Bless you for sharing your spiritual phosphorescence! I am adding this sermon to my spiritual toolkit. Soft dog snores and the coffee maker served as the backtrack in our kitchen while I listened to and read your words twice (so far) this morning. Your words found and soothed my simmering soul spots of doubt, fear, anger, and despair. My resistance will now include shining the light you just gave to me. Hallelujah!
This was a treat in the same way a flavored medicine tastes like candy to a toddler. You’re quite sneaky. 😏 I needed this and didn’t know it, I’ve been so busy burying myself in work, because it needs to be done, but it’s also a distraction from the state of the world. Thank you. 🙏
I love that we are absorbing the light by our spiritual walk with God even when we are not aware. One of your guests talked about their study of the Bible one year following the liturgical calendar. I am doing that this year. When I read Isaiah 60:1-6 I felt confused. When I read scripture and don't understand what it means and what significance it has today, I pray, "God, I don't understand this but it seems important. I pray and I know You will reveal the meaning to me on Your time and when I need it." So far, God has always answered that prayer and He did again through your sermon. Thank you Nadia for serving the Triune God and bringing us good news in these dark times.
Whoa. Wow. This was fantastic. In the midst of all the anxiety, and the pain, and the confusion I am feeling…along with some helplessness…this is a good word. A reminder that God is at work. A reminder I am not less than because I am in a place of darkness.
Nadia, your words, sermons, and talks, are never not good. But this one was different, hit a different spot. This one was so timely and seasoned with the salt that sustained the weary in the hardest of seasons. Thank you for doing the work, for staying present in the toughest of times, for ingesting the light in those deep down places. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This one was stellar.
I facilitate a grief support group at our church. I have often used your writing as our opening devotion. We meet today and I will use this sermon. It is perfect. Thank you.
Thank you, Nadia. I, like many I’m certain, need wisdom from our spiritual leaders to give us hope to sustain the spiritual armor to get through these turbulent times. You gave me a deeper understanding of my faith, which often feels absent. However, I am keeping faith strong through prayer and continual acts of kindness and love in my community. Powerful sermon and will keep in my spiritual toolbox, and will share with others. Bless you Nadia! 🙏❤️
Thank you, dear one. I have stumbled about in the dark this week because I forgot that I carry the light of Jesus Christ within in me, a gift He gave to all who accept it. Thank you for reminding me. Hallelujah and Amen.
Bless you for sharing your spiritual phosphorescence! I am adding this sermon to my spiritual toolkit. Soft dog snores and the coffee maker served as the backtrack in our kitchen while I listened to and read your words twice (so far) this morning. Your words found and soothed my simmering soul spots of doubt, fear, anger, and despair. My resistance will now include shining the light you just gave to me. Hallelujah!
“… I wonder if manufacturing our own brightness can obscure a gentler light that God has provided for the path ahead.” 💞🌟💞🕊️💞
This is the BEST thing I’ve heard all week🙌🏼
Citizen of Dark Times
by Kim Stafford
Agenda in a time of fear: Be not afraid.
When things go wrong, do right.
Set out by the half-light of the seeker,
for the well-lit problem begins to heal.
Learn tropism toward the difficult.
We have not arrived to explain, but to sing.
Young idealism ripens into an ethical life.
Prune back regret to let faith grow.
When you hit rock bottom, dig farther down.
Grief is the seed of singing, shame the seed of song.
Keep seeing what you are not saying.
Plunder your reticence.
Songbird guards a twig, its only weapon a song.
That is so truly beautiful, thank you. Taking a baptism Sunday week, will think of this - met the parents today - baby’s smile lit up the whole room
This was a treat in the same way a flavored medicine tastes like candy to a toddler. You’re quite sneaky. 😏 I needed this and didn’t know it, I’ve been so busy burying myself in work, because it needs to be done, but it’s also a distraction from the state of the world. Thank you. 🙏
I love that we are absorbing the light by our spiritual walk with God even when we are not aware. One of your guests talked about their study of the Bible one year following the liturgical calendar. I am doing that this year. When I read Isaiah 60:1-6 I felt confused. When I read scripture and don't understand what it means and what significance it has today, I pray, "God, I don't understand this but it seems important. I pray and I know You will reveal the meaning to me on Your time and when I need it." So far, God has always answered that prayer and He did again through your sermon. Thank you Nadia for serving the Triune God and bringing us good news in these dark times.
Whoa. Wow. This was fantastic. In the midst of all the anxiety, and the pain, and the confusion I am feeling…along with some helplessness…this is a good word. A reminder that God is at work. A reminder I am not less than because I am in a place of darkness.
Really needed this today. Thank you for sharing.
Oh yes, phosphorescence. Can even linger after you've been murdered... Thank you!
Thank you for shining some light on this darkness. Living in Minnesota is extra dark these days.
And you reminded me of this book I have but have yet to read.
Phosphorescence: On Awe, Wonder and Things That Sustain You When the World Goes Dark by Julia Baird
I think I’m in that book - my friend Julia mistakenly says I was a professional wrestler at one point. It’s incorrect but really hilarious :)
Well, now it’s at the top of the to-read pile. Thanks for the much needed laugh, Nadia. ❤️❤️
Sending light to you and everyone in MN.
Beautiful as ever dear Nadia!
love and blessings
Anna
Nadia, your words, sermons, and talks, are never not good. But this one was different, hit a different spot. This one was so timely and seasoned with the salt that sustained the weary in the hardest of seasons. Thank you for doing the work, for staying present in the toughest of times, for ingesting the light in those deep down places. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This one was stellar.
I wholeheartedly agree!👍
I facilitate a grief support group at our church. I have often used your writing as our opening devotion. We meet today and I will use this sermon. It is perfect. Thank you.
Thank you, Nadia. I, like many I’m certain, need wisdom from our spiritual leaders to give us hope to sustain the spiritual armor to get through these turbulent times. You gave me a deeper understanding of my faith, which often feels absent. However, I am keeping faith strong through prayer and continual acts of kindness and love in my community. Powerful sermon and will keep in my spiritual toolbox, and will share with others. Bless you Nadia! 🙏❤️
Beautiful Nadia. It calls to mind James Taylor's song "Home By Another Way."
Thank you, dear one. I have stumbled about in the dark this week because I forgot that I carry the light of Jesus Christ within in me, a gift He gave to all who accept it. Thank you for reminding me. Hallelujah and Amen.