Father, Daughter; Love, Beloved. Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 1 John 3:1a See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. Identity is everything. Throughout our lives, we struggle with this idea. From the early years of toddlerhood, where we begin to understand ourselves in relationship to others; to the teenage years of figuring out who we are and what friend groups we feel part of; to the 20’s and the searching for vocation and spouses; to the mid-life years of once again questioning what our meaning is in life; to the older years of refiguring out what life looks like without family in home or occupations, we search to know who we really are and how we fit into the world around us and what defines us. So often, growing up, I lived and made decisions in an attempt to make sure that I was God’s child. Putting a high priority on righteous action, I was afraid that I might one day be too fa
A major chord rings out in strength. Root note, the third, and fifth. It’s followed now by other ones, The chords it is joined with. Familiar notes, familiar sounds, The chords are calm and full One chord, the next, the song moves on, Its sounds predictable. As peaceful chords continue on, A growing sense is felt That something more is coming soon The music grows and swells. Then in a sudden turn of hand, Fifth note moves up half step. The smallest change, a little shift, But with it chords augment. The sound of song is different now, There’s pain inside the chords. Yet in the pain that’s present there, It rings of something more. One note is lifted higher up, the sadness echoes strong. Yet in the lifting, also heard a sound of pressing on. And why would it be otherwise? Why not this pain, yet hope? We know the story that it tells That trouble brings forth growth. Augment