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Thursday, March 17, 2016

Your Dying Spouse 131 - The Jedi Way {FMF}

Time for Five Minute Friday, the timed keyword-driven timed writing exercise hosted by Kate Motaung.

Once again, I'm writing ahead of time; I hate not being able to keep up with the keyword, but I don't think I can do it today. Again.

But I will try to modify what I write, if I can, to include this week's word. Which, I have just learned, is SURPRISE.

But first...I'd like to suggest that you visit today's post on Mundane Faithfulness, which features a guest post by Mickey Gauen. It's the heartbreakingly lovely witness of her love and friendship with Kara Tippetts, as we approach the one-year anniversary of dear Kara's leaving us. Please go there...and bring Kleenex.

Kara's final book, And It Was Beautiful says so much, in the title alone. Walking in beauty was not easy for her, no doubt...but it was a choice, renewed every moment.

OK, so...let's go...ha! Appropriate opening for the topic...Letting Go.

I'm having to let go.

Not an easy thing, because my life has been active, and very goal-oriented. But circumstances are forcing a reassessment...and I have to start opening my hands, and letting go of what I want...and what I love.

It's not a bad thing.

For much of my life I was a practicing Zen Buddhist...and I still am (surprise!). It doesn't contradict Christian faith; I believe in Christ's divinity, His resurrection, and His Passion as the atonement for my sins.

Zen teaches something else...non-attachment. (It's a Jedi thing, too.)

Zen, you see, is not a faith. It's a way of approaching life. In a very real sense it embodies the Serenity Prayer...accepting that which cannot be changed, changing that which can not be accepted, and having the wisdom...and peace...to know the difference.

And it's here that I have lately learned that Zen and Christ come full circle...a perfect circle, to a perfect meeting.

Attachment...trying to hold on...Zen teaches that this is the root of suffering. It's the suffering of fear of loss, of the dread that what we treasure will be taken from us by time and fate.

But it's not the case. It never was.

I believe that the good we cherish, the love we value...it's taken in trust for us by God. He's holding it all secure for us, to be returned to our hands...and beheld by our eyes, blinded they may be by tears...when we meet Him, to stay for good.

It's not the non-attachment of thinking we never really 'had' it. Some teach that the people we love, the animals we love, the dreams we hold...they were never really ours.

Bullshit. (There's surprise #2.)

We can let go because we've always had it, and always will, because God, in His loving heart, is keeping our dreams safe for us, and the loves we've held dear are perfected in His presence.

And we can let go.

God's got it, and it's all safe.

And waiting.

That's it.

Today's musical theme is courtesy Linkin Park, "Shadow Of The Day"...



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41 comments:

  1. Andrew, I think you have so much to teach us about embracing the moment, chasing community, and being wholly yourself. It is an honor to read your words always. The force is strong with you. -Christina

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    1. Christina, thank you so much for this. In another life, years ago, I was actually something of a real-life Jedi...and found that the only way to assimilate and apply the training was exactly through the non-attachment that is coming now to the rescue of my heart.

      Thank you so much for being here!

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  2. love the jedi references and christine is right i am learning so much about embracing the moment from you

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    1. Miranda, thank you...and from you, I am learning of faith and courage!

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  3. Andrew, wow. You've got me thinking about your words. Not surprising. You're profound that way. I love the picture of God holding those people, dreams, loves in trust for us until we behold them with Him. I'm processing yoru post.

    Beautiful, my friend. I'm praying for you.

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    1. Jeanne, thank you so much! It's interesting how God changes us through His help when life changes...I have had to fall back on so much of what I was to survive the 'now'.

      And thank you so much for the prayers!

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  4. "God's got it, and it's all safe." Amen, and amen. I'm so thankful He's got everything. We can rest in Him today and every day. You make a great Jedi, friend. Continuing to pray for you and Barbara.

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    1. Julie, thank you...a Jedi is always learning, and I have learned so much from you, my friend.

      We so appreciate the prayers!

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  5. I can't believe it's almost a year since Kara's passing. I've prayed for her husband and children all this time, how they must miss her! You and your Jedi ways are amazing, I can't believe all you do. Thankful for that rest we have in our awesome God, even though sometimes, it's a hard rest. Prayers for you and your wife.

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    1. Ruthie, yes...it is so very hard to process the year that's past. kara was, and is such an inspiration to me.

      Thank you so much for your kind words; one does try to do one's best with the situation as it is, and not as one wishes it might be. And therein lies, I think, the positive in almost any fell passage.

      We so appreciate your prayers!

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  6. I'm glad you talked a little about Zen Buddhism Andrew because that word has bothered me. Now I understand a bit and I guess with zen people can either be Christian or non-Christian.

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    1. Deborah, thank you...I am so glad I was able to help in your understanding.

      It's a common misconception that Buddhism (Zen or otherwise) is in itself a 'faith'. Indeed, when the Dalai Lama was asked, by a Christian, how he could practice Buddhism, he replied "Be the best Christian you can be."

      Zen is an immensely practical application; the meditation is essentially centering prayer, and is open to all...including such as Thomas Merton.

      Thank you somuch for being here!

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  7. I love every word you have written here! By definition I am what most call a "bad catholic" I left organized religion because it become a cliche.

    I am a big believer in doing good by all and learning to accept life will not be perfect and what will be, will be. It's a daily thing and the way one approaches anything is key to how successful that day will be.

    Excellent post! ( swinging by from FMF)

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    1. Oh, Kisma, I hear you! Richard Bach once wrote that 'organization ca ruin anything', and there is a lot of truth there.

      Yes, what will be, will be. There is the story of a Zen monk who was dying of cancer, and when asked how he bore the pain, his reply was rather cryptic..."Sun-faced Buddha, moon-faced Buddha".

      What he meant was that there will be sunshine and darkness in life, but that the basic truth remains unchanged by circumstance, and it's in that basis that we can find both comfort and grounding.

      Thank you so much for being here!

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  8. So glad to see your words on Zen Buddhism. The more I learn about it, the more I see that it is indeed compatible with my Christianity. Thanks for continuing to teach me, Andrew.

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    1. Lisa, thank you1 I'm so glad my words found a home in your heart, because Zen practice has been a huge part of accepting a situation that is deteriorating...it helps me take the rough with the smooth, without resentment, because the soul's grounding in beyond circumstance.

      So glad you're here!

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  9. Andrew, beautiful. God indeed has it and is all safe. So true! A seminary classmate's husband and you I think would get along great. He hasn't always seen himself as a Christian but often would say he was Buddhist. I agree with everyone else too....you are teaching us so much about embracing the moment and living well. I need to head over to Mundane Faithfulness. I haven't been there in a little while. I'm in the 43 spot this week.

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    1. Tara, thank you so much...I found that Zen was the road on which I could truly meet Christ, and perhaps that will be true of your classmate's husband. I'd love the chance to speak with him!

      Do drop by the Mundane Faithfulness post, if you've time. It's so very moving.

      And I am so glad you're here!

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  10. Andrew,
    surprise. You're still writing! God is surprising you again and again. Surprising you with His Love. His intentionality. His desire for you. (Which, by the way, is attachment.) Ha!
    So, I am glad you have the peace of reconciling that which you have always known and that which you know. It seems that God is and always has been after the heart. The motive. The intent. Not the trappings of man and his lack of understanding. We try to minimize and break down so we can fathom.
    Yet, the Psalmists dare us to try. How often is God compared to our finite Universe or the sand on the seashore?

    Andrew, today, you remind me to be filled with awe and wonder at how Great our God is, and yet how much He loves you. Intentionally. You cry when your pups are taken, and you're meant to.
    My calendar today is old English, but the concept? Ties right in.
    "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." -2 Corinthians 12:9

    That last line. Oh it hit today. The power of Christ may rest on me. You're in my post. I haven't linked it yet, but I'll come back and tell you where to find it. Have to write a math test first. ;)
    Love,
    Tammy

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    1. Tammy, words fail me here, and they should...because you've expressed God's love for us...and that ultimate attachment which can never be broken.

      The Corinthians passage is perfect for me tonight, as I am feeling plenty weak and infirm. I can barely stand, and writing is hard...but He is holding me up.

      Thank you so much for being here, and always, for your prayers, friendship, and love. And I will be heading over to #76.

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  11. Amen. God has all of our dreams and all that we value safe in our hands. That takes away my excuse for worrying about those that I love and fretting over the future. Thank you.

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    1. Like the lilies of the field, I think, Anita.

      Thank you so much for being here!

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  12. Wow, Andrew. What a great way of thinking of things, and people. Thank you.

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    1. Jules, thank you...your words brought light to a difficult day. I am so grateful!

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  13. Awesome as always, Andrew. No surprise there! I love it all and especially these wise, hope filled words: "I believe that the good we cherish, the love we value...it's taken in trust for us by God. He's holding it all secure for us, to be returned to our hands...and beheld by our eyes, blinded they may be by tears...when we meet Him, to stay for good." Thank you for being so real and wonderful as you live out your faith. It's the stirring sort of surprise wake-up call we can all do with. Blessings and prayers.

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    1. Joy, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Your kind words are a tonic.

      There is more to say, but my energy is dwindling tonight, so I hope these heartfelt thanks will suffice?

      And we thank you for the prayers. They are both appreciated and needed.

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  14. I am hearing echoes of Matthew 16:25 here: "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." It's no just willy-nilly letting go, is it, but as you say, giving it all over to better care. And He is able to keep that which we've committed to Him agains that day. No fear of His losing it!

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    1. Stacy, yes...that is EXACTLY right! Thank you so much for giving us this focus!

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  15. Andrew, you have a unique viewpoint, and it always makes me think. I've always seen things as God's, not mine. Really, I guess they're both of ours.
    An interesting read. Glad you're still writing your blog. Still praying. N.

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    1. As we are forever in God's hands and heart, Norma...yes, they are both of ours. You said this so well!

      And thank you so much for the prayers. Definitely appreciated, and definitely needed.

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  16. "We can let go because we've always had it, and always will, because God, in His loving heart, is keeping our dreams safe for us, and the loves we've held dear are perfected in His presence.

