Depraved Indifference

I just saw this video and I am without words.  If you have the time, please watch. 






© A Sacred Longing 2009-2010

Fractured...

I am afraid.  I wouldn't be honest if I said otherwise.  However, it is not a fear of my physical safety but rather one of my heart.

A heart that still beats fractured from a small, island experience.

A heart that knows there is more breaking to come.

It is what I have asked for...

"to be broken by the things that breaks His heart"

Still and yet, this weakened vessel knows what lies ahead. 

At this moment, I ponder my gratefulness ...

- suitcases crammed with shoes, books, soccer balls and blankets
- a plane ticket to Guatemala
- the grace of opportunity
- prayers of a church last Sunday
- a heart that still beats fractured

I may be afraid, my precious friends.  But long ago I was told by a friend that the blessing is in "doing it afraid".  There is truth to be milled there.  We have not been called to the safe and the cozy.  For in safety our clay crafted vessels remain intact. 

Intact vessels keep to themselves what was never theirs to keep.  What is poured in is meant to be shared.  It is the broken and fractured vessel that leaks the grace that fills it.

On my way to being shattered.









© A Sacred Longing 2009-2010

There is nothing but God’s grace. We walk upon it; we breathe it; we live and die by it; it makes the nails and the axles of the universe.

-Robert Louis Stevenson

Sweet breath inhaled on a early morning walk

Sounds of dripping dew

A visual and tangible reminder of  a morning's devotion..."What is your life?  You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." 

A community's stand for one who stood for us

Lots of shoes and the feet that are waiting for them

Warm cups of tea

Letters to a mother

Soft pillows, clean sheets and a warm home

Gentle and kind words


My very breath is a full measure of His grace.  For neither the remainder of today or the plans for tomorrow are guaranteed. 

Here and now my gratitude and His grace are meeting.  May it not be the only time these two shall dance within my heart and on my lips.

Grace and gratitude belong together like heaven and earth.

Grace evokes gratitude like the voice an echo.

Gratitude follows grace as thunder follows lightening.

Karl Barth

 

© A Sacred Longing 2009-2010

Please Pray...

Update:

The outpouring of support for this family was in one word, overwhelming!  This picture was taken from my phone as we began to gather.   From that point, the number of people expanded in length and depth.  While I wish we weren't having to stand there remembering the loss of a young man, I considered it an honor to do so.

Apparently, those who chose to protest did so but were about 1/2 mile away and I don't believe the family ever had to encounter them.  I know that they had no impact where we were.  I am grateful that we did not have to endure their ugliness.

The Patriot Guard escorted this funeral procession to Arlington National Cemetery.    What an awesome sight!

Thank you for your prayers!




Original post: 

On my Veteran's Day post, I asked for prayer for an upcoming funeral.  This morning the funeral will take place and I come again to ask for prayer.

There are people that wish to spew their own twisted thinking onto those who are grieving.  These people travel from Kansas just to disrupt the memories of those who have fallen in service.  They are ugly and hateful.  Neither of which are representative of God and of Christ.

I will be leaving shortly to stand in silent tribute to Lance Corporal Honeycutt a very young man who gave his life in honor and service. 

Again, please pray that those who want to disrupt this funeral will not succeed.  Please pray for TJ's friends and family as they say their "final goodbyes" to their son, brother and friend.  Please pray for those that continue to serve with distinction and honor.

© A Sacred Longing 2009-2010

I have turned off comments.  Please just pray.

Worthy of a Veteran

I was privileged to have a father who served as a medic in the midst of battle torn Europe in World War II.  I remember for years he would not or possibly could not even speak of his time in service.  It wasn’t until span of years and length of age allowed him the opportunity to ponder and share those days with us.  A few photos and some time-softened memories are all that remain.  (my dad is on the far right)

 
I have also been honored to “serve” alongside my husband for 21 years as he stood prepared in the Air Force. And now while he no longer wears his dress blues, our hearts remain steadfast in honor and reverence. We choose not to forget the distinction and sacrifice of a life lived in service.
Now like many others who enjoy the graces of freedom and liberty, we stand this day in pensive pause. Ponder well, my friends the sacrifices of those who serve in uniform.


And yet, I sit here with thoughts and frustrations of what is to come.


Soon, a young man will be honored for the ultimate sacrifice and I have just found out that there will stand people who will use their voices and their signs to picket this funeral. They stand “in the name of their god” and spew hatred and ignorance.


I am sickened.


I am angry.


Their words are not worthy of an audience. Yet they will force their hatred upon those whose hearts are heavy – an additional weight this family should not have to endure. And yet, it is the sacrifice of this son and many others like him, they can stand in freedom and vomit their hatred.


I am having a tough time with this, can you tell?


Please pray with me that this day will be more than a day off from work but a pause to ponder the sacrifice of those who have and who are serving in uniform.


Please pray that this Monday the voices of those that hate will fall silent upon those whose hearts are heavy.


© A Sacred Longing 2009-2010

Thankful for the Sacred Graces

I wonder sometimes where my thankfulness gets lost.

I start out well with good intentions and then before I know it my thoughts are jumbled and crossed. In the midst of such confusion, my heart soon wearies. I let the weight of the present fall heavy upon me. Under its burden, I miss the grace that longs to be seen.

Simple things...

Sunshine breaking through a cloudy sky

A red-crested woodpecker pounding away on a hard maple tree

Time to gather my thoughts and my words

Friends who are patient even when I am not

Faithful furry friends who stay closer than a shadow

The smell of his cologne that lingers well past his leaving for work

Memories recalled within spaghetti sauce and meatballs

An abundance of shoes waiting for feet

These simple graces are ones that transform moments into memories.

In the seeing I feel the breath of my Creator upon me. His Presence made manifest by a heart begging to bear witness. 

Weary not I pray, of my feeble attempts to be attentive.  Instead join me in counting the graces and giving thanks.

A late edition to "Multitude Monday - One Thousand Gifts", but a start nonetheless. 
 




© A Sacred Longing 2009-2010