Hi Friends, It’s no secret that the spiritual community I’m a part of has been going through the trauma of discovering layer after layer of truths that our main teacher and founder is not the man we thought. Some of you are following closely and are deeply affected. Others of you are not following it at all. (You can read the latest statement here from IHOPKC, or more details on many media outlets.) However close or distant you are from the firestorm happening in this community, you’ve likely encountered in your life the pain and shock of betrayal. An unfaithful spouse. A manipulative friendship. I’m not sure many other woundings go deeper. In quiet moments of worship it has been particularly healing for me to call Jesus by His name: the Good Shepherd. Yes, through the absolute worst of circumstances, He’s the Good Shepherd of our souls. You don’t manipulate No ulterior motives. No dark corners, not even a shadow. We are safe with You. He’s called a rock. A firm foundation. A shelter. A tower. A cornerstone. Completely, utterly, entirely unchanging. The same yesterday, today and forever. No need to wince or brace ourselves for what we might find in His heart. He has opened it wide. He’s the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. And even as we process unthinkable pain in our lives, wrestle with His mysterious sovereignty that foresees all things, He stands ready to carry our burdens, all the anger and hurt. Just as His heart is open, He leans in to help us crack ours open, too. Nothing hidden. He doesn’t point the way for the sheep and meet up with us at the next destination. He walks every step. His leadership is perfect. –Anna P.S. Some of you have reached out from a distance to share how you’ve been feeling. Always feel free to hit reply and reach out. |
I am a singer, songwriter, wife, mother, Jesus follower. I send out a 2-minute read every Tuesday about Jesus and life in God.
Hi Friends, I’m in one of those marriages. You know the kind. One where my husband starts playing Christmas music the day after Halloween, and I am left dumbfounded that someone could so heedlessly skip right over the Thanksgiving season. Yes season! (I know about half of you are on team husband, but I press on.) I’m wanting to be more intentional this year about my thanks-giving. The cultivation of gratitude in my heart and life. And I’m starting this “thanks-giving” focus in an unusual...
Hi Friends, Sometimes the Holy Spirit sets up dominos. A string of happenings where when the last knocks over, you find it was aimed straight at your heart. He did that for me this weekend. But first, in bold is a chorus I’ve been singing about this, and below that are a few thoughts. Not somedayIn the futureRight now, these hands reaching in loveWholeheartedWithout measureI live and breathe for You, my God We were at a church this weekend where the congregation stands to hear the reading of...
Hi Friends, Sometimes you put something down on paper and it haunts you years later. The last few weeks, phrases from this writing has been nagging me. Like a song stuck in circling in my head that I can hum but can’t recall the words. I finally pulled it up to read it through, and want to share it with you today. Let’s start with a chorus I sang about the beauty of God. When I think I’ve seen it allWhen I think I know Your heartI find I’m only at the edgeOf where the beauty starts God is an...