My Grasshopper Revelation...
One of the harder parts of dealing with the ups, downs, twists and turns of the cancer journey is discerning what God is doing. “What is really going on here? Why aren’t his answers clearer? Doesn’t he even care?” I was recently reminded of an experience I had several years ago, that gives me a bit more patience with the stuff I don’t easily understand. Maybe it will help you too.
It was a moment of profound clarity born from an otherwise uneventful personal retreat. I needed to get away for some silence and solitude. I was desperate to reconnect with the Lord amidst an especially fruitful ministry season where I felt a growing disconnect – a paradoxical experience, I know, but a real one. Most active Christians can probably relate. You can easily lose touch with Him even as you are working hard to serve Him.
Retreats were typically a helpful reset. I had a regular routine of making extra time for reflecting on scripture, taking extended walks in nature, while paying more focused attention to internal impressions and premonitions. Yet, this particular ‘step away’ left me feeling empty, the longed-for reconnection elusive and disappointing.
Frustrated, I packed to leave and plunked myself down on the cabin steps with a flimsy prayer of lament, questioning the time and resources spent on this seemingly fruitless endeavor. But then, a grasshopper hopped onto the step beside me. In my reflective state, I observed it, and thought, “Well, at least this little guy is willing to keep me company!” A small spark of gratitude for its unexpected companionship flickering within me.
A question then arose in my spirit: “If I could, how would I express my appreciation to this creature?” The improbability struck me – any attempt at communication, any well-meaning gesture from my human scale, would be perceived as a terrifying threat. Even with my superior intellect, truly relating to this bug felt impossibly complex.
And then, the divine/human dilemma struck me with fresh significance. Isaiah 55 echoed in my mind: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” If bridging the gap to a grasshopper felt insurmountable, how much greater is the gulf between us and God?
The most significant revelation followed: the only true way to connect with the grasshopper would be to become one, to willingly shed my human privilege and embrace its limited existence. That held no appeal to me. Yet, this very act of divine self-humiliation, of God taking on human flesh to dwell among us, is the heart of what we celebrate in Passion Week.
He left heavenly glory to show us the way, a message we largely resisted, clinging to our own flawed understanding. But God, in His profound mercy, turned our rejection into redemption, through his death and resurrection he offers us all a new birth and a new identity as children of God (John 1:12-13).
In light of what we just got finished celebrating, may our eyes be opened afresh to the staggering wonder of His sacrifice – which once and for all ought to answer the question: “Does He know and does He care?” There by…
- Inspiring fresh humility,
- Prompting deeper worship, and
- Sparking a renewed willingness to follow in his ways…
Lord lead on!
Soul Care with
Pastor Jenn
To Pastor (verb): to shepherd, advise, and guide into a place of deeper spiritual understanding
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
John 1:5
I’ve always loved this verse. The reassurance it gives that darkness will never win is so comforting to me. I think because sometimes in life it feels like the darkness might just gain the upper hand. Whether it be a dark season in life or the darkness of the world due to politics, culture clashes, wars and everything else; it feels sometimes like darkness is winning.
Nevertheless, the light shines. In this verse, John is referring to Jesus at the light. But I think it bears remembering that Jesus lives in us. His light dwells in us too! Which leaves no room for darkness. But also, when the world or the season feels dark, rather than looking around for the light, we need only look to Jesus who is right with us, dwelling in us. Jesus becomes the light in the darkness through us.
My prayer for you this week is that in the moments of darkness, when it feels overwhelming, you would sense Jesus’ light right where you are. May you be reminded that His light shines and darkness can never extinguish it. And may that knowledge comfort you as you continue to allow the light to shine in your own life.
Caregivers Corner with
Lori Smith
To Support (noun): to provide assistance that enables one to function or act.
I don’t know about you, but I can very easily stay stuck in my head.
As a caregiver, I felt like I was on an island all alone. I mean, yes, my husband and I were walking through his illness together, and it was comforting to have each other. But I felt lonely and isolated in my specific and unique role. We were young, and still very much raising our three kids. Being my husband’s caregiver was not on my list of things I thought I would do before age 65. Because our situation was somewhat uncommon, I spent a lot of time in my own head trying to figure things out rather than seeking out the company of others in a similar situation. For me, I chose not to be a part of a caregiving community because I felt it would further overwhelm me having to “carry” the burden of other people’s journey and losses. Sitting in hospital waiting rooms was enough for me to feel the weight of all the illness in the world. Maybe that doesn’t make sense to you if you’re an extrovert and you like having people around, and by all means I think each caregiver must find the level of community that works for them. It just wasn’t for me.
Yet, staying in your head for too long will drive you crazy. So, I worked with my therapist to find ways of getting my emotions out because I did recognize that not doing so made my anxiety and depression worse. Journaling was good, but I was often too exhausted to write. Plus, there were some things I just couldn’t put into words. So, my therapist suggested I try art journaling. It made me chuckle when she suggested it because I do not do “art.” Her suggestion then was to just find pictures off the internet that connected me to how I was feeling.
This was brilliant for me!
So, for months I spent a good deal of time creating an art journal to help me see visually how I was feeling. And anytime I couldn’t put to words my thoughts and feelings, I would go and just look at my art journal and be validated by the pictures and few words I had put into it.
This week, I encourage you to try different ways of connecting with your thoughts and feelings around being a caregiver. Try art journaling, try creating a Pinterest board with all the things you can’t say out loud, try punching a pillow with the word cancer taped to it (I did this!), try talking to an empty chair and pretending it is Jesus, write a letter to cancer. Whatever you do, find ways to get the emotions out of your head and body. It really can make a world of difference.
