note to the Reader

Shadows of Love: Stories of life are but Shadows of Love

 
Editorial History:
This blog began late one Saturday evening, 03 July 2011 to be exact.  Already curiosity has grown within WordPress, throughout other associations of the worldwide web, and by word of mouth.  About that, I am very thankful and very excited.  Already curiosity is creeping along the grapevine of assumptions and vain imaginations.  About that, I am disappointed, though not surprised.  
 
For more than 20 years, I have been encouraged to do something with my writing.  One of the first memories of being recognized for my writing style came from submitting my application to a local college.  After reading my testimony, the one who was processing the application contacted me, asking me to share before a small group of teens in her country church.  As the years passed, there were other opportunities to share in small groups and with close friends.  One of the first memories of being recognized on a wider scale came from submitting my application to a nondenominational, multicultural missions agency.  After returning from a short-term missions outreach in the UK, I was given the opportunity to speak before a group at a missions prayer breakfast.  Much to my surprise, there were 200 or so in attendance; a notable pastor of world renown was sitting within an arms’ reach; the video camera was rolling; and the spotlights were focused.  Therein lies my 15 minutes of fame.
 
Of late, those who know me the best and love me the most have been most adamant about it.  I do not work, I am not married and I do not have children and/or pets.  Recent commitments in ministry have come to a close; my time is now free to use at my discretion.  In researching the journey of becoming a published author and becoming effective as a writer, I read again and again that blogging was a beginning point. 
 
So here we are, in the midst of Shadows of Love.  Just as stories of life include times of peace, comfort and pleasure as well as times of strife, longing and pain, so too will this blog include posts as such.  It is my desire that the posts here reflect the journey of life that is common to all.  Life is a journey and there is always movement and change, the end of one thing and the beginning of another.  There is meaning and purpose in everything that happens.  Throughout each day that we tarry on the earth, we are writing yet another page of the legacy we leave behind.  Throughout each day, the Lover is always pursuing His Beloved. 
 
 
Editorial Disclaimer:
Posts added to Shadows of Love may be inspired by:
  • songs I’ve heard
  • books I’ve read
  • conversations I’ve been part of or inadvertently been party to
  • dynamics in relationships I’ve witnessed or experienced
  • inspirations from the Word
  • posts from other blogs

Posts that are reblogs within WordPress will be as they are posted on the original site.  Quotes will be as correct as I know how to be.  Pages that are about the Author are simple straight forward facts.

Other posts are stories that reveal life, love and Truth in all its many facets.  Those stories are meant to be messages of faith, healing, hope, life, love, relationships and Truth. 

Most stories that are shared here may be, and most probably are, a combination of many things on that list above. Most stories that are shared here may be, and most probably are, a combination of things heard, read and experienced yet shared through characters who are a combination of people I’ve observed, I’ve read about or I’ve created. 

Unless specifically indicated, the posts themselves should not be considered autobiographical.  A search for the “real” characters of my posts may, and most probably will, lead to conclusions you wish to see and away from the message of the story.  By far, more profitable and appreciative uses can be had of your creativity and wisdom.  

If you share the posts, with integrity, refer back to Shadows of Love.

If you are encouraged by the posts, with kindness, add your comments.

If you are offended, irritated or worried by the posts or disagree with the posts, with maturity, add your comments.  After all, your opinion is as important as mine and I may learn something.

 

 

Recent Posts

Take My Hand And You Can Walk

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Raw feelings attacked all of us as if we had been covered with emotional pepper spray.  They were tired and fatigued, pushed beyond their limits.  She was in pain from a newly diagnosed infection; the prescribed antibiotics not yet having an impact.  And the other one, she was in pain from an old wound–rejection.

The other one walked in just as the emotional meltdown had reached its peak.  They directed her to retreat to her room to cry in isolation.  She was not aware that the other one had appeared.  They were tense and brittle, at their wits end.  The other one followed her down the hall and to her room.  She knew there was someone in the doorway and her wailing increased in volume.  When she looked up, she was taken aback and the fit was momentarily suspended.  The other one asked if she would come outside to play on the swing set.  She thought she would be forbidden; she knew she was “in trouble”.  She walked timidly past them with the other one.  The look on her face showed defiance.  The expression in her eyes revealed fear.

Outside the two got to work playing hard at the swing set.  The mood was lighthearted and silly one moment but serious and contemplative the next.  She had expected more incrimination and condemnation.  When the other one spoke different words than she expected, she grew quiet and filed away the information.

The other one took her off guard with, “When I heard that you were here, I came as quickly as I could.  Do you know why?”

“Why?” she asked.

“Because I like playing with you.”

She gave no response.  No response was needed but the message was received.

She tried repeatedly to get them to join her in the fun.  One of them did quickly; the other one did as well but slower.  The need for a tantrum had passed.   Her need to feel forgiven was only half met.

She and the other one followed the path of the flowers and the trees around to the front yard.  Flowers were inspected, noticing the differences between them.  Lady bugs were searched for but not found.  Ping-pong sized balls were tossed up in the air to watch them tumble down through the tree limbs.  As usual, she needed a moment of exploration with the other one’s cane, her head just inches above the handle.  The other one asked if she wanted to go check the mail.  She perked up at the idea.  The other one asked that she return the cane.

Instead, she shook her head negatively and said,

“Take my hand and you can walk.” 

The other one gave no response.  No response was needed but the message was received.  In companionable silence, a few steps were taken, hand-in-hand.  With spontaneous energy, she took off running across the yard but waited patiently by the post for the other one to catch up to her.

Hours later, the other one had said the final goodbyes and given the goodbye hugs.  She was in search of more adventures in playland as she rounded the corner toward the back yard and the swing set.  With spontaneous energy, she took off running toward the other one.  A special kiss and one more hug were necessary.  No response was needed but the message was received.

There are times when we need to hear the voice of Love saying to us,

“When I heard that you were here, I came as quickly as I could.  Because I like playing with you.”

There are times when we need to hear the voice of Love saying to us,

“Take My hand and you can walk.”

 

 

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