#LENT: Flexibility Grooves

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Virginia

As more and more restrictions limit our activities it would be easy to gripe and grumble. No church. No movie theaters. No museums. No libraries. No working from the office. No eating out at restaurants. No going out (or as little as possible.)

It’s a good time to get our flexibility grooves on. Instead of thinking about what we can’t do, try looking around for what we can do.

On Monday my brother and I took a long walk on the trail behind our neighborhood. We saw 16 turtles sunning themselves in one of of the ponds. Sixteen! (A mother and her 3 children near us counted 24, but we just saw 16. It’s still an impressive number.)

Flexibility is the opposite of rigidity, the inability to change and adapt. When our hearts are rigid inside, there’s no room for God’s love to mold and change us.When whirlwind challenges come, rigid hearts often fall and break.

Like this tree @ Windsor Castle Park (Smithfield, VA)

Our faith journeys are not static, but ever evolving as we get to know God better. As more of God’s love fills us, the more flexible we become as conduits of God’s love to ourselves and others. “A bruised reed God will not break…” (Isaiah 42:3)

When storms arise we can break, or we can bend with the wind keeping our hearts rooted in God’s mercy and grace no matter how far we fall.

Like this tree @ Windsor Castle Forest that has fallen, but is still growing and reflecting ever so beautifully in the inlet.

Here’s more about getting our flexibility grooves on from one of my favorite writers:

“Flexibility is a great virtue. When we are not willing to let our hearts be moved, we may easily be broken. Being like wild reeds does not mean being wishy-washy. It means moving a little with the winds while remaining solidly anchored in the ground. A humorless, intense, opinionated rigidity about current issues might cause them to break our spirits and make us bitter people. Let’s be flexible while being deeply rooted.”   Henri Nouwen

grace, peace & flexibility grooves

Virginia : )

Posted in Lent | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

COVID-19 Close to Home

Posted on March 18, 2020 by Virginia

Over the last few months our hearts and prayers have been with those affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus around the world. The high death toll and medical challenges in China and Italy have been particularly heartbreaking to see in the news.

But now this dreaded coronavirus is in the U.S. Not just in big cities like Seattle, which has seen double digit-deaths, but also here where I live in James City County, located in the Tidewater region of Virginia.

On Friday our county declared a state of emergency after 7 cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed, including a teacher’s assistant in one of our elementary schools.

On Saturday a gentleman in James City County died from COVID-19 related respiratory distress, the first coronavirus death in the state of Virginia (may his soul R.I.P.) His case was from “unknown sources” which means there is community spread here. As of Tuesday there are 12 confirmed cases in our county – one of the highest numbers in our state tied with Fairfax, a county of 1 million+ in Northern Virginia.

We are a smallish county of 76,000 compared to Fairfax and populous municipalities in our state. Virginians in big cities are wondering why our county has been hit so hard by the COVID-19 coronavirus.

James City County may be small, but we are part of a hospitable tourist town that hosts over 1 million visitors every year. Folks come from all over the world to visit Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown (site of the 1st English settlement in 1607), Busch Gardens, and a host of nearby touristy places.

The College of William and Mary, one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the U.S. (Thomas Jefferson went there back in the day), hosts a wide array of vibrant activities and international visitors.

This area is also highly sought after for retirement with a plethora of gated residential communities and 15 senior living communities. Lots of these well-heeled retirees enjoy international travel.

The emergency response from our state, district and county authorities has been swift.

Universities, schools, libraries, museums, tourist areas, churches, and businesses – most everything here is closed to curb the spread of COVID-19.

But, some folks are complaining and not taking the threat seriously.

This is not the flu. It spreads exponentially, that’s why large gatherings across every sector in the U.S. have been cancelled at the cost of billions. While most of us will survive COVID-19 without much difficulty, the vulnerable in our community will not.

The vulnerable include young and old with autoimmune challenges, asthma, and the precious elderly in our midst. Staying in and not allowing this coronavirus to spread protects them.

Missing my precious Mama and Papa, it hurts my heart to hear folks disrespecting the elderly. But it’s not just the elderly who are vulnerable. There are young people on ventilators in Italy right now gasping for their lives.

That’s why we must do our part not just by washing our hands, but also helping calloused hearts wash away prejudice and indifference to the vulnerable.

There’s never been a time when what we do – or not do – can so affect others.

“Whatever you have done for the least of these, you have done for Me.” Jesus

So what can we do?

+Follow public health guidelines from state and local leaders. While I disagree with one or two political policies of Ralph Northam, the governor of Virginia, for such times as these it is reassuring to have an accomplished medical doctor as our leader.

+ Practice social distancing. Avoid groups of 10 or more. Stay in as much as possible. Work from home. Order takeout from restaurants (avoid dining out.) Sanitize hands with 60%+ alcohol based sanitizer or (even better) 20 seconds with soap and water. Clean counters, doorknobs and high use objects with Clorox wipes and disinfectant sprays.

