Tagged: beauty instead of ashes

This popular devotion originally appeared on audreyfrank.org in February 2021. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 It came in strange gift wrap, not at all what I expected. But the gift was right there inside. I turned it over in my hands, joyously held it to my heart, and wondered at the mad methods of my Lover. It is exactly what I asked for, really. The wishing began slowly, like a tingling thrill that rises up quietly from the deep spaces of our souls, growing in intensity as it climbs, until it bursts out all over us, covering us in hope. I wanted a life change. I asked Him to rearrange me on the… Read More

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are. I Corinthians 1:27-28 The song of bending trees rose on the wind thinly, like sadness. Melancholy minors waltzed through the crisp morning air under steel-gray skies. It was as if I was eavesdropping on a composer while he created a melody to match the day. Soon the percussion of raindrops filled in silent pauses, completing the score. God was at His instrument, and I was His audience. A tree has no musical skill. The rain cannot read music.… Read More

To all the little boys and their families seeking refuge across the world today. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap.  Psalm 113: 7   The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, he has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the… Read More