Chesed

"The Hebrew word "Chesed," narrowly described as "love," is a large word.  No single word in our language is adequate to translate it, so we revert to the use of adjectives to bring out the distinctive quality and broad reach of this love: steadfast love, loyal love, covenant love.  What we're after is an understanding that retains the affection and desire and intimacy that commonly go with love, as we sometimes experience it as parents and children, "lovers" and friends, but now amalgamated with the stability, dependability, unswerving commitment and steady reliability that we so commonly find wanting in ourselves and others.  "Chesed" is often used in the biblical revelation to designate God's love.  But, we, as humans, who have been created in the image of God, are also capable of loving this way, even though we never seem to get very good at it.  "Chesed" is love without regard to shifting circumstances, hormones, emotional states, and personal convenience.  This is the kind of love with which 'God so loved the world...'" - Eugene Peterson in Leap Over a Wall

I saw what I saw

Those that know me really well know that I am an avid listener to the Relevant Magazine Podcast.  It makes me giggle every single time, keeps me informed on some things I wouldn't otherwise know about and, when serious, hits on topics I think about often.  

If you aren't a subscriber, you can subscribe through iTunes for free.  Sara Groves was featured on the October 19th edition and she sang an incredibly beautiful song that you simply must check out.  Lyrics below:

I Saw What I Saw

by Sara Groves

I saw what I saw and I can't forget it

I heard what I heard and I can't go back

I know what I know and I can't deny it

something on the road, cut me to the soul

your pain has changed me

your dream inspires

your face a memory

your hope a fire

your courage asks me what I'm afraid of

and what i know of love

we've done what we've done and we can't erase it

we are what we are and it's more than enough

we have what we have but it's no substitution

something on the road, cut me to the soul

I say what i say with no hesitation

I have what I have but I'm giving it up

I do what I do with deep conviction

something on the road, cut me to the soul

your courage asks me what I'm afraid of

your courage asks me what I am made of

your courage asks me what I'm afraid of

and what I know of love

and what I know of God

"That is why the real problem of the Christian life comes where people do not usually look for it.  It comes the very moment you wake up each morning.  All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals.  And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in.  And so on all day.  Standing back from all your natural fussings and frettings; coming in and out of the wind." - C.S. Lewis

Truth Always Wins

"And though all the winds of doctrine were let loose to play upon the earth, so Truth be in the field, we do injuriously by licensing and prohibiting to misdoubt her strength.  Let her and falsehood grapple; who ever knew Truth put to the worse, in a free and open encounter." - John Milton