    And we can let go.

    God's got it, and it's all safe."

    Standing ovation for that one, my friend. Standing ovation.

    And you referenced the Jedi. This just makes me like you even more!

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    1. Marie, thank you so much...a mite terrible this evening or I would say more, but your words touch my heart.

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  17. I'm not sure if I agree with all that you've said here, Andrew. Not that I don't appreciate and respect your point of view. Are you separating "Zen" from Buddhism? Is that why you don't consider it a "religion"? Because, you would agree that Buddhism is a religion, correct? It seems like you are focusing on the benefits of having a meditative state that lets go of troubles and lives in the "now." With that said, I love to meditate as I begin my prayer time. But I come to God for Him to pour His truth into my heart and mind rather than detaching from something or someone. I suppose you could consider the exhortation by Christ - "to deny yourself and take up your cross" - to be along the same line as what you're saying here. Then that passage (Mt. 16:24-25) says when we lose our lives we gain life back in Christ. Is that what you are talking about here? I'm not sure that I see it, but I do appreciate the idea of letting go. However, I always add, letting go to God whenever I say it to someone. I think the distinction is significant. Thanks for bringing a thought-provoking topic to our attention today, my friend! Continuing to pray for you daily!

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    1. beth, yes distinction of letting go to God is significant...but I think there are many for whom that kind of personal relationship with the Almighty is difficult (it doesn't seem 'real') and a more abstract release helps them.

      Buddhism...I am hesitant to call it a religion, for a couple of reasons. First, there's no object of worship. Gautama Buddha did not claim to be divine, and argued ferociously against those who would elevate him in that way.

      Second, it's made a couple of transitions across interfaith lines. The South Asian transmissions, Theravada and mahayana, are rooted in Hinduism, and that's where the common perception that "Buddhists believe in reincarnation" comes from.

      Tibetan Buddhism is another thing entirely (though reincarnation still plays a role). It's appended to both Hinduism and animism.

      Zen grew in China, and was influenced by Taoism and Confucianism(the latter more a philosophy). In japan it became associated with Shintoism.

      Many might disagree, but I would consider Buddhism a 'way of approaching life', and not a faith unto itself.

      Thank you so much for the prayers, and for being here!

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  18. You know what I love about coming here, Andrew?! You're breathtakingly beautiful honesty. Us humans are so good at beating about the bush and making things seem a certain way when they're not. And you, well you tell it straight! And guess what? God tells us to be like that: to be who we are, nothing less, nothing more. Because when we do that, then we let Him in. He knew exactly what you needed from Him to learn to trust Him...and He gave it to you because you drew near by giving Him just you: with all your fears, anger, distrust...and saying this is me, take me or leave me. But you see, God has lived in human skin, abused, spat on, excruciatingly belittled and whipped physically, emotionally and mentally...He knows what it is to carry human feelings...and so He also knows how to carry them for us and gift us with what we need to take the next step forward.

    Thank you for this. Especially this: "We can let go because we've always had it, and always will, because God, in His loving heart, is keeping our dreams safe for us, and the loves we've held dear are perfected in His presence." YES!!! Amen!!!

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    1. Anna, thank YOU. You took my words and placed them in exactly the right context, and I am so grateful!

      Please pardon the short reply. Doing a bit poorly.

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  19. And BTW I feel the same way about Kara. In reviewing her latest book for the Litfuse Blog Tour I was again reminded of her pivotal impact through Christ upon me...her biggest gift: HONESTY...she wasn't shy of admitting her struggles openly: her doubts, her struggle to surrender, her anger, her despair...but she also wasn't shy of bringing it to God...and that's why she shone SO brightly!!

    BTW this Scripture is what Kara illustrates (yes, present tense!) so beautifully:


    Jeremiah 17: 5 - 10 MSG

    5-6 God’s Message:

    “Cursed is the strong one
    who depends on mere humans,
    Who thinks he can make it on muscle alone
    and sets God aside as dead weight.
    He’s like a tumbleweed on the prairie,
    out of touch with the good earth.
    He lives rootless and aimless
    in a land where nothing grows.
    7-8 “But blessed is the man who trusts me, God,
    the woman who sticks with God.
    They’re like trees replanted in Eden,
    putting down roots near the rivers—
    Never a worry through the hottest of summers,
    never dropping a leaf,
    Serene and calm through droughts,
    bearing fresh fruit every season.
    9-10 “The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful,
    a puzzle that no one can figure out.
    But I, God, search the heart
    and examine the mind.
    I get to the heart of the human.
    I get to the root of things.
    I treat them as they really are,
    not as they pretend to be.”

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    1. The jeremiah 17 verse is perfect, Anna.

      And I miss Kara so much!

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  20. I followed Kara's blog in the last several months of her life and learned so much from the way she truly "lived" in those final days. I love your reference to "Jedi", and do believe God has given you a great gift in your writing to share with others. Continued prayers for you my friend.

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    1. Barbie, thank you...I was lucky to find Kara's blog 'early', and it gave me hope and courage.

      And thank you so much for the prayers! Bit of a tough day.

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