“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect
and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 ESV)
For far too long, it has been quiet here in this space. Let’s reminisce about 2025 thus far…
There have been challenges, changes, distractions, and disappointments abound so preoccupation has prevailed. There have been joys that are clung to. Things have not been necessarily “bad” and they absolutely could have been worse. There have been losses of lives, heartily prayed for, therefore sadness and a daily reminder of a person being gone. Even the dog has felt this particular loss. While it was saddening it was also frustrating, as we watched a person give up the will to live. Yet, in the dying days, there was a miracle in the form of love that proved how people care and show up in the form of a miracle. Bearing witness to how men love men, through tried and true friendships, was such a beautiful and spiritual gift to this heart.
The challenges have been personal and at times both hands have felt tied. All one can do is persist and keep walking, even when gasping for clean air and good health. There is a time in life when we transition from youthful to not quite there any longer which presents choices on how to live. No one likes it – we either do or die. There is no other option here but to do…so move into the new skin, move ahead. Find joy in the new and don’t force the old along with it.
Memories of the trials of a friend also came back to the surface as a creative project came along. Bestowed the honor to participate also opened up wounds that are still just below the surface so 2025 thus far has involved continued healing: heart, mind, soul.
“Let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete…” (James 1 v4)
At the end of last year, the LORD set this gal afloat on a new river of life, a new journey. It has been fine except the boat was set to shore for a while; thankfully, we’re now flowing down the river again albeit against the currents of time and energy.
Oh, and the purest joy involves these mountains and getting lost in them, and 2025 thus far has allowed the strength and even new companionship with some local sisters who share the passion. It has been such an answered prayer to finally feel confident to go it alone occasionally but awesome that others will show up when an outing is planned. Being able to go out alone again, without much anxiety, is life-giving and reassuring that Yahweh is never far from reach. Oh, this heart is full of gratitude that is held so dear.
Yet, going out into the mountains is also, and will be for seasons to come, a reminder of what happened here in the Blue Ridge region not too long ago (Helene 8/27/2024). The damage is still very evident. Lost loved ones are still being unearthed along the river banks. People have given up their lives and livelihoods long-term to tend to the people (mostly strangers), land, and structures, to rebuild some semblance of “normal”, while we all know this scar runs deep and none who care will ever be the same. Who would drive toward these beautiful mountains and think that just along the highways and bi-ways are still 30-foot-high mounds of wood and debris? It is shocking and they are everywhere. Slowly, the wood piles are being recycled and used positively, but what do you do with a mile of cars wrapped around trees and boulders? What can be done? (Below, (L) driving East on U.S. 26 in Unicoi County, (R) a debris pile afront the Nolichucky River in Erwin, TN along the same highway.)
Yet, beneath it all, as spring turns into summer and life pushes up through the ground that has been so badly beaten and is overlaid by the remains, evidence of resilience abounds. If an uprooted tree that has fallen can renew life, so can everything else on this planet we call Earth. The Creator’s breath of life proves itself faithful to all of creation and brings hope to the hearts of man in 2025, thus far.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:5-12 ESV)
