Tag: Refuge

Say it out loud

On By fosteringyourfaithIn Faith3 Comments

The very wise Rev. Dr. Mary Luti recently encouraged congregations to consider regularly saying together what they believe. In our denomination, the United Church of Christ, it is often not a weekly practice to read a statement of faith or a creed to proclaim our shared beliefs. Mary Luti says that now may be exactly the time to declare those time-tested wise words aloud and remind ourselves of our foundational beliefs. Instead of allowing our faith to “devolve into generalized emotions and good ethical intentions”, congregations need to clearly state what they believe and then proclaim that belief with their actions. 

What is true for congregations is also true for individuals.  Listening to the news  these days is like receiving one gut punch after another. Government institutions and practices that we thought we could “always” rely on are being dismantled. In the face of a rapidly changing world, where it feels like the foundation is being eroded beneath us, it is vital for each of us to declare what is unchanging and true. 

For me, short, easy to remember statements work the best.  At those moments when despair threatens to overcome me, I rely on these brief sentences to bolster my faith and push back my fear. There are still moments when I weep in despair and frustration, but I regularly return to these ancient words of assurance. 

Now is the time to develop a list of readily accessible words to whisper or shout as we declare our refusal to give up.

Here are some of mine:

God’s steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 136)

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.  (John 1:5)

God is love.  (1 John 4)

God is our refuge and our strength, an ever present help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46)

On the surface, saying (and believing) these words solves nothing.

Terrible things still happen.  Appalling headlines still appear. 

There are powerful people who apparently don’t care about millions of people who are suffering because of their actions. 

This practice of saying out loud what I believe is for my benefit and personal wellbeing. It grounds me in a truth larger than the one in the headlines. It tells me that my identity cannot be taken away, despite outside circumstances.

Saying what I believe – reminding myself that God is a refuge in this storm – provides me a moment to pause, breathe, and gain some balance before I try to venture on.

This is a new intention for me – to daily say out loud what I believe so that I am empowered to act on that. 

Now I am curious – what words, phrases, quotes, or images help you?

Refuge

On By fosteringyourfaithIn Living our faith5 Comments

One of the sorrows in my life is that I can’t draw.

One of the joys in my life is that I married a man who can.

            Often I will describe an image to him – something that came to me in a dream or after praying or during a journaling moment. I wish I could just pick up a pen or paintbrush and transform my thoughts into a picture. Somehow my brain and my hand do not communicate that way.

            So I share the picture in my head with him through words. “It looks like this,” I say earnestly. And he listens. He asks questions. And then he draws. It is a marvel to me that the image in my mind and the description of my words can come to life on a page.

            This image is called “Refuge.” I imagined a small boat protected from a raging storm. The wind and sea are wild and fierce, yet this tiny vessel has found a place of safety and protection.

            Throughout the pandemic thus far, the verse “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46) has stayed with me. The word “refuge” has taken on new meaning to me. A refuge is not a place to live or even necessarily a place to hide. A refuge is a shelter. It offers protection. And protection might bring about renewal. Refuge provides a moment of calm in a storm. It is an opportunity to catch your breath until you are strong enough to go out to face whatever challenges are waiting.

            I have a sign in our home that reads, “Sometimes God calms the storm. Sometimes God lets the storm rage and calms the child.”  Remembering that God is here and receiving God’s calming love – that is refuge for me.

 This picture reminds me to search for God’s refuge. I might find it at the dinner table with my family or in the garden filled with flowers. Watching the birds at the feeder or listening to music can provide moments of refuge.

            A refuge is not a permanent dwelling place, but it does provide soothing comfort and a reminder that I am not alone.

            This picture reminds me of the renewing power of refuge. 

            Thank you, Roger.