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

made for another world

i'm not really sure when i first realized it. 

that shocking truth that was the thing i was missing but knew all along. 

the kind of thing that you feel with your soul but can't name.

the kind that burns inside with an indescribable mix of fire and ice.

maybe it was when i was little, pulling the ripe, indigo blackberries off,

popping them into my mouth and feeling the burst of summer in my mouth.

reaching down to pick another, the sharp sting made me pull back.

mommy, what was that? i asked, raising my finger to my mouth.

that's when i learned about the thorns and thistles and briers.

the things that weave themselves in among the best parts of life, 

and just when i least expect it, they reach up and sting.

or maybe it was when i was older, taking the prettiest walk of my life,

strolling along the cobbled lane lined with trees of fire and their autumnal litterings.

the blue, blue sky and the breeze that carried the faint scent of goldenrod,

making something suddenly come alive in my heart.

then i looked up and saw the last thing i expected- the stark contrast.

the rows of  painted gravestones, just beyond the jet black iron fence.

i stared at the out of place scene- and gulped at that stinging inside.

maybe it wasn't either of those times, or any of the others i could drag out of my memory.

maybe it was just one of those things that creep up on you, and you have a moment of realization

but it was so long in coming that so, so many things contributed to it.

however it dawned on me, i will never forget that truth that once was the explanation of so much,

and now is further ingrained on my soul by the chisels of time and experience.

this place has beauty, life, and even love,
but this can't be, won't be, and is not my home.

i was made for another world.

++++++

they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world (John 17:16) 

but according to His promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13)

i find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy. the most probable explanation is that i was made for another world. // c.s. lewis