Just because the race is over for me does not mean that I will not keep sending you things as they come to mind. I may need to take a little time off from running this week, but I will still be posting... (because the race is not over for you- it has just begun....)
This came in my inbox this morning and the picture was profound in thinking about God carrying you two through the suffering. The reflection below written by this Japanese artist has some good things to say too, but mostly it's the picture that speaks to me as I think about your story.
With my sore body hobbling around today, I am reminded of how sore you two are too- physically and emotionally. Praying for strength for you today and for you to have the assurance of God carrying you.
The Path Shown by Trouble
This came in my inbox this morning and the picture was profound in thinking about God carrying you two through the suffering. The reflection below written by this Japanese artist has some good things to say too, but mostly it's the picture that speaks to me as I think about your story.
With my sore body hobbling around today, I am reminded of how sore you two are too- physically and emotionally. Praying for strength for you today and for you to have the assurance of God carrying you.
ArtWay Visual Meditation June 22, 2014
Soichi Watanabe: God Carrying Us
The Path Shown by Trouble
by Soichi Watanabe
Even to your old age I am he,
even when you turn grey I will carry you.
I have made, and I will bear;
I will carry and will save.
Isaiah 46:4
My hometown of Ishinomaki was damaged immensely by the tsunami in East Japan in 2011. My mother was living alone on the hill area of Hiyoriyama. She lost many of her close friends and relatives. Her distress in her loss made her dementia grow worse. Last February she entered a nursing home. Until now I was unable to support her and so were my teachers and friends. This causes me great pain. The Big Earthquake, the tsunami and the accidents with the nuclear plant in Fukushima continue to trouble me deeply even now.
Chapters 40-55 of Isaiah are called the second Isaiah. They contain the prophecies about the release of the Israelites from slavery in Babylon. During their suffering Isaiah told them about the promise of their return to their homeland. He told them to depend on the God who made all things, who made us and will carry us when we turn grey, the God who will save us. He also repeatedly warned them never to depend on idols. The Japanese people were told that nuclear power plants were economical and safe. That was inaccurate. Everything made by humans is imperfect, however excellent. It may cause unexpected accidents and loss.
Isaiah asked, ‘What is the meaning of suffering?’ He answered that we experience suffering so that we may be able to see the right path. Humans still have a lot to learn. In Japan we were exposed to radiation three times.
Isaiah asked, ‘What is the meaning of suffering?’ He answered that we experience suffering so that we may be able to see the right path. Humans still have a lot to learn. In Japan we were exposed to radiation three times.
Last Christmas our choir sang ‘The Desert Shall Rejoice’, based on Isaiah 35:1-5. As I sang this song, my thoughts went back to the disaster area. ‘The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom.’ My heart was moved deeply and filled with encouragement.
Jesus said to his disciples, ‘In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’ (John 16:33).
Jesus said to his disciples, ‘In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’ (John 16:33).
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