I think that I find these conditions are not only in the church swirl, but just in life in general. I think it’s a symptom of the Western culture that is America.....everything HAS to be up and to the right, so there’s just no let-up in striving. And, I think people, deep inside, are fearful and lonely.....there are so many ways these days that keeps that masked and distracted away, but it’s there, simmering under the surface....so “staying busy” helps to camouflage that condition.
There has to be this way that Jesus is inviting us in to that is approachable and attainable to the human heart. For the average person, with bills and jobs and kids and only 2 week’s vacation each year. For the single parent with 3 teenagers......for the stressed out businessperson.....for the lonely shut in......for the person dealing with health drama......etc, etc, etc......
Steve, Your writings and podcasts have been so life giving and refreshing for me. I am really happy for you and Gwen and so appreciate you authentically sharing your journey with us. I resonate so much with the folks you interview as well. Thank you, Vicki
Yes, yes, yes! You sound so clear minded, friend, and this is The Message, isn’t it. You’ve nailed it. (Didn’t mean to use a cross analogy there.😉) I can’t wait to hear the unfolding of this. Prayers that your polishing, even, feels Life-giving as you wrestle and rest in these glimpses and tensions of the Kingdom. Big hugs from Wesley Gardens. Xx
“Clear minded”.... I think for the first 30 years, I was intoxicated with my work. The last 10, with my own shift and growth. The last 3, like a long and painful rebirth. The last 9 months... still crawling but at least I’m moving forward. I’m letting go of spiritual debris and traveling much less baggage.
See you soon! Travel mercies, Jenness
Here’s my poem I will read at the retreat:
A Lighter Load
by Stephen W. Smith
I would like a lighter load, please!
I have carried a lot of burdens;
Bags of disappointment, heaps of hurts;
Old dogmas and doctrine, which are too hard to bear.
And now, it is just too much; too heavy.
I am sorting through the baggage.
This must go. You must go.
Do I sound cruel?
Am I now carrying the burden of judging also?
Then, judging needs to go.
You have not served me well; served us well.
Hatred is heavier than love. Acceptance brings peace.
To be alive and stay alive, and live alive;
The load needs to lighten up; brighten up.
Whatever happened to the easy yoke?
That sounds like freedom. That sounds like life.
Only a few things are needed.
To love and be loved; to see and be seen.
To behold and to beheld. To touch and be touched.
This is enough. And these all will fit inside my heart now.
I want a lighter load now.
The trail of plentitude awaits me ahead.
This greening inside is birthed now.
New life. New joy. New everything.
Hey Steve, love the post! Some thoughts:
I think that I find these conditions are not only in the church swirl, but just in life in general. I think it’s a symptom of the Western culture that is America.....everything HAS to be up and to the right, so there’s just no let-up in striving. And, I think people, deep inside, are fearful and lonely.....there are so many ways these days that keeps that masked and distracted away, but it’s there, simmering under the surface....so “staying busy” helps to camouflage that condition.
There has to be this way that Jesus is inviting us in to that is approachable and attainable to the human heart. For the average person, with bills and jobs and kids and only 2 week’s vacation each year. For the single parent with 3 teenagers......for the stressed out businessperson.....for the lonely shut in......for the person dealing with health drama......etc, etc, etc......
Killer phrase “evangelical blender”.....whoo!
cheers.....love the wine pic!
Steve, Your writings and podcasts have been so life giving and refreshing for me. I am really happy for you and Gwen and so appreciate you authentically sharing your journey with us. I resonate so much with the folks you interview as well. Thank you, Vicki
So kind of you to say this. I’m so grateful!
To Vicki...
Yes, yes, yes! You sound so clear minded, friend, and this is The Message, isn’t it. You’ve nailed it. (Didn’t mean to use a cross analogy there.😉) I can’t wait to hear the unfolding of this. Prayers that your polishing, even, feels Life-giving as you wrestle and rest in these glimpses and tensions of the Kingdom. Big hugs from Wesley Gardens. Xx
“Clear minded”.... I think for the first 30 years, I was intoxicated with my work. The last 10, with my own shift and growth. The last 3, like a long and painful rebirth. The last 9 months... still crawling but at least I’m moving forward. I’m letting go of spiritual debris and traveling much less baggage.
Sooo great...wish I could be there...looking forward to the podcasts. Safe travels.🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you fellow traveler!