Healing at the Beach

My dear ones, Today I was at the beach as it was 75 degrees at our home. As always, the ocean inspires me and I thought of you all – my dear friends and family. It certainly has been a while since I have written. It is not because I don’t love you and miss you deeply. It is because I have been stymied by the horrific injustices that are going on in our world today. I find myself unable to read or listen to the news. Some of you may say that I am burying my head in the sand. For my own body’s sake, I need to listen to my own emotional, physical and spiritual health. I have never stopped praying. There are times I want to get on my soapbox and say, “This is wrong God, can’t you change what is happening!” The murders, the violence, and the harm to children, overwhelm me at times. I keep looking to Jesus and say, what would you do? And then I remember that Jesus spoke against the machinations of the political system in his day. Yes, he angered some people, and the disciples wanted him to do much more than just talk. When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” ⁵⁰ And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

⁵¹ But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. (Luke 22:49-51)

The response of Jesus was to show justice and mercy, and love all. For me it is remembering that even amid my actions of social justice, I must cuddle them in Mercy and Grace.

 This is hard to do. Mother Teresa says, “Be sure that you love Jesus… after that you cannot give your thoughts, your tongue, your heart to bitterness.”[1] It is our heart that needs to be aligned with love and mercy and justice. When I want revenge, I am not following God‘s way. When I wish harm on those who murder others, I am not serving God or my neighbor with love. Have mercy on me, Oh God.

So, you see I am struggling and while I often have posts that are optimistic and full of blessing, I wondered if I could do that this time. But I have discovered that there are people everywhere who bless me, even strangers. I met a doctor in an elevator in Texas. As we chatted, he told me that he was going to a breast cancer conference. We talked more and he learned that I had two bouts of breast cancer. He asked me what medication I was taking. I told him and he said there is a brand-new medication just coming out. That is going to help your kind of cancer! Make sure you tell your doctor about it. Then he asked the name of my doctor.  I told him I live in Myrtle Beach South Carolina and gave him her name. “I know her,” he exclaimed. He said “She’s great. Talk to her when you go see her.” Some might call it serendipity or luck. I call it God‘s moment where two souls who needed to talk, had a rare moment in an elevator. I forgot to ask him his name. I didn’t see him again. But the impact of that conversation might make a difference in my health.

Many blessings evolved in the Christmas season. One of our neighbors had a party and we made new friends. We held a salon organ concert in our home where Daryl delighted us with incredible music, and I was able to share a meal and the little nooks and crannies of Christmas decorating in our new home.

During the month of December, we were able to spend time with Family. It was a great joy to be with children and grandchildren. A special time was gathering around the organ and singing Christmas carols. We sounded like a little choir! So, my heart is full of blessing, even amid the turmoil of trying to find answers to a weary world. I know that for some of you, this is your first year sitting without your spouse in this holiday season. A couple of you are facing significant health challenges and are weary of it all. In spite of everything, the joy of the Lord is our strength. I don’t know where you’re at today; you might be facing very tough situations, and so it is my prayer that you will feel my arms around you and God‘s beautiful comfort. Loving you as always, Bonnie Lee.

 

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[1] Ringma, Charles, Washing the Feet of the World with Mother Teresa. RegentCollege Publishing, 2008., Pg 207.