Beautiful essay. I love the simplicity in your reply to your kiddo about praying about the wind. You can ask, but you must be content if God says no. It's simple, but not easy ❤️
From a writerly perspective, it's one of your best pieces, with the form (diction, structure, syntax, imagery) a perfect servant to the message. With the placement of certain lines you were able to say so much in so few words, and so powerfully.
From a faith perspective... well, I really said, "Oh... Oh wow" every couple of paragraphs, moved almost to tears while reading in a public setting.
> "severity I need, for my heart sleeps in forgetfulness of His love: a love so fierce it demands all of me because all of me needs Him."
> "God is not destroying me; He is atoning for me."
Extremely convicting, yet not scathing; urging repentance, yet not reproachful. There are many essays that get me thinking but don't exactly get me praying; this one makes me want to seek the Lord all the more fervently this Lent.
I also love getting a peek into the Lutheran tradition through your writing, and I was totally unaware of the details of the ashes tradition. The resources at the end are great, too.
Wow Hope, thanks for such a thoughtful and generous comment. The piece was scribbled in my journal throughout that day last year. Funny how sometimes the unsuspecting writing can shine.
Grateful to hear it could be beneficial to you in this season.
Beautiful essay. I love the simplicity in your reply to your kiddo about praying about the wind. You can ask, but you must be content if God says no. It's simple, but not easy ❤️
Leah, this essay shines.
From a writerly perspective, it's one of your best pieces, with the form (diction, structure, syntax, imagery) a perfect servant to the message. With the placement of certain lines you were able to say so much in so few words, and so powerfully.
From a faith perspective... well, I really said, "Oh... Oh wow" every couple of paragraphs, moved almost to tears while reading in a public setting.
> "severity I need, for my heart sleeps in forgetfulness of His love: a love so fierce it demands all of me because all of me needs Him."
> "God is not destroying me; He is atoning for me."
Extremely convicting, yet not scathing; urging repentance, yet not reproachful. There are many essays that get me thinking but don't exactly get me praying; this one makes me want to seek the Lord all the more fervently this Lent.
I also love getting a peek into the Lutheran tradition through your writing, and I was totally unaware of the details of the ashes tradition. The resources at the end are great, too.
Thank you for writing and sharing!
Wow Hope, thanks for such a thoughtful and generous comment. The piece was scribbled in my journal throughout that day last year. Funny how sometimes the unsuspecting writing can shine.
Grateful to hear it could be beneficial to you in this season.
Edifying writing!