(Don't) Walk Away

you are standing there, face pressed into your hands

head bent low, hair tumbled, and body slumped

I pause, hands full of papers and bags and myself

the downtown street is heavy with dusk and the lights flicker

I hear the whisper but stand there, arguing with myself

you remain still, a frozen image of despair

I feel the nudge but stand there, considering my comfort 

you remain stiff, the embodiment of overwhelmed

hands nervously shaking, I walk a few steps closer

the night has fully descended now and the streetlights are glaring

my indecisiveness, my renamed excuses claw at my insides

I take a deep breath, pull my things closer- and walk away


++++++

I don't want to be the kind of person who walks away from a need that I could have met. It could be the smallest thing that means the world to someone (this post comes to mind), or it could be something a little bigger, a little bolder, that shows them Jesus. After all, there's so much in this world that we can't do anything about....so why are we passing up chances right where we are to do something? Let's be in tune to what Jesus wants us to do, and then let's do it. Whether it's to smile, to hug, to speak, to listen, or whatever it may be, let's do something. I don't want to walk away any more. 

+++++

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? // 1 John 3:17 

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ // Matthew 25:40 

redefine & be redefined

(image via)

there's a lot in life that needs to be redefined

and brought back to what it was originally

because it's been dragged -or has drifted-

so far from the truth 

such

as

courage.

it's not simply a lack of fear

not at all

it's not letting fear overcome you

(because when you do right it will try)

or

hope.

it's not simply a wish

not at all

it's looking forward to a certain future

(because it was laid up for you as of old)

or

love.

it's not simply a feeling

not at all

it's an action and a sacrifice

(because true love will hurt sometimes)

or

faith.

it's not simply blind hope

not at all

it's the proof of what we can't see yet

(because we will in all fullness one day)

or

you.

aren't simply one out of billions

not at all

you have a soul, a mind, and a heart

that longs to love, live, and be loved

(because you were created that way)

so

though the world wants to redefine these things

and many, many others

please remember that you are defined

by the One who made you

by His love and grace

and you are not who you once were

(so please hold these new definitions close)

redefine

and be redefined 

xx

lead me to the Rock {psalm 61}

Hear my cry, O God,

listen to my prayer; 

 i know You hear me

please help me pray like it

from the end of the earth I call to you

when my heart is faint.

You hear me from wherever i am

and however i am 

Lead me to the rock

that is higher than I, 

 i desperately need a shelter

but i can't reach it myself

for you have been my refuge,

a strong tower against the enemy.

even when i can't see it

You have kept me hidden in Your hand

Let me dwell in your tent forever!

Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah 

in Your house and in Your presence
is the only place where i am safe

For you, O God, have heard my vows;

you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

You have seen my heart's cries and promises

and yet You still call me Yours

Prolong the life of the king;

may his years endure to all generations!

You have preserved the faithful ones

and kept their testimonies for the times to come

May he be enthroned forever before God;

appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!

let us remain faithful to You, O Lord

for Your faithful love has guarded us

So will I ever sing praises to your name,

as I perform my vows day after day

You heard my cries; now hear my praise

and tune my soul to sing them forever

lead me to the Rock

that is higher than i

and that is You