Transformation

Transformation

Roaring waters swirl and engulf my home.
Once an array of distinct colors
Formed an uplifting
Rainbow of promise.
A whirlwind struck at night
Destroying all order
Creating a conglomeration of mud -
Thick, pasty, tasteless mud.

I am brought down to sense
The minuteness of mankind.
For God formed Adam from dust
And Eve from Adam's rib.
Yet, God made man in His Image.
We are called to glorify His Name.

Open the shades which close us in darkness.
Let the Son shine within;
Let him mold us with His gentle hands;
Let Him breathe color into our souls.

Turning our gaze outward
We will see a multitude of rainbows
Surmounting the surrounding clouds.

As soon as we open our hearts to our Creator,
He shines His Light upon our souls,
Transforming slimy worms
Scurrying through depths of mud
to
Fragile butterflies fluttering
Among meadows of wildflowers
Scattered upon rugged mountain slopes.

by Julie St. John l987

Do you love me?

"As long as I keep running about asking: "Do you love me? Do you really love me?" I give all power to the voices of the world and put myself in bondage because the world is filled with "ifs." The world says: "Yes, I love you if  you are good-looking , intelligent, and wealthy. I love you if you have a good education, a good job, and good connections. I love you if you produce much, sell much, and buy much." There are endless "ifs" hidden in the world's love. These "ifs" enslave me, since it is impossible to respond adequately to all of them. The world's love is and always will be conditional. As long as I keep looking for my true self in the world -- trying, failing, and trying again. It is a world that fosters addictions because what it offers cannot satisfy the deepest craving of my heart"
~Henri Nouwen in The Return of the Prodigal Son