Tonight, I picked up several books that I haven't read for awhile and skimmed through them. Some fiction, some poetry and prose, some self-help, etc...I find that every once in awhile, changing the format and cycle of your reading habits is very helpful and healthy. I tend to read deep, theological, very mind-intensive books, and while this is a good thing, sometimes God can use the strangest and simplest things to speak to you. Like tonight. I was reading "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison. Through the lens of black existentialism, overcoming oppresion, and finding hope, it is a well written book with a great story. At one point in the story, the narrator is having a conversation with a character named Barrelhouse, and a certain portion of the text just jumped out at me and really got my attention:
"Times are hard everywhere. But what's been going on up here, Barrel?"
"Oh you know how it is, Brother; things are tight and lots of folks...got...lost...You know how it goes."
"You mean people in our organization?"
"Quite a few of them are. Fellows like Brother Maceo."
"But why? They were doing all right."
"Sure they was-as long as you people was fighting for 'em. But the minute y'all stopped, they started throwing folks out on the street."
Such is life, right? We're fine when everyones together, when we have each other's back. When we have someone fighting for us, on our side. It brings hope, its instills confidence. It is the reason that Christ is the only true peace and hope there is. Because we all do it at one time or another. Abandon a friend, desert a loved one in need. We let someone down, and the world throws them out on the street. They get lost. To quote Barrelhouse, "You know how it goes." Really? Thats it? That's just the way it is, and we are supposed to act like it's a normal expected, everyday thing? Why? Because we put our hopes in things that will let us down everytime for sake of convenience. For false security. For acceptance. But we get thrown out every time. First of all, as a body of believers in Christ, we should take this to heart and never stop fighting for each other. Or any human being for that matter. They are souls that need love, and if we don't show them Truth and true love, aren't we the ones really throwing them out on the street? And secondly, what do we do when we find ourselves cold and lonely, thrown out, and alone on the street corner? Is God still there? Why is He so distant? Why is this happening? I'll end with a piece of poetry I came across tonight. From Bradley Hathaway. Who is he? I dont know. Some skater-punk looking kid that needs a haircut. But his heart is the same as every man, woman, or child that has ever walked this earth. Searching. Listen to this...
"Silence"
What's happening here?
I was once alive
and
now
I'm so full of dread
And almost dead
Show me your wounded head
That has led
To communion
with the Father
But WHERE
did He go?
His presence seems
Farther
and
Farther
away
each
day
But I'm trying so hard
to steer His way
yet still lonely
and confused
on this
COLD
HARD
GROUND
I LAY
Speak to me with wise mouth and say
"It's all good, kid
It's nothing that YOU did
and though it feels like
I'm not with you right NOW
JUST BE STILL
and listen
for that
sound..."
(did you hear it?)
Listen again.
DID YOU HEAR IT?
That silent voice that just spoke nothing?
THAT is ME!
I'm listening to your plea
with open ears
COUNTING ALL YOUR TEARS
Flowing from your
irritated eyes
SEARCHING the skies.
LOOKING FOR THAT
HOPE
that beyong there lies.
You yound worrisome sparrow,
FIND REST
Lay your TATTERED
HEAD upon my
omnipotent breast
and make it
your nest.
no STRONG
COLD
WIND
Could ever blow
and carry you
from this
your home.
LOOK AROUND
SEE THE LIFE
Springing up from the ground?
Spring colors springing forth
in celebration
of your trusting
It's a constant PROCESS
this is
GROWING you into the person
you are to become
And when you sense the setting of the sun
Know that it's only rising and has just begun.
NOW GO FORTH
Sing songs
of faith!
Lift up others in the midst of this race
And if you CANT keep the pace
or lose sight of my face
Know that I'm always near so you NEED NOT FEAR.
(but don't worry all of them or that right now.)
Just sit here
and enjoy the peace I have to offer
in My silence.
When I am silent
I am listening.
and not abandoning.
I loved it. And my heart needed this tonight. I hope this spoke to yours as well...keep fighting for one another. Keep the faith. Love one another. Times are hard everywhere...
