Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Loss sprouts new life...


We've all experienced it … "Loss."

The pain associated with one’s personal loss is measured by the “value” of what was taken away – for some, the unimaginable! The loss of a loved one. For others, a job, marriage, dreams and yes … even hope.

One thing is for certain when faced with loss. It will surface the “Top Five Ws” in our hearts: “Who, What, When, Where & Why?”

Pulling some thoughts from Elisabeth Elliot’s book, “The Path of Loneliness,” Chapter 10 – “Death Is a New Beginning.”

“Loneliness is one kind of ‘dying’ most of us learn about sooner or later. Far from being ‘bad’ for us, a hindrance to spiritual growth, it may be the means of unfolding spiritual ‘blossoms’ hitherto enfolded. The full-blown beauty of the wild rose, its very ‘fulfillment’, depends on its continuously dying and living again. The death of the seed that falls into the ground produces a new cycle of life-the fresh little shoot, the full stalk, the bud the flower. The flower must die in order to produce the fruit. The fruit dies to allow the seed to fall once again into the ground. The seed dies & there is a ‘new beginning.’ Nothing is ever wasted. In God’s economy, whether He is making a flower or human soul, nothing ever comes to nothing. The losses are His way of accomplishing the gains.”

It’s important to remember God’s promises when we are faced with loss…He has not forgotten us…There is a purpose in all of it! Rest in God’s omniscience...

Isaiah 61:11 “For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.”

Friday, February 4, 2011

Life lessons learned at 8,700 feet...

Modified (benediction) lyrics to Edelweiss:

"May the Lord, mighty God,
Bless and keep you forever.

Grant you peace, perfect peace,

Courage in every endeavor.

Lift your eyes and see His face,
And His grace forever.

May the Lord, mighty God,

Bless and keep you forever."


The Edelweiss is an Alpine flower whose German name means "Noble White." The botanical name for this plant is Leontopodium, meaning “Lion’s Paw,” and that’s exactly what it looks like! Throughout history the iconic Edelweiss symbolized courage, truth & hope in a tumultuous world…

Its deep fibrous roots and felt-like leaves protect it in the most climatic extremes – drought, ravaging winds and intense UV sunrays. It prefers to grow in rocky limestone as high as 8,700 ft. in altitude. Basically, the most inaccessible place a flower can grow!

I can’t help but wonder how such a beautiful white flower not just blooms, but survives in the most extreme conditions???

It doesn’t make sense to me, but then again, God’s ways are higher. I’ve been reflecting on Isaiah 55:10- 12 whenever I think about this flower…

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”

Whatever season you may find yourself in, I hope you find comfort when you think of Edelweiss…The color white itself represents purity, righteousness, joy, light, and a white horse symbolizes victory. Sound familiar???

“Edelweiss, Edelweiss
Every morning you greet me

Small and white,

clean and bright

You look happy to meet me.

Blossom of snow

may you bloom and grow,

Bloom and grow forever.
Edelweiss, Edelweiss
Bless my homeland forever.”