No matter where you place the apostrophe, a day is being celebrated. For some, it’s Presidents’ Day. Others, President’s Day. Perhaps Washington’s Birthday? In other places like Missouri, we celebrate Washington’s birthday and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.
Travels to Lincoln’s hometown, Mt. Rushmore, and our nation’s capital flooded my memories as I “dusted” off these word cinquains. History, even shared events, shapes us all differently. My livelihood might be impacted by leadership. My wellbeing, peace, and future is not.
Keep the faith.💚
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
Tranquil-treaties, transfers, and trade. Transitions. Inauguration, instrumental intercessions, and international interest. Recently I joined approximately 600 women from around the globe. Our posture and position on prayer was powerful. Prayers of relief (for our friends in California & other disasters), prayers to move mountains, and prayers of warfare. Meditative prayers and prayers of silence. Can we tread through transitions with tranquility, transparency, and trust? God didn’t suggest I keep the faith or not worry–he commanded it. Tranquil transitions.
Goodbye, June, I hope to see you again. Hello, July, come on in! Will there be jubilance and joy mixed with sweat and tears? Fireworks, reunions, and fun without fear? The Olympics will begin, what feelings will it bring? When our flag flies freely, will you stop and sing?
“O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light (Do I see only me? BE STILL in HIS presence, there’s no reason to fight).
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming(Are we proud and united or am I just dreaming?) Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight(HE bore the stripes and the scars; will his love shine bright?)
O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming(Have the events that united us lost their meaning?) And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, (We will gather and cheer, in a week will we care?) Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there (Will we give thanks in a prayer?) O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave (Will we honor those who gave to save?) O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?” (And the one who conquered the grave?)
The words of The Star Spangled Banner are meaningful for me and an old rugged cross made me completely free. I’ll never take my freedom for granted. With my freedom, comes responsibility. I’m not angry or radical, I’ll use love & common sense–be kind to my friends on each side of the fence. It’s fine to be proud and love where I live, and honor all who died, and those who still give. There are many hurting, grieving, sad, and alone. Can we help one another, put down the stone–will compassion be shown? Today, tomorrow, or the end of July? Will we wait, procrastinate, deny, and justify?
Friends, you light up my sky like the 4th of July. God bless you all. You are loved.❣️
What do you say, May? Here we are again–you, me, and 8 billion more. What will you offer? Peace over protest? Safety in the storm? Hope despite hazards? Relief from rage? Love as a universal language? Cures for cancer? Immunity from infections? Interruptions in ignorance? Harmony instead of hate? Compassion in place of cold-heartedness? Trust and tricky traps to stop trafficking? Collaboration instead of costly corruption? Good over evil?
What do you say, May? Do you know real peace? Do you have hope?
Are you worried about tomorrow?
As for me, I’ll keep pressing on. I’m tired, but joyful. I’m sore, but satisfied. My wardrobe might be a bit warm for Missouri weather, but I’ll put on my armor each day. My belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit,…and of course, my hiking boots of peace. My shield of faith might get heavy, but I refuse to put it down. What do you say May?
Happy May, dear friends. YOU ARE LOVED.❣️
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
“Always it’s spring and everyone’s in love and flowers pick themselves.”
E.E. Cummings
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
“When the sun is out, and the wind is still, you’re one month on in the middle of May.”
Robert Frost
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Have faith💚
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
While Flannel with Faith is where I share my heart, Finley River Publishing is where you'll find my book and the shop collection. Read the story behind the collection here!
