Greetings!

I believe that sooner rather than later, you will come to realize that my mind does not operate in an ordered and linear way; I tend to meander [and not seamlessly] from one topic/subject to the next, even when in conversation with another, based on the thoughts or feelings that a word or phrase may trigger. Try as I might, I haven’t been able to regularize this peculiar penchant. So be warned, these posts will contain material occupying my mind and heart in the moment! I hope though, that because they are real to me, you will be able to extract from them, something to chew on, hopefully without indigestion, and receive some nourishment…strength for your own onward journey.

The days between last Monday and today, uncovered a variety of things to ponder. I told you last time that Advent was a favorite season of mine, because of the stillness it invites, upheld by a sense of anticipation that one can never adequately describe. So, rather than engaging in a redundant exercise, I will instead encourage your own pondering, of this anticipatory and hope-filled je ne se quoi, unfolding ironically now, amidst the differently difficult context of a pandemic with the related trauma of loss, fear and anxiety. Such pondering I daresay is like a lifeline, even when foolproof answers to life’s questions are neither immediate nor apparent.  What it does though, is kindle the flame of illumination within heart and mind, when Holy Spirit is welcomed into the tent of our world and given carte blanche license to have Her way.  

 Though gymnastic in some respects, my thoughts this week have somehow centered on the importance of light.  Words of my high school hymn – Light of the World from Whom all truth proceeding – flooded my mind and I found myself on more than one occasion, softly humming the tune [not yet full blown singing]. What continues to speak rather eloquently to me is the light from the solitary candle in my prayer room. I am fascinated by the warm glow that it casts, upon the almost pitch darkness of the five o’clock morning hour, but it is more than just that. There is with the light and aura it creates, a feeling of security, of being somehow…accompanied. It is within the safety of that enfolding warmth that I experience the freedom to listen and listening…I begin to hear. [Why does Isaiah’s experience at the beginning of Chapter 6 of his oracle come to mind?]

There seems to be so much darkness around today, not so much of an atmospheric, but more so the kind rooted in fear and a level of ignorance that becomes prime breeding ground for more of the same, in what seems like a vicious and never ending cycle. These days, it’s not uncommon to see people in positions of leadership [and this not restricted to politicians], whose visible trappings of power, make others salivate. Yet, often behind the veil of success…behind the brilliance of notable achievements, lay a lonely cavern, awaiting illumination…the sense of security…of being accompanied, that nothing owned, achieved or possessed, is able to provide. I have come to accept that open displays of bravado, experienced at times as arrogance, has an alter ego that is plain and simple fear and perhaps, a primary reason why today, here in Jamaica, many have lost hope in there ever being a realization of the vision of the true respect, justice and truth anticipated in our national anthem and pledge.

I guess what I am trying to convey is a word…an image in similar vein to that line from the 1974 hit song by the Chi-Lites that went ‘There will never be any peace until God is seated at the conference table.’ In other words, the way forward for us as a people and nation – for you and me, can and will only be made clear when we acknowledge the reality of our darkness and accept the fact that only in being connected to the ultimate source of light and power…that Being in whom, according to my high school hymn, all things had their beginning and shall at last find their end…will darkness and gloom be dispelled from our being and presence.

I end therefore, with The Voice translation’s rendering of John 8:12, which provides an excellent summary of the essence of today’s ramblings.  It declares…

I am the light that shines through the cosmos; if you walk with Me, you will thrive in the nourishing light that gives life and will not know darkness.

So until next Monday, may your journeys…within and without, be illuminated by Divine Light, that you may see clearly, the road that leads to Shalom.

Grace+