HEARTBREAK TO HOPE!

Legitimate reasons for lament can bring darkness into one's life....even in the midst of the joy of the Christmas season.

Dark clouds require deep mercy, as Mark Vroegop says.This morning as I jot notes for my "dear to my heart," cousin Joy's funeral, I am asking for that mercy. Lament is pain that can lead to trust. May my time in His word lead me to that today.

Lament tunes the heart so it can sing about trust. (Vroegop, p. 82)

I am still struggling. "How long O Lord?" (Psalm 13:1) 

Help me to discover the grace of "lament" during this dark time.

May this lament fuel my faith.

May I place my broken heart in God's hands today and lean into the hope only He can give.

As I remember Brenda Joyce Davenport Tanley at her funeral, may my words offer hope. Others my call her Joyce but ever since childhood, she's been "my Joy."

Transform me, O Lord that others might see Christ in me, the hope of glory! For in your presence is fullness of joy and pleasures  forever more. (Psalm 16:11)

DANCE IS STILL A CHOICE!

Dance can be a divisive topic. Physically. Socially. Spiritually  

Dance has certainly changed physically and socially through the years. 

Some folks can be dismissive of dance as one ages and choose to sit out.

When people think you're too old to learn new tricks (steps)....take a "tap" class or Zumba Gold and show 'em! ) or not!

What about spiritual? Again, choices vary.

Certain congregation participants refuse to clap or raise hands within their sanctuary, regardless of the music that plays---hymns or praise songs. Others dance in the aisles. Not wrong, just different. 

Dancing is mentioned in the Bible and used in the OT as a means of worship. 

Read a few Bible verses and decide for yourself.

In 2 Samuel 6:14, "David dances before the Lord with all his might," an example of surrender to his Maker

"Let them praise his name with dancing..."(Psalm 149:3)

Psalm 150 includes ways of praising the Lord with trumpet, harp, lyre and dance, along with other instruments.

"...there is a time to dance." (Ecclesiastes 3:4)

Lamentations 5:15 illustrates, joy leaving our hearts when dancing has turned to mourning.

When you get the choice to sit it out or dance....DANCE! 

That would be my choice. What's yours?

 

Dance is still a choice....no answer is right or wrong, just different.