Steve, my husband of 52 years has always thought (quietly) that Joseph was a hidden treasure. I guess that's why I stuck around all this time. And being with him as he declines is "the place just right." I think also of 4 other men in long term marriages who are now the caretakers of their wives -- and I ask prayers for those couples.
I had a front row seat to this 8 yrs ago with my parents. When my dad was too sick to get out of bed in the morning my mom would read him the newspaper and it was a wonder to witness this simple act of devotion.
A dear friend's son-in-law took his life the other day....this essay is a powerful reminder of the horrendous pain and trauma which finds its root in FEAR. Thank you and bless you for professing and proclaiming the truth: perfect love casts out all fear.
I'm new here, as of this morning. I do not believe. I'm a lapsed Catholic, lapsed Methodist, lapsed atheist, lapsed everything. I do not believe it is my purpose here on Earth to spend my time wondering what happens when we die, if anything. I do not care. I do not fear death, although I'm a little uncomfortable about the period that will immediately precede it, but whatever that may turn out to be like, I'll likely have no control over it. I'd like to be conscious when I die, because that would be interesting. I'm here because someone dear to me is here, and you have helped her, so I've come to experience what being here is like.
What a beautiful gift to find this morning! Thank you for such a sweet description of Epiphany! I didn't realize the whole significance of it, but mainly that it is the "real" Xmas in several orthodox faiths. They see this as the true Xmas, while other Christians have referred to it as the "second" Xmas. The real root of the story lies in Herod's fear and how much it skewed his actions. I have an 18-month old grandson and can hardly imagine something so horrible for all of those precious angels (toddler children of God under 2 years old.) Another group member below, (Chuck), mentioned the similarities of someone in our current sphere of influence. Kind of reminds you of that someone else that is so consumed by fear that he cannot see the reality of the world as it really is. Thank God he's on his way out! LOL! While he is not, he fancies himself a King. I just copied a quote last night from Sir Winston Churchill: "Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision. " I am a board member for our small congregation at church. We've been discussing how crippling fear can be and also freezes us in our actions to move forward. Courage is the decision to move ahead and act despite any appearances of difficulties or challenges. Our faith gives us the strength to make that move to action despite apparent obstacles. Thank you so much for all you do. We appreciate you!
I see interesting connections between this story of Herod killing the babies (and Joseph taking his family to safety) and the story of God killing the first-born sons in Egypt (and Moses leading his people to safety). Each involves the slaughter of innocents, yet for different motivations. Each involves a long journey to (relative) freedom based on God's leading, removing people from surroundings to which they are accustomed and asking these people to trust that they will adapt to the new surroundings. I wonder how long the journey took for Joseph and his new little family. I wonder whether things in Egypt (as a country or just the place they settled) had changed enough that Joseph and Mary were able to find a community of Jews and a place of worship. I wonder how crappy it was to be traveling with a newborn in tow, especially knowing they would probably be camping out every night and probably guessed at the right amount of supplies to bring for the journey. The way this whole story is told so often, it seems like one minute the new parents are visited by traveling wise men (who were, perhaps, kings?) and the next minute they're grabbing everything they can and hitting the road. What a stressful time in their lives.
Thank you for these words. Fear is so rampant in these days that we are not only killing our children but our own souls. Love can and does overcome fear! Yea! And now, as Howard Thurman says, the work of Christmas is begun.
I missed this yesterday because I spent hours rage scrolling on Twitter. I grew up in DC. Yesterday's coup attempt felt personal, like I was being personally invaded. And certainly, my beliefs were being derided and also challenged, because I believe there is that of God in everyone, but MAN was I not able to find the truth and peace in that yesterday. And I woke up with cynicism and a distinct lack of hope in my heart. So, thank you for this. It reseeded some new fortitude and hope that was so desperately needed in my heart.
I am not on Twitter but I am on Facebook. I had to put a limit on my apps. I now allow myself one hour/ day of social media It is not good for my anxiety and how skeptical I have become. I am going to slowly ween myself even further. I enjoy many things on social media Stories, videos etc. But sometimes they take me down a path that I do not need to be on. Maybe that will help for you too. <3
And the fear of not being able to acknowledge/admit/confess to our own heads being stuck firmly in the sand, suppose yesterday's Capitol mob had been black and brown instead of red.
I know...so true. I am hopeful that light is breaking through the darkness though when I look at what just happened in the last few days...two new senators who bring with them a real chance to address our national spiritual diseases. And the Coincidence (capital c intended) of the energy behind that whole election seemed to stem from the BLM movement, with the pastor of MLK’s old church rising up and using his down ballot effect to flip control of Congress so healing has an actual chance. The mob scene yesterday was scary to watch. But I am believing/hoping that we will soon refer to Wednesday as day one of some kind of deeply needed Great Disillusionment, specifically because yesterday happened and failed. I am hoping/praying for spiritual disillusionment for the cult mentality that seems to have a hold on so many.
Thank you for this post, which I read just after we finished my mother’s zoom funeral this morning. Oh, Nadia, she would have so loved you!!!! She was robbed of her mind over the course of Thirty years, completely for the last Ten, so I could not share your wisdom and insight and freakin amazing humor, AND I bet she’s watching this now and laughing her butt off that her pagan child has found so much in your writing. You are a blessing to all people of all stripes of spirituality.
“. I want to start lifting up examples of beneficent masculinity,”
Nadia I think there might be a book idea in this statement for you?💙
I also vote yes!
Absolutely. We need this!
Agreed!
I second this idea!
Me too!
As I have watched the horrific news and the current Presidents speech, i realized how prophetic this message was...preparing us for today
- do not be afraid
- those in power are temporary
-do not be afraid
God is with us.
My peace I give to you; not as the world gives......
