Welcome, my friends, to Memoir Monday!
My son created this lovely button, gotta gush....
Please grab it from the right sidebar and link up!
If you click on the Memoir Monday tab at the top, you'll find a little
info on the hop, as well as a few other Memoir Monday posts. Once at those posts, please click to the bloggers who linked to their memoirs! You will find it time well spent online, as the links are beautiful.
As we enter the Lenten season fully, I find this verse penned by Emily Dickinson especially true. Especially poignant. And so, I reflect.....
"Tell all the truth
But tell it slant
Success in circuit lies."
Who knows what called The Belle of Amherst to these words. Was it deep and painful? Or were the words jotted superficially? We'll never know the cause, but we feel their impact upon us as we reread and relive them.
Her words, beautiful, cause me to ponder other words, not so beautiful. And very not-truthful words in a recent painful episode. People can hurt. And deeply.
And the truth? Most importantly, The Truth? It gets jumbled, twisted, til it no longer exists. Words stain. Sometimes. Ugly stains.
Avoidance over candor, chosen.
Carelessly. Once
inflicted, not erased. No, not easily. Smudges, stains remain.
Words. Blame.
And this is Lent: The refused offer when approached, of bridging, of fixing, of making the hole, whole.
And this is Lent : Begging the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
How to follow where the Holy Spirit leads? Continued
prayers. For reparation. For healing. For the ability and the grace to forgive. For the grace not to hurt others as we've been hurt.
And to live a life that is honorable,
that gives glory to God.
Minds free from judging.
Hearts free from burden.
For God will salvage the charred ruins.
He will redeem. In time.
Not an especially upbeat reflection, but it is Lent and this is what is paramount as my family moves forward. As I reflect. As I live Lent.
Now, it's your turn. You have no idea just how much your words mean and how inspirational you can be. We are eagerly anticipating your stories, your heart, your thoughts.
Until next time,
Have a lovely day,
~Chris
Thanks for hosting, friend! Hope the first few days of your Lent have been meaningful! God bless, Lisa
ReplyDeleteLisa
DeleteThank YOU for linking!!
Heading to your blog now...
xo
Chris
Chris, beautiful, but this stood out: "For the grace not to hurt others as we've been hurt." It feels so human to want to strike back. And perhaps it is. It is supernatural to not follow through. Thanks for these wise reminders of where we're at, and for bringing me back here through taking time to read some of my words tonight. Hugs and blessings as you move forward!
ReplyDeleteHi Roxane-
DeleteThanks for commenting and for the kind words.....And yes, I need that constant reminder to hold back and not "retaliate," esp where my kids are hurt.....AND not to hurt.
Lent is coming at a good time for me, personally.... I definitely need that constancy hanging over my head!
Love
Chris
I love Emily Dickinson poetry. Enjoy your Lent. Did you give up anything for the season:). YOur sone did a great job on your new button.
ReplyDeleteHi there Ann Marie-
DeleteYes, me too...We are getting back into Dickinson....love her too..
Thx for the compliment...My Kev created the button...he's a good kid to have around! Thx for the comment...
Love
Chris
Hi Chris. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Emily's poem. Lovely! Lent is a great time to reflect on where we are in our faith walk. I added my link - hope you'll visit.
ReplyDeleteLove your son's button :-)
Sue,
DeleteI'm thrilled that you stopped by and took the time to link up! Thank you for he kind comment --- I'm headed over to your blog right now.