Well, crap. I feel like this most disconnected Advent season, when I've not been to a physical church or even tuned into a streaming service in months or even read The Corners recently, I'm being called out every time I turn around. You and Kate Bowler are doing a number on me and, though I'm not exactly sure how to move forward in the here, the now, my soul feels its worth. Thanks for the push.
My most recent hymn to strike the proverbial cord is part of the last verse of the version of "Lift up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates" found in The Lutheran Hymnal (CPH 1941), which is markedly different from the version with which I grew up and connects with this idea of grace, imparted.
"Redeemer come, I open wide
My heart to Thee, here, LORD, abide!
Let me Thine inner presence feel,
Thy grace and love in me reveal..."
Also, I've been too chicken to get any tattoos yet, but the ache is real.
I am in need of Grace; I am in need of the Beloved’s help—the 911 kind. I have tried to let go of my guilt for my mistakes and shame that was put upon me for soooo many years. I don’t want to carry this or regret or my past with me into another year. I’m 66 and literally have surrendered it over and over to the Beloved. Do I lack humility? As Florence and the Machines sing, “ I don’t want to drag this dead horse around.” I want to be free of fear, “free from the bondage of self.” I’ve worked through so much trauma over the years, and yet I am living with worsening physical pain and limitations, a body that literally is not absorbing nutrients. And have to block out the gallup poll of advice or the idea that somehow I have not dealt with my issues or had enough faith because otherwise I’d be healthy. YES, I am in need of GRACE. Maybe, it will simply come as self-compassion, non-judgement, more belly laughs, acceptance of the Reality that my infinite whole Soul is housed in a physical form that I may not like. “I DON’T KNOW” is my mantra.
Love that your tattoo cover up resulted in cosmic beauty, and now Grace and Soul's worth and Yes emanate from your words across our island home as I reconsider Mary and reconnect with the Divine Mother ~ gracias, Nadia.
Mary is more than that. She realises, "I'm pregnant", at a time when single mothers were in deep trouble. Then she says, "All generations will call me blessed". And we do. She is the Queen of heaven.
Thank you for this. It is a vivid reminder that God lives each and every one of us as we are. It an incredibly challenging concept in our world. I needed that.
and the soul felt it's worth... thank you. I won't hear or sing that phrase quite the same again.
Well, crap. I feel like this most disconnected Advent season, when I've not been to a physical church or even tuned into a streaming service in months or even read The Corners recently, I'm being called out every time I turn around. You and Kate Bowler are doing a number on me and, though I'm not exactly sure how to move forward in the here, the now, my soul feels its worth. Thanks for the push.
My most recent hymn to strike the proverbial cord is part of the last verse of the version of "Lift up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates" found in The Lutheran Hymnal (CPH 1941), which is markedly different from the version with which I grew up and connects with this idea of grace, imparted.
"Redeemer come, I open wide
My heart to Thee, here, LORD, abide!
Let me Thine inner presence feel,
Thy grace and love in me reveal..."
Also, I've been too chicken to get any tattoos yet, but the ache is real.
Thank you for saying yes to God and sharing Their grace with us.
You have a beautiful Soul (and I love your tattoo) thank you for sharing with us today.
I am in need of Grace; I am in need of the Beloved’s help—the 911 kind. I have tried to let go of my guilt for my mistakes and shame that was put upon me for soooo many years. I don’t want to carry this or regret or my past with me into another year. I’m 66 and literally have surrendered it over and over to the Beloved. Do I lack humility? As Florence and the Machines sing, “ I don’t want to drag this dead horse around.” I want to be free of fear, “free from the bondage of self.” I’ve worked through so much trauma over the years, and yet I am living with worsening physical pain and limitations, a body that literally is not absorbing nutrients. And have to block out the gallup poll of advice or the idea that somehow I have not dealt with my issues or had enough faith because otherwise I’d be healthy. YES, I am in need of GRACE. Maybe, it will simply come as self-compassion, non-judgement, more belly laughs, acceptance of the Reality that my infinite whole Soul is housed in a physical form that I may not like. “I DON’T KNOW” is my mantra.
You touch me so! The story of Mary and your tatoo ❤️ so beautifully told with much felt grace! Blessings for a beautiful holiday season is here!
Oh for Grace to trust Him more
I yearn for this too. I think my faith is mostly expressed in yearning to see God's grace and love at work in the war torn places of the world.
Love that your tattoo cover up resulted in cosmic beauty, and now Grace and Soul's worth and Yes emanate from your words across our island home as I reconsider Mary and reconnect with the Divine Mother ~ gracias, Nadia.
It's always been my favorite...."till he appeared and the soul felt its worth" but now I further love and rejoice in it! Thank you.
Oh wow. What glorious tats.
Mary is more than that. She realises, "I'm pregnant", at a time when single mothers were in deep trouble. Then she says, "All generations will call me blessed". And we do. She is the Queen of heaven.
I'm so grateful my life is a demonstration of grace rather than justice.
And the soul felt it's worth! Thank you for the reminder! I was sinking into a lie. Grace filled Holidays!!!
Thank you for this. It is a vivid reminder that God lives each and every one of us as we are. It an incredibly challenging concept in our world. I needed that.
In other words, may your soul feel its worth. These words brought tears to my eyes!!! Beautiful tattoos!!!
Beautiful and timely as always! “Mary, did you know?” has long been my favorite Christmas song.
Mine too!!!
This is a truly lovely sentiment, Nadia. May your season be as giving , as warm, as divinely inspired as you are.