No Pretending

I devour her words, slowly at first, then the tempo builds.  I want to discover where this faith journey has taken her.  What has given her strength and hope during the dark times.   There have been paths of dark in my life – there are still some now.  As I consume Chapter 5 this Scripture repeats itself in my mind:

“Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  James 4:7 

I like her words…spiritual resistance…jotting words in the margin…I journal scraps of strength…stitching together a witness of hope.

Chapter 5 - Sword in Stone - Resistance

tell-it-like-it-is
enraged by departure
man in the forest
circle arms of prayer
pour on unseen battle
raging in the heavens
approach earthly problem
spiritual resistance
invisible hunter
enemies don’t announce
whole armor of God
covers head to toe
battle is hard
sometimes unprepared
Spirit warns
evil one in the forest

In Chapter 6 her phrase “once dipped, always stained” takes me back to the naming of 2010 – Grace and Glory.  God continues this theme, expands and deepens it, even as He takes a new turn this year.  I look back and see how He has stained me with His glory.  Immersed I find my eyes open to all who have been stained by His glory. 

Chapter 6 - Howe’s Cave - Baptism

baptism
descend into water
lament soul crushed
weight of darkness
rescue played out
re-created by Light
mikveh
like newborn child
journeys into life
soul ascends resuscitated
never turning back
    once dipped
    always stained
walk into wrestling
limp through struggling

Oh, how the next chapter speaks to me now.  Not because I am struggling with doubt at the present moment.  Someone close to me is dealing with doubt.   Arms have grown weary holding up the shield of faith.  The belt of truth has fallen around ankles tripping the warrior.  Questioned faith is a stronger faith.  Enclosed in this chapter I find strength to hang on tight and seek God for blessing.

Chapter 7 – Palisade Cliffs – Doubt

drowning
call kingdom crisis
hotline
“borderlands of belief”
danger
no pretend faith
vulnerable
peter out of boat
testing
Jesus didn’t abandon
tackle
plead for blessing
faith
stronger to heal
soaking

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For the last several weeks, and for several weeks to come, I am posting thoughts from L.L. Barkat’s book Stone Crossings.  Click here to learn more about L.L. who is graciously allowing me to weave her words as they affect my life.

Previous posts:

Shame, Messiness, & Suffering

Overcomers