+Stock up on supplies like love, hope, peace and compassion.

+Open pocketbooks to help those who can’t get to daily wage jobs, children without school lunches, local foodbanks, and groups that help the vulnerable.

+Pick up groceries and supplies for elderly and vulnerable friends and neighbors.

+Reach out to friends who may feel isolated and alone stuck at home.

+Support small businesses by ordering things online.

+Support local health workers and medical professionals in every way possible.

+Support scientists and medical researchers seeking a cure and vaccine.

+Wash our hands (once again.)

+PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! & LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

“Care is being with, crying out with, suffering with, feeling with. Care is compassion. It is claiming the truth that the other person is my brother or sister, human, mortal, vulnerable, like I am.”  Henri Nouwen

grace, peace & compassionate LOVE

Virginia

Posted in Lent, Life (in general) | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

A Prayer & Blessing for Saint Patrick’s Day

Posted on March 17, 2020 by Virginia

A blessed Saint Patrick’s Day to one and all. If you would welcome a chuckle from a previous post about one of Virginia’s most hilarious Saint Patrick’s Days, click here – Saint Patrick’s Day FUN!

Today as we celebrate the life of Saint Patrick and all things Irish, here is one of his prayers to calm our hearts amidst the challenging current context.

A Prayer of Saint Patrick

“Permit us not, O Lord, to hear Your Word in vain. Convince us of its truth, cause us to feel its power and bind us to Yourself with cords of faith and hope and love that never shall be broken.

We bind to ourselves today, You our God:

Your power to hold us,
Your hand to guide us,
Your eye to watch us,
Your ear to hear us,
Your wisdom to teach us,
Your word to give us speech,
Your presence to defend us,

This day and every day;

In the Name of the blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
To whom be the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory, forever and forever.

Amen.”

An Irish Blessing

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

grace, peace & Irish prayers (Sláinte!)

Virginia : )

Posted in Lent | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

#LENT: Amy Carmichael & Immortal Flowers

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Virginia

My Mama absolutely loved Amy Carmichael (1867 – 1951), an Irish Protestant missionary who served in India for 55 years. As founder of the Dohnavur Fellowship, Amy rescued young girls from sex trafficking and established a safe home and sanctuary for them in Tamil Nadu. Calling her “Amma” (“mother” in Tamil language), the young girls said the reason they stayed: “Amma loves us.”

A terrible fall in 1931 left Amy Carmichael mostly bedridden for the last 20 years of her life. Pain and physical limitations did not deter her. She remained active in the ministry from her bedside at Dohnavur and wrote more than 16 inspirational books.

My Mama treasured her many books, poems, and stories about her life. Mama’s favorite Amy Carmichael book, “Rose From Brier,” was written with letters Amy sent to others suffering illness and pain, sharing from the depths of her own experience.

A few months after Mama passed I went on an 8-day silent retreat at the Jesuit Center in Wernersville, PA. It seemed like she was winking from Heaven when I found this Amy Carmichael book on a shelf in the library.

A book from one of the most famous Protestant missionaries, but not only that — Mama’s favorite – in a Jesuit Catholic library!

These words seemed to jump off the page as I copied them out in my journal, so here they are for you on this Lenten Monday:

“Before the winds that blow do cease,

Teach me to dwell within Thy calm:

Before the pain has passed in peace,

Give me, my God, to sing a psalm.

Let me not lose the chance to prove

The fullness of enabling love.

 Before I leave the desert land

For meadows of immortal flowers,

Lead me where streams at Thy command

Flow by the borders of the hours,

That when the thirsty come, I may

Show them the fountains in the way.

(Amy Carmichael, Rose from Brier)

grace, peace & immortal flowers

Virginia : )

“God does not measure grace out in teaspoons.” Amy Carmichael

Posted in Lent | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

MAMA: Occasions of Joy

Posted on March 15, 2020 by Virginia

March is a month of remembrances for my family: Papa’s passing on March 8th, Mama’s birthday on March 15th, and their anniversary on March 17th.

Today Mama would have turned 85. We were so blessed to celebrate her 80th birthday three months before she died, an occasion of great joy.

Mama on her 80th with my sister, Shere

This week as my younger brother, Dwight, and I discussed Mama’s birthday we remembered her love and many occasions of joy. Although our family weathered our share of tough times, Mama’s faithful love left a big legacy of joy in our hearts.

Another occasion of joy (Dwight, Shere & Mama)

She took such tender care of our Papa, who was a quadriplegic for 28 years of their 58 year marriage. From a wheelchair to his last 12 years completely bedfast, Mama steadfastly looked after him. Serving tirelessly as his hands and feet, she always did it with a smile!

