-quickened memories Of laughs and troubles,
of births and deaths – triumphs and loss
Until the day we meet again
Take care my friend
Soon the storm will be over
And we will be overtaken by rivers of light – 2021/
Deep questions require deep thought and satisfying answers.
This is why faith is indispensable to the human heart!
Dave and Burnadette
Related links:
Pain Healed
Healing
Little Flock
The God Space
Some Thoughts About Peace