Abiding - being a living Peace amidst the chaos (Sep. 9, 2018)

In a land of forest and valley, there is a beauty that flows within nature. Such a place has seen seasons of growth and struggle to arrive to the beauty which exudes. As the bird sang, the sun rose to bring a day anew.

Trees have witnessed the stories of the ages. Recently, a visitor came who was all too familiar. As this charming snake passed through the forest, promises were cultivated into the ground. Many who saw were excited and joined the harvesting. As the promises seeped into the ground the strong aged trees began to drink in the poison through their roots. A quiet lurking darkness has spread across the land. Toxins leached into the air and life began to change. Sorrow and cries began to fill the valley that once sang unity and strength.

There was a river which flowed on the east side of this land brining life to all that it touched. As the waters reached the forest bottoms, small roots filled with toxins were touched. There was a hope and peace which many had forgotten. As the waters began to spread the promise of hope and life, many who had become consumed with fear began to listen hesitantly. The snake heard of the hopes and continued to control with fear. As  hope for most was gone; the cleansing waters began seeping deeper into the ground, into the roots and limbs of the forest trees. Hope breathed life, though it took time the hearts of the community began to see unveiled, the lies and death the snake had planted. As the snake arose to fight the water, there was blood shed and struggle. Yet, little did the snake know, the fight had already been won. Through the heart change among the forest and the valley; life arose anew, a living Hope deep within. The peace and true Hope had smashed the head of the serpent. Unfortunately, the damage caused by the serpent lingered for some. Those who chose to not hold grudges and to forgive, to be the living and purifying Peace saw a world reconciled.

This land is a true place, finding itself in these days. Only yesterday this story occurred on many levels, even as I post this chaos continues. Please pray for us as we are the vessels of water to cultivate purifying Peace and truth amidst turmoil and chaos. Christ is the peace that will reconcile this land and beautiful people.May we be the Peace that reaches out to touch hearts. With wisdom and courage may we step out and be light among the darkness. Leading with hearts of God’s love to bring forgiveness and Truth to hearts that have lost their way. God is the victor and through us is bringing reconciliation to such lands and people.