Mama & Papa on their 50th

Mama faced many challenges, but she chose to be joyful. The last few years of their lives, she and Papa set aside time every Sunday afternoon to go through hymns. They memorized the words of a hymn and then would sing it together. During stressful times Mama and Papa often joyously sang these hymns for comfort and consolation.

Mama & Papa, singing & snuggling

Mama delighted in so many things. She loved bluebirds, violins, music, flowers (especially gardenias), and she really loved CHOCOLATE (something my sisters, nieces and I inherited from her.)

Taking Mama out for treats at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, she was always up for the challenge of their SOGNO DI CIOCCOLATA…

 ” A CHOCOLATE DREAM”…

An occasion of JOY!

One of Mama’s cards that I use as a bookmark (and see every day) has an apt message for this Sunday in Lent. Sent to me when I worked in a Middle Eastern conflict zone, she said,

“God has brought you through ‘many a danger’ there. May His wonderful grace and great love continue to be your companions as you finish your course – running well to the end.”

Mama finished her course, running well to the end with a legacy of love and many occasions of joy we treasure in our hearts.

HaPpY BIRTHDAY, MAMA!

grace, peace & joy

Virginia : )

“Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Posted in Lent, Life (in general) | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

A Song for Saturday

Posted on March 14, 2020 by Virginia

With all the challenges we are facing, today here is one of Virginia’s favorite gospel songs that has been a great comfort in times of stress.

(Email readers, you know the drill – click to Roses website for a listen…)

His Eye is on the Sparrow

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain:
I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

(Lyrics: Civilla D. Martin; Music: Charles H. Gabriel)

grace, peace & sparrows

Virginia : )

p.s. Virginia is praying for all those suffering from the COVID-19 coronavirus around the world and across the U.S. She also appreciates prayers for our community here in Virginia (the state.) Yesterday James City County (where blogger Virginia lives) declared a state of emergency. With 7 confirmed cases of coronavirus COVID-19 (including a teacher’s assistant at a local elementary school) as of Friday our small town county leads the state of Virginia in number of cases. Let not the shadows come, for “His Eye Is On the Sparrow!”

Posted in Lent, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

#LENT: Grace under Pressure

Posted on March 13, 2020 by Virginia

“On the day I called You, You answered me. You made me strong and brave.” Psalm 138:3

“When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.” Peter Marshall

grace, peace & brave diamonds*

Virginia : )

*Diamonds referring to us, as we are made strong and brave by God’s grace under pressure. (Virginia has no pictures of diamonds since she has nary a one. She is more of an emerald and amethyst gal, so today this Baltimore oriole birdie photographed two weeks ago @ the Virginia Beach Aquarium will have to do!)

Posted in Lent, Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

DON’T PANIC!!

Posted on March 12, 2020 by Virginia

It’s hard not to panic with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading across the globe at an alarming rate. Responsive measures are in process here in the U.S.  As more cases manifest, universities (like UVA and William & Mary yesterday) are opting for students to go home and finish their semesters online. Conferences and sporting events have been cancelled. It’s hard to find disinfectant wipes anywhere in stores. Whole shelves of supplies are completely empty.

Like I said, it would be easy right now to panic. But, here’s the thing about Lent, about our faith. No matter what scary thing looms on our horizon (or continues scaring us from the past), God is with us – always. God’s grace will help us deal with whatever may come, and whatever we’ve come through.

So, there’s no reason to panic. Just ‘sayin, one more time:

DON’T PANIC!!

grace, peace & panic-free zones

Virginia : )

“When we are feeling sad, when it feels like everything is going wrong, we should remember: God loves me. God never abandons me.”  Pope Francis

Posted in Lent | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

#LENT : (a little more) Patience

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Virginia

Patience is never easy, especially for impatient redheads…

…and perky warblers who don’t stay still for very long.

“Patience is most perfect when it is less mixed up with anxiety and worry.” Padre Pio

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your imperfections, but set about remedying them – every day begin the tasks anew.”  Saint Francis de Sales

grace, peace & (a little more) patience

Virginia : )

Photos: @ the Virginia Beach Aquarium

Posted in Lent | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Openness to New Paths (courage required!)

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Virginia

Sometimes it’s easy to manage our hearts with what is expedient and “safe.” We listen attentively in church on Sundays and say our daily prayers, but we’re not open to doing anything new. Not really.

No matter how much God may be nudging our hearts, we have barricaded our courage in closets of fear – maybe without even realizing it.

Why not open our hearts to walking new pathways with God this Lent?

“Are we open to God’s surprises? Or are we closed and fearful before the newness of the Holy Spirit? Do we have the courage to strike out along the new paths which God’s newness sets before us, or do we resist, barricaded in transient structures which have lost their capacity for openness to what is new?”    Pope Francis

grace, peace & New Things

Virginia : )

p.s. Photos: Hocking Hills, Ohio

Posted in Lent | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments