your new name: Not Alone

This world is aching. It has turned black and blue with the abuse of the Genesis decision.
Death comes and lingers, taking it's time. Or it strikes suddenly, unexpected.
Wounds long since forgotten are reopened with a single statement.
Grief washes over. Its tides ebb and flow with tears that fall.
Change lurches forward as nails dig in trying to cling to all that has been, that is known.

Here you are. I see you.
Mascara runs on pale cheeks, eyes avoiding a poignant stare.
Body weak and wrapped in warm layers to comfort externally what is beneath.
Here I am. Do you see me?

Not alone.
My dear, that is the new name I want you to claim - Not Alone.
There are those that walk before you. They call back and sing of what is to come.
There are those that are not here yet. To them you get to reach out a hand in time.
There are those here in this moment. Look in to their eyes. They are not going anywhere.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

If that is all you can hear right now amidst the noise and clamor of your own mind, then please focus in and whisper it to yourself. As you drive in the dark and you feel absolutely overcome, defeated - look for the light. Whether it's the flash of headlights drawing near or the glow of a shop window, let that remind you of this.

Sit right there, open your hands. Hold grief in one and this Truth in the other. They can coexist. Don't fear the power of your sadness, but don't underestimate the healing that is possible. Enter in to each moment, whether it be with tears or laughter, and allow yourself to simply be.

and remember you are Not Alone.

an open letter: here we have hope

photocred to http://byemmafaye.com/

"...rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep..." -romans 12:15

Dear friends,

Knowing you has taught me much - much of love, laughter, rest, struggle, authenticity, & trust. I came here unsure about who I would spend my days with, worried about doing life alone. Man did Jesus decide to show off His provision in providing me with you.

As I sat tonight and heard the lines Jesus has been writing in your life lately - I was overcome with this deep feeling of Hope. Hope because I know that You call Him Friend, that you know Him as your Abba Father, and look to Him as Lord of your life. And that all of those titles are true not just in name but in action of who He is. That Savior, that King is pursuing each of you & in this life teaching you what it is to be loved & to love. And as you each face what every day brings, you walk with Him. That is why I have immense Hope as I hear the story He is writing with you.

Over the past months I've had the privilege of reading those lines as I walk alongside you all. I've been absolutely blown away to witness the redemptive, abundant work of the Father in your lives. The refining has been bright & bold for some of you, in others it's been uncomfortable & shaking. No matter the feelings, emotions, circumstances surrounding each - I have seen ashes turned to beauty in each of your lives. I am so grateful to walk on this holy ground, brought to my knees at the redemptive power of our Father as He reveals His plan for your life & leads you in Life Everlasting.

Thank you. Thank you each for simply being - for returning to your Father & reminding me daily that it is only in His arms that we are fully satisfied. Thank you for laughing long & loud & many times without any "good" reason - you've deepened my understanding of Joy Unexplainable. Thank you for listening & speaking Truth to me and those you brush shoulders with everyday - you are a mouthpiece for the Kingdom. Thank you for being real - for sitting in silence, for allowing the tears to fall, for asking the hard questions - you remind of what it is to be human & that we couldn't do this alone.

I love you all. Deep & wide. Thank you for living life with me, for embracing each other's messy, & being the hands & feet of our Friend Jesus. I love reading what He is writing with you, thanks for keeping an open book & letting me read.

Love,
Ky