Don't Push the River

It takes time to heal, both physically and emotionally; there is no set schedule that applies in all cases. Like a river that ebbs and flows and is occasionally log-jammed, recovery is on-going.

The Scripture

Psalm 46
interpreted by Deborah

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

And so we’ll hang in, and hang on, despite the chaos and confusion; we won’t give up when the road is rough; we will carry on, courageously.

Even when we’re not feeling very brave.

Like an ever-flowing river, God’s love refreshes and sustains us — bringing peace and comfort to our thirsting souls;

God is in our midst and will never forsake us; from sunrise to sunrise, the Eternal is our ever-present protector and friend.

When the world is turned upside down, when we trip and stumble and lose our bearings, when we don’t know which way to go, even when we head in the wrong direction, God is with us, the Eternal One will uphold and sustain us.

Let us praise the Beloved, and shout “Hallelujah!” Amen.

God’s love is strong and lasting, even when we don’t believe it; even when we’re overwhelmed by doubt.

There is a Spirit, the Breath — of fresh air and new beginnings, of gentle breezes and green pastures, of love, everlasting — that breathes us, envelopes us, enlivens us.

Quiet your fears, ignore the noise and grumbling. Shhhhh. Breathe in the silence and feel yourself breathed in, into the tender love of the Eternal Spirit.

“Be still. Be still and know My peace, My peace that I give to you. I Am the Eternal, I Am the Light and Love that is everlasting.”

God is in our midst and will never forsake us; from sunrise to sunrise, the Eternal is our ever-present protector and friend.

Let us praise the Beloved, and shout “Hallelujah!” Amen.

Photo of a flower

A Work in Progress by Deborah Beach Giordano

The Process of Recovery

I feel as if
I’m balancing
on a high wire;
careful,
cautious,
tentative,
and slow;

as if
any moment
there may be
a stumbling,
an unraveling,
a sudden lurch
and I
will come crashing
to the floor;

my body
a betrayer,
our trust broken,
my confidence
shaky.

I’m working
without a net.

Hear me, Lord,
when I call —
which is incessantly;
and, in Your mercy,
answer me
loud and clear
because I’ve become
a little deaf,
a little numb,
a bit distracted;

“Shhh! Be still and listen!” my heart calls,
“The Voice has spoken:
‘Be not afraid!’
Raise your eyes
to the heavens;
look to God,
not at your fears.”

Your face, O Lord,
do I seek,
Your Presence
assuring my stability.

Don’t hide from me
behind disguises —
renounce all subtlety;
I’m in no shape
to be discerning;
I’ll never find You
in the scent of lilac,
or hear You singing
in the breeze.

Be here now;
be right here with me,
great and mighty
all-gracious God,
uphold me
with Your love.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud,
be gracious to me and answer me!
“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!”
Your face, Lord, do I seek.” ~ Psalm 27

Amen.
 

Dedicated to all those recovering
in every sort of way.