paravanes:meditations

On the eve of celebrating Pentecost, I am reminded to always pray with Pentecostal power. I do not need to jump, cry, scream, or run. I do not need to insistently pray for one thing over and over. Asking once is enough. Then, I hand it over to God. If he believes my request is good, he will grant it. If he believes my request is not good, then I will agree with God and not insist on getting my way over His way. I do not need to PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens). Push people, reality, and the universe around? I'm not equipped for that. If I prayed, something DID happen. I don't need all of the details. What happens after I pray is not dependent upon me. What happens is dependent upon God's judgment and will, which are always right. I relax. I breathe. I smile. God is my father. He handles the tough stuff. Now, I'm off to have a great day! Thank you, Papa God.

From my scrapbook: "To Harvest Peace", by Mildred N Hoyer Who longs For peace must first Clear any battlefield Within the heart, then sow there seeds of love.

Will I remain peaceful when angered by the person who annoys me more than anyone?

 --Promo piece for Dark Girls Recently, I viewed (for the second time) the D. Channsin Berry/Bill Duke documentary " Dark Girls ." It was a painful view, but I felt compelled to watch and listen carefully because I could identify so deeply with much of what was said. This message rang through the film: there is something ugly and unpleasant about being a "dark girl". This does not mean dark girls are ugly or unpleasant. Still, much of what is presented in this film shows how differently dark girls experience life. Generally speaking, these differences are not considered positive ones. I think there was much truth and painful honesty in this film, but a part of the story is missing. Since Lupita Nyong'o won an Oscar, made a famous and well-documented speech , and appeared on several fashion magazine covers, I have listened and watched many women describe how triumphant Nyong'o's story is: she is the manifestation of dark bea...

Paul, the first century apostle, wrote to early Christians that if they did certain things, the peace of God would guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. What does this mean, and is this available to everyone? What were the certain things that had to be done in order to get and maintain this special peace? "  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!     Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.     Do not be anxious about anything,  but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God,  which transcends all understanding,  will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  (Phillipians 4:4-7) Paul tells those reading or listening to the reading of his letter to do the following things: 1) Rejoice in the Lord, always. Do not be jealous, resentful, or envious of anyone, regardless of appearances and circumstances. Rejoice...

“Turn my striving into works of grace…” This line, from a song in one of the newer collections of hymns by Keith and Kristyn Getty, reminds me: sometimes trying too hard is not a sign of spiritual depth, but a sign of fear that something will not work out the way I want. Do I believe God will hear my prayer more closely if I stay up “too late” or get up much too early to pray? Will these choices make me feel more spiritual than someone who prays during their lunch hour? Am I struggling to tolerate someone I live or work with, forcing a smile when I’d rather strike out? Do I say “Praise the Lord!” fifty times per day because I need to block the more colorful words that might emerge when I consider some constantly irritating, seemingly un-solvable circumstance? Do I pray over and over for the same thing because I believe God won’t take me seriously unless I endlessly repeat a single request? How willing am I to say this to God: “I am not sure what should happen in this situation...