Consumed in the Fire | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Consumed in the Fire | Previous Challenge Entry
By Shellie Power
01/27/05
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As a mother of three small children, I am no stranger to the intense emotion called anger. It is a feeling that surges through me and terrifies me by its strength. I need to find a rest today. Where can I escape the whines and cries of these "miracles" that demand so much and give so little? How will I ever be able to quiet and please and restore peace?

Feeling defeated, I retreat to our cellar of a basement. I leave unnoticed in order to tend to the fire that heats our home. As I place a log on the fire I notice that it too appears angry. It crackles and sparks and slowly and steadily engulfs the fresh log. It is a mesmerizing place to be and so I stay.

The action of the flames seems to hypnotize me into a trance. It is here that God speaks. It isn't a miraculous voice as that which Moses heard from the burning bush but rather a quiet whisper amidst the angry coals that keep us warm.

I call God, Father. In that instant I know He understands me completely. I am after all His child. He has seen me through many tantrums. He has witnessed my whines and cries. I have demanded much from Him and have given little in return. Yet I am His "miracle" and masterpiece. How did He handle me? How was a God who is Mighty and Just able to quiet and please and restore peace? He descended to the cellar of the world He created and endured the fires of hell. It was there that he demonstrated victory by unleashing His anger and defeating the fire of all fires. That act of triumph has granted me access. I do not fear His wrath but am suddenly warmed by His love. He has embraced me instead of turning me away. He holds me even though I struggle to get away and at times willfully refuse Him.

As I focus on the fire, I feel a peace. A peace that today really does surpass any human understanding. As I close the door on the fire, I appreciate its warmth. Feeling renewed by this radiance, I go back up the stairs.

The tantrums have continued throughout my absence. I gather them close. I hold them and smile as they struggle to get away because I know in that instant they did not feel afraid of my wrath. They surrendered and shared the embrace. We are all warmed by the unexpected snuggle. I am now refreshed by this radiance and the need to seek rest has been granted.

"Come to me all who are burdened and I will give you rest." The quiet voice echoes in my head and I know that God has taken my anger and led me beside still waters.

Water puts out fire.

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