Family Photo Friday- Handsome Couple

These are my maternal grandparents probably very soon after they were married. I really like this picture. Such a sharp couple. :)

Honest thoughts on this Easter

Those who've followed the blog over the years may remember that I try to be especially mindful during holy week. But this year I am just wrecked out.

To make a long story short, the last month has been one of crisis at my church. Watching this play out and talking to many of those involved, trying to understand has only led me to believe Satan has won a battle and we have lost sight of our First Love.

So forgive me today when I can't rejoice. For Christians this is the day that marks ultimate victory over evil and death, and I so desperately want to be glad in that, but I can't.

Maundy Thursday was especially difficult as I reflected on the Last Supper of Christ with his disciples and remembered his prayer for unity in the church then and to come. I feel such a weight of guilt as we have mocked this prayer in our actions and divisiveness.

This morning I cried through most of church as I looked around and so many people I love were missing. I am so hurt. Although this is a day of joy and victory, I feel sad and defeated. I'm still back there on Black Friday, grieving the pain and price of sin.

And I think it's okay. I believe that God will redeem this situation and all those involved and effected. I believe there will be a day of victory where I will rejoice at the light that God has called from the darkness.

So maybe rather than victory, today I will celebrate hope.

Family Photo Friday- Smirk

This is my paternal grandmother, Mary. I don't know when this picture was taken. I love the little smirk on her face. So gorgeous. Still beautiful.

Growing up

And how I long to see the picture finished,
Painted as a perfect portrait
Void of all the mysteries of my life.
-Audra Lynn, "Cross"

But sometimes it's good to see how we grow, step by step. There's beauty in and of itself to be found there.

Family Photo Friday- Lighthearted

I'm not sure, but I think this is my maternal great-grandmother, Lena.

I really hope this is her.

She was a woman who endured quite a bit of heartache that she carried for many years, and all I can say is that I hope this joy is hers.

You keep using that word

You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means. -Inigo Montoya

Leadership.

Authority.

Submission.

Success.

Failure.

Trust.

------

What looks like failure is success
And what looks like poverty is riches
When what is true looks more like a knife
It looks like you’re killing me
But you’re saving my life

What looks like weakness can do anything
And what looks like foolishness is understanding
When what is powerful has not come to fight
It looks like you’re going to war
But you lay down your life

Derek Webb, "What is Not Love"