Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: JOY (10/28/21)
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TITLE: Reflections from the Fire | Previous Challenge Entry
By LINDA GERMAIN
11/04/21 -
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This precious quickening was profoundly pure and overwhelming. One wonders if perhaps that merest shadow of a smile that danced on the lips of the portrait of Mona Lisa portrayed the same hoped-for revelation of motherhood.
The tiny blip signal that God’s plan was alive and kicking would continue to a wondrous birth. Over the months, a little thump grew into a vigorous insistence as my son pushed his way into this world and captured my heart forever.
The flame of that deep, joyous, unconditional love immediately encompassed my whole being.
Leonardo de Vinci’s mysterious painting was an artist’s conception of a woman in repose. The puzzling back story has generated an excess of speculation over the centuries. Did she have a secret? Was she amused? Today, that antique painted canvas is worth more than $850 million!
On the other hand, the consuming love I feel for my child is priceless and, in a microcosm of mere human understanding, parallels our Creator’s love for us.
When we suffer heartbreak, illness, anger, grief, or sadness, the Holy Spirit is a comforting warmth that goes to the very core of our being. His unchangeable love is supreme. He isn’t just the third part of the Trinity set aside as if it’s all academic and not worth embracing. Jesus told us the Truth!
On days filled with pain or brief wobbly moments of harsh reality, if I sit still and whisper, “Come, Holy Spirit,” I feel a familiar soft nudge that reminds me happiness can be fleeting but genuine joy stays forever.
He floods my heart with tender solace and tells me I do not have to wait for the morning. The Comforter is on duty day and night.
That old girl in the portrait isn’t the only one with a wisp of a smile. Mine says I know what I know: The Joy of the Lord is powerful, an eternal flame that never extinguishes—an everlasting candle in the darkness.
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Romans 15:13 (NLT)
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of theHoly Spirit.
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