Let them all praise the name of the Lord. For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven! ~Psalm 148:13
A journey to England started last Sunday in this post with a sense of destiny and an invitation. To join me on a pilgrimage to the place where history speaks through the buildings, the streets, the trees, and the stories people leave behind.
A look back to the ancient ruins and the people who walked their hallowed halls for clarity about the future.
Slow and methodical, I navigate the steps of the Beaucamp Tower and my heart beats heavy for the prisoners who leave etched words and pictures of faith in the thick, stone walls while they await death.
Their words still plead with those that pass by now. That living for Christ is not an outward experience; it burns deep in the soul.
And I have to wonder about how a man, imprisoned for ten years in the solitary of a small, cold room finds contentment. His words on the wall reveal the truth. That when we soak up Christ, true love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control drip from the soul, no matter the circumstance.
Oh, to live unmoved by transitory circumstance, overcome with the joy of all He is.
My fingers rest on knobby stone walls. I can almost hear the crinolines scrapping the floor, envision women walking ahead of me with slight glance, and hear Sir Issac Pennington, Lord Mayor of London in 1642 greeting those he passes by on his way down the tower staircase. Think about how he stands to watch the be-heading of the Archbishop of Canterbury, William Laud, and then finds himself a prisoner in a tower years later.
Realize that his history is now my history. These leaders risk, lay down reputation to take up convictions worth dying for the same way Jesus lays down his life for us.
Pennington’s son shares his name and the fate of imprisonment more than once for faith convictions as a Quaker. And while he serves time, he writes about the ways of God, his words prolific like time is a precious gift. Some of his words here:
“Thou art but a traveler in this world, and yet thou wilt look after a sure title in these transitory things; oh look that there be not a flaw in thy title to thy true inheritance.”
Hundreds of years ago, he warns about what remains true today. Our inheritance in Christ is sacred. Worthy of protection from transitory things that flaw and divert us along the way.
“But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.” ~Luke 7:35
Joining Deidra at Jumping Tandem and Scripture & Snapshot
well done.. and your photography is stunning
Thanks! The scripture verse you picked today is one of my favorites. I don’t see a spot to leave comments on your blog but want you to know how much I appreciate your stopping by to leave one here.
What are we willing to risk to steward our “sacred inheritance?” Thanks for sharing your journey—both the words and pictures.
Great question Dea! So glad you stopped by and shared your thoughts.
“And I have to wonder about how a man, imprisoned for ten years in the solitary of a small, cold room finds contentment.”
i find this encouraging… i have a chronic illness that often feels like a prison. it is good to be reminded of those who have gone before me, waiting and hoping faithfully, even in the darkness.
Leslie, I cannot begin to know what it feels like to live with chronic illness but I do know that in my own trials and tribulations the faithfulness of others carries me through to the other side. Sometimes we just need to know it is possible.
You know, just about every time I come here I am moved to tears. I could say it’s your photos and your words but what it really is is Jesus in you, speaking straight to me. Thank you for sharing Him here.
Well, I read your comment and then the tears started to fall as I was standing in my closet getting ready to change my clothes after church. Felt like God whispering in my ear. Thank you!