joyindestructible

Empowerment entwined in purple stems of lavender, growing on the east side of the old, grey wash house. Expertly cut and crushed to fill heart-shaped sachets’, then tucked beneath my pillow to assure restful dreams between lightly starched sheets sprinkled with rain-water. Moon beams filtered through sheer white Pricilla curtains, to guide my thoughts toward a gentler land, filled with peace. This the greatest gift my grandmother gave me out of her love; a taste of the Heavenlies, safe from the turmoil of the oppressors, the controllers who ruled my childhood through chaos and emotional terror. Her sweet gift a demonstration of the ability given to those who belong to Jesus; the ability to rise above and find refuge in He who is seated at the right hand of God. Her gift enabled me to survive the destruction of my childhood and also, prepared my heart to receive Christ and find refuge from a sin-torn world in Jesus.

I am much older now, my childhood is far behind but the world hasn’t changed. The oppressor still does his best to force a bit of fear in my mouth and bridle me with terror. He wants to ride my life’s energy and use my talents, as he works to force me to submerge my purpose into his but my life is hidden in Christ. The good works I am to accomplish are predestined in Him. They unfold before me each day and by obedience I walk to fulfill my Father’s Will for my life. There is no agenda for me to create or adopt, no warlike crusade to embark upon; I am to live a simple life in Christ. When the oppressor breathes heavily down my neck, in my spirit I fly to the Rock that is so much higher than I and I find strength to continue. In Jesus I rise above the fray and find life, love, peace, and joy in a place even better than the refuge created for me by my grandmother. This place of safety and healing is available to all who belong to Jesus. It is accessed through trust in God, prayer, and time spent in God’s Word. Strength and hope are found in Jesus (now, sitting in the seat of God’s good works) who has gone ahead to prepare a place for us; our Heavenly refuge that we visit now but one day will be Home. I believe that every room in my mansion will be filled with the scent of Lavender. Oppression will be forgotten and, and every heart filled with love, joy, and peace. There will be no temptation for one human being to control another because Jesus will be recognized as Lord of all and God’s good work on earth fulfilled. That which was predestined at the founding of the earth will be completed and those called and chosen in Christ will enter God’s eternal rest.

Ephesians