Steve, my husband of 52 years has always thought (quietly) that Joseph was a hidden treasure. I guess that's why I stuck around all this time. And being with him as he declines is "the place just right." I think also of 4 other men in long term marriages who are now the caretakers of their wives -- and I ask prayers for those couples.
I had a front row seat to this 8 yrs ago with my parents. When my dad was too sick to get out of bed in the morning my mom would read him the newspaper and it was a wonder to witness this simple act of devotion.
A dear friend's son-in-law took his life the other day....this essay is a powerful reminder of the horrendous pain and trauma which finds its root in FEAR. Thank you and bless you for professing and proclaiming the truth: perfect love casts out all fear.
I'm new here, as of this morning. I do not believe. I'm a lapsed Catholic, lapsed Methodist, lapsed atheist, lapsed everything. I do not believe it is my purpose here on Earth to spend my time wondering what happens when we die, if anything. I do not care. I do not fear death, although I'm a little uncomfortable about the period that will immediately precede it, but whatever that may turn out to be like, I'll likely have no control over it. I'd like to be conscious when I die, because that would be interesting. I'm here because someone dear to me is here, and you have helped her, so I've come to experience what being here is like.
Sam
BOOM. That’s powerful.
What a beautiful gift to find this morning! Thank you for such a sweet description of Epiphany! I didn't realize the whole significance of it, but mainly that it is the "real" Xmas in several orthodox faiths. They see this as the true Xmas, while other Christians have referred to it as the "second" Xmas. The real root of the story lies in Herod's fear and how much it skewed his actions. I have an 18-month old grandson and can hardly imagine something so horrible for all of those precious angels (toddler children of God under 2 years old.) Another group member below, (Chuck), mentioned the similarities of someone in our current sphere of influence. Kind of reminds you of that someone else that is so consumed by fear that he cannot see the reality of the world as it really is. Thank God he's on his way out! LOL! While he is not, he fancies himself a King. I just copied a quote last night from Sir Winston Churchill: "Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision. " I am a board member for our small congregation at church. We've been discussing how crippling fear can be and also freezes us in our actions to move forward. Courage is the decision to move ahead and act despite any appearances of difficulties or challenges. Our faith gives us the strength to make that move to action despite apparent obstacles. Thank you so much for all you do. We appreciate you!
Amen Pastor Nadia-thank you for helping get me thru last year! Here's praying for better things ahead! PS Loving Georgia this AM!
You are such a gift to us Nadia. Thank you for using your gifts (and your 'weaknesses') for God and people
I see interesting connections between this story of Herod killing the babies (and Joseph taking his family to safety) and the story of God killing the first-born sons in Egypt (and Moses leading his people to safety). Each involves the slaughter of innocents, yet for different motivations. Each involves a long journey to (relative) freedom based on God's leading, removing people from surroundings to which they are accustomed and asking these people to trust that they will adapt to the new surroundings. I wonder how long the journey took for Joseph and his new little family. I wonder whether things in Egypt (as a country or just the place they settled) had changed enough that Joseph and Mary were able to find a community of Jews and a place of worship. I wonder how crappy it was to be traveling with a newborn in tow, especially knowing they would probably be camping out every night and probably guessed at the right amount of supplies to bring for the journey. The way this whole story is told so often, it seems like one minute the new parents are visited by traveling wise men (who were, perhaps, kings?) and the next minute they're grabbing everything they can and hitting the road. What a stressful time in their lives.
Thank you for these words. Fear is so rampant in these days that we are not only killing our children but our own souls. Love can and does overcome fear! Yea! And now, as Howard Thurman says, the work of Christmas is begun.
I missed this yesterday because I spent hours rage scrolling on Twitter. I grew up in DC. Yesterday's coup attempt felt personal, like I was being personally invaded. And certainly, my beliefs were being derided and also challenged, because I believe there is that of God in everyone, but MAN was I not able to find the truth and peace in that yesterday. And I woke up with cynicism and a distinct lack of hope in my heart. So, thank you for this. It reseeded some new fortitude and hope that was so desperately needed in my heart.
I am not on Twitter but I am on Facebook. I had to put a limit on my apps. I now allow myself one hour/ day of social media It is not good for my anxiety and how skeptical I have become. I am going to slowly ween myself even further. I enjoy many things on social media Stories, videos etc. But sometimes they take me down a path that I do not need to be on. Maybe that will help for you too. <3
And the fear of not being able to acknowledge/admit/confess to our own heads being stuck firmly in the sand, suppose yesterday's Capitol mob had been black and brown instead of red.
I know...so true. I am hopeful that light is breaking through the darkness though when I look at what just happened in the last few days...two new senators who bring with them a real chance to address our national spiritual diseases. And the Coincidence (capital c intended) of the energy behind that whole election seemed to stem from the BLM movement, with the pastor of MLK’s old church rising up and using his down ballot effect to flip control of Congress so healing has an actual chance. The mob scene yesterday was scary to watch. But I am believing/hoping that we will soon refer to Wednesday as day one of some kind of deeply needed Great Disillusionment, specifically because yesterday happened and failed. I am hoping/praying for spiritual disillusionment for the cult mentality that seems to have a hold on so many.
Anyways...I hope. 🙏🏻
I needed this today.... the news is so awful....
Thank you for this post, which I read just after we finished my mother’s zoom funeral this morning. Oh, Nadia, she would have so loved you!!!! She was robbed of her mind over the course of Thirty years, completely for the last Ten, so I could not share your wisdom and insight and freakin amazing humor, AND I bet she’s watching this now and laughing her butt off that her pagan child has found so much in your writing. You are a blessing to all people of all stripes of spirituality.
One of the most powerful Epiphany messages ever written. Thank you!