PARADOXICAL

My ways are harsh and soothing
My yoke is bitter and sweet
My paths are winding and straight
My Words are of fear and of love

I bring drought before the deluge
pain before deliverance
sickness before healing
hunger before nourishment

for it is in thirsting
that you seek my life-giving water
it is in grieving
that your soul is cleansed

it is in pain
that I draw you close to Me
it is in loneliness
that you seek Me to love

go forth and teach others then
of My cruelty and My kindness
My storm before the lull
My hell and My paradise

it is in suffering and in grief
that My kingdom comes to you
it is in sharing My cross
that you find salvation

eastwind [pp01]

**
I empty your body so I can fill your soul
I make you poor so I can enrich you
I burn your home so you can seek My shelter
I make you sick so you can seek My healing

I make you wander in the desert so you can find My path
I bring darkness so you can seek My light
I give deliverance only after pain
I am the Hound of Heaven in search of lost souls

first I sanctify you by sharing My cross
then I make all things beautiful all in My time

eastwind

**
be reverent to the poor and powerless
if they are right and you are wrong
that is the measure of humility

be defiant to the rich and powerful
if they are wrong and you are right
that is the measure of courage

humility holds in awe the good in small people
courage fights the evil in powerful people
be as gentle as the dove and as wise as the serpent

eastwind

posted by Resty Odon  # 8:24 PM