provision
The story of the ravens providing for Elijah has always fascinated me. The story, like any other good myth, is rich with layers of meaning. That’s why I drew this image of Sophia in the wilderness.
Sophia fled into the wilderness with nothing, only to discover that provision comes by strange and unexpected means.
Before I left the ministry a couple of years ago, I thought I was quite alive and open. Looking back now, I see how enclosed I was. I was, like Sophia, trapped and didn’t even really know it. Until I finally saw my predicament and escaped. All my provisions, before that time, were to come through certain traditional means. Now that I have broken free, I have learned that my provision comes from all kinds of directions that I could never have predicted.
Here are a few:
- the warm love of new friends. These friends have nothing to do with the church. But they are deeply spiritual. Our conversations always turn vital, enriching our lives. This love also includes the beauty and affection of my students…amazing young men and women who come from all over the world… people who I enjoy being with and who enjoy being with me. They are teaching me that love is everywhere. Oh, the wonder!
- a delicious little book given to me by a woman I met while I was at a speaking event in Dallas, TX, last year… the book is by Rachel Naomi Remen called “My Grandfather’s Blessings“… this little provision has gently broken and softened my heart. I can’t read a page without tears. Get a copy!
- Lisa… after 32 years of being together our marriage has been taken to a whole new level… something I didn’t expect but which we are so thankful for. Oh my God! You think you should know a person you’ve been married to for so long! But all we’ve been through has shattered us and broken us through another layer. I’m discovering that the depths of Lisa and our relationship are fathomless. It’s like we are falling in love all over again. What a sweet surprise!
I am thankful for these simple provisions. Things I didn’t expect. Complete surprises. But I receive them gratefully.
You can purchase my Sophia originals and prints HERE.
My name is David Hayward, and I am the nakedpastor. I am a graffiti artist on the walls of religion.
I LOVE THIS! You almost made me cry talking about your wife! Beautiful!
lydia: almost is good enough!!
It’s a beautiful thing. We escape out of absolute necessity and we run nearly to exhaustion. When the fear subsides and the walls around our hearts fall, those who do not violate our vulnerability are incredible sources of everything that is good. We learn to appreciate and reciprocate with them. Those not tied to religion help us see and feel… the universe. Our partner reveals our purpose. <3
Thank you for sharing your journey David.
“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” – Karl Barth
David, your journey has made me cry many times, as I have felt and identified with your pain and with your gentle and courage’s heart. Today, well the tears are flowing and the love is flowing from this Great Grandma’s heart to you and all yours.
.
You and yours are forever written in and held close to GGMHA’s heart.
It’s nine o’clock in Eugene Oregon and big beautiful fluffy snowflakes have just begun to fall.
And yes I do feel like my heart is going to burst for love of All things: )
Hugs ‘n more Hugs Always and Forever: ) Faithful is He who has Promised!
thanks jo
Oh-oh. You used the “M” word (myth) in conjunction with scripture!
Red Alert! Raise shields! Prepair for heretic-hunter attacks!
The clerk in the bookstore this afternoon said there was one copy left as she walked me over to the shelf. I purchased it with a gift card from 2009 that I’d found last week stashed away in a pile of paperwork. The remainder was enough to buy an ice tea and grilled cheese in the attached cafe, where I sat reading the introduction, my eyes filling with tears at the blessing of faithfulness and the provision of ravens.
beautiful Louise. just beautiful.
She’s feeding them all.
I <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 Sophia!
thanks!
This skinny girl really speaks to me. Some of the best things in life come to us when we are expecting and planning for something else. Enjoy what you get, it may only come your way once.