Worship Moment
with Joel Salabarria
To Inspire (verb): to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
Song: No Body (Spotify, YouTube Music and Apple Music)
Band: Elevation Worship (featuring Jonsal Barrientes)
From: Can You Imagine? (2023)
In the spirit of what we just celebrated this past weekend, I could not help but be reminded of this song. I love it because it declares the truth! There is NO BODY in the grave, we have the victory because Jesus rose from the grave, and He alone wears the crown!
Behold the Lamb
Upon the cross
Who takes away the sins of all
Forgiveness flows
From hands and feet
As violence meets the Prince of Peace
Behold the King
Light of the world
Lamb that was slain
Lion who rose
Mighty to save
The fullness of God
Won’t be kept in a grave
Darkness, your hour is over
Behold the love
His dying plea
Behold the Grace of Calvary
That rugged cross
Soon to be
The emblem of a risen King
Behold the King
There’s only one name that saves
His name is Jesus
Oh, Jesus
No enemy can hold You down
‘Cause there’s nobody in the grave now
One head gets to wear that crown
‘Cause there’s nobody in the grave now
No enemy can hold You down
‘Cause there’s nobody in the grave now
One head gets to wear that crown
‘Cause there’s nobody in the grave now
Poetic Encouragement with
Julie Clarke
To Encourage (noun): to give support and hope to someone so that they will do or continue to do something.
A Promised Land
All of life’s a sweet poetry
Reminding me who
I’m meant to be
Just like you
You’re my Father, my friend
And there’s no need to strive
Or press or pretend
In this busy bee hive
I’m reminded of moments
That make my heart beat
That leave me speechless
On the edge of my seat
With a vivid show
Of the truth I must know
Of the beauty of love
And the way we all grow
You give hearts a dream
And you hold
Hope up high
You give souls a mission
And a breath or a sigh
You give life a meaning
You give life a mend
You give us a family
And the heart to attend
Even gifts we can’t see
You give of yourself
Such a love soaked reflection
To never set on a shelf
Of your holy hope
To hold in my hand
And life, love’s direction
It’s a promised land.
Nutrition Nuggets with
Suzanna Hake
To Nourish (verb): the act or process of being nourished.
One of the most common concerns people share with me is about digestion. Poor digestion is almost always at the root of chronic illness and it’s imperative for good health from inside out! Here are some top tips for supporting good digestion!
- Slow down & chew your food well! Saliva contains a lot of enzymes that aid digestion!
- Don’t over eat! It’s taxing on the digestive system and can affect the rate of digestion.
- Exercise. Muscle tone helps move food through the digestive track and can help improve digestion.
- Reduce or eliminate processed foods. The body has to supply its own energy and nutrients in order for these products to metabolize, robbing the body of any nutrients rather than supplying any.
- Eat more fiber to help keep your colon healthy! Soluble fiber helps absorb toxins and unneeded cholesterol; insoluble fiber hastens elimination.
- Add in probiotics & Digestive Enzymes. Shameless plug for Arbonne’s GreenSynergy Elixir! 🙌🏻
- Drink plenty of water!
Piet's Ponderings
To Ponder (verb): to think about something carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion
Second chances… and sometimes third and even fourth!
Last week Thursday was a special day of remembrance for me.
April 17th is what I refer to as my “survival day.” Nine years ago, rushing back to a church meeting, my motorcycle went off the highway and I hit a guard rail at 72 mph. The memory remains vivid, sending a shiver down my spine even now as I think back on it. I walked away with a few more scars and some added hardware, but miraculously, I’m still here to share the story.
It was my third motorcycle accident, and while the love for riding remains within me, owning a bike is no longer part of my life – a promise I made to Carol. Since that day, I often find myself reflecting on all the experiences I might have missed had things turned out differently. Second chances aren’t given out very often, and that was at least my fourth brush with fate.
I am filled with profound gratitude for the Lord’s immense mercy. I recognizing that my survival was not simply “good luck” but a profound act of grace – a gift of more life. As a result, I am committed to living in a way that honors this merciful gift. That day, which could have been my last, now stands as a powerful testament to His abundant mercy, a mercy I now strive to live up to in every new chapter of my ongoing story.
A Healing Prayer
Adapted from Richard Rohr’s Meditation on Surrender
To Pray (verb): Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer ad petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God )Philippians 4:6)
O Divine Source, You hold the very fabric of life and death within Your hands, yet how often we futilely grasp at controlling the smaller threads of our days. Forgive us for the energy we expend trying to orchestrate outcomes when a deeper wisdom already orchestrates our path.
Grant us the grace to recognize Your guiding hand, whether we call it destiny, providence, or simply the flow of life. Help us to release our need to steer, trusting that Your design for us surpasses our own limited vision. May we learn to surrender, not as an act of resignation, but as a peaceful opening to Your current, allowing Your love to flow through us unhindered.
In moments of uncertainty, when the ground beneath us feels unsteady, remind us of the deeper surrender You modeled for us, even unto death. Teach us that letting go of our need for control is not weakness, but a pathway to union, compassion, and a profound understanding of Your love. May we choose to die to our autonomous selves daily, allowing Your love to orient us, trusting that in that surrender, we truly find life. Amen.
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The Van Waarde Foundation underwrites and supports a variety of projects related to supporting, educating, and encouraging fellow cancer warriors and their families.
Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration.
https://www.patreon.com/c/pietvanwaarde
