To Know
Our best thought can carry us down
to the shoreline of our little island
But only desire can carry us into
the ocean of Holy Love.
This, then, is why the sea is a mist
to the smart and the self-impressed
But shines in the light for children
who delight to swim in the living waters.
Questor for truth, the real question is:
What do you truly want?
What do you truly want?
Consider this well for
Those on the shore will never see more—
But children will play—in the Waves.
–Kent Smith of Abilene, TX
(My family and I really identify with this poem… In a way it reflects our book and our spiritual journey over the past 15 years or so…)
Seeds of Movement
The gospel is like a seed, and you have to sow it. …Now, when missionaries came to our lands they brought not only the seed of the gospel, but their own plant of Christianity, flower pot included!
So, what we have to do is to break the flowerpot, take out the seed of the Gospel, sow it in our own cultural soil, and let our own version of Christianity grow.
— D.T. Niles of Sri Lanka (1908-1970)
Listening to our Longings
We facilitated our first book reading tonight at Eagle Harbor Books, our favorite local bookstore. After reading a few excerpts from our book, some diverse views and great questions emerged from the group…
I’m seeking to learn about Jesus. The Bible seems so complicated. How do I learn about the true Jesus? Where do I look?
I was raised to follow what I believed to be right and not just what someone says. Do you need to read a book to follow the Way of Jesus? Shouldn’t it be simple?
What are your thoughts on other spiritualities… such as Hinduism and Buddhism? Why is Jesus so special?
Is the Way of Jesus walked individually or in community?
How do you stay centered? Can you center individually or do you need community?
Some of my family are pressuring me back to the tradition I was raised in… How have friends and family responded to you and your journey?
I identify with Jesus more than with any particular religion. But when people ask me what I believe I say I’m a Christian but I don’t know why I say this. What do you think?
You say you follow Jesus…would you die on the cross like he did?
Our questions reveal our longings and our longings reflect both the desires and the wounds of the heart…
Rhythm of Grace
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. — Jesus (Matthew 11:29-30, The Message)
