29 January 2015

born to bear

waiting in line
to receive a blanket
she not quite able to stand 
straight after countless years
of heavy work that begins
in early girlhood
carrying small loads
upon the head
developing neck strength
and courage

some weeks ago
before the storms
I woke with the words
African women 
are born
to bear burdens

the evidence is clear
in the way they tend to
children, families
in the way they love
in the way they pray
in the way they remain 
standing
still

 Be prepared. 
You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. 
Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, 
so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.  

 

20 January 2015

Reaching Out in a Crisis

The rainy season was late in Malawi but when it arrived it came with a vengeance.  Newly planted fields are washed clean.  Few homes have escaped damage with hundreds completely fallen to the ground.  There are at least two more months of rain ahead so disastrous effects are expected to continue.

The needs are vast.  It would be easy to be swept away by alternating waves of compassion and frustration at the inability to attend to every need.
I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do. 
Helen Kelller
The OM Malawi team is working to provide both immediate and long term practical assistance and spiritual support to people they already minister to and others.  Currently assessing the situation, the first steps are the distribution of maize and blankets, offering nourishment and warmth; and work on securing houses that are still standing.  Some of these precarious houses are sheltering up to three and four families as people who have lost their homes are staying with relatives.  

Much more intensive work awaits after the rains as OM Malawi makes plans to help in the building of permanent houses, restoring both homes and lives.

19 January 2015

eyes to see

I have given you eyes to see
but I ask that you submit them to Me
that I may sanctify, clarify and highlight
where I want you to focus
 
There is much that swirls around you
that you need not pay heed to
Will you choose
to see only what I want to show you
hear only what I want to tell you
and feel only those things I choose?
Then you are truly mine
empty, usable to serve My purposes
 
If the world is offended
remember you are Mine
and not of the world

11 January 2015

wait

When you feel lost, little one
think of how much time 
you have wandered from My presence
you have no sense of direction 
without Me
you have no strength
without Me
for this is how I created you
to need me for every step

walking alone, in your own power
you wither and fade
faint in body, mind and spirit

I Am calling you back
to My Word
to My heart
stop trying to run
trying to walk
trying to crawl
before first being still
in Me
wait…


Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding. He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.  
Isaiah 40:28-31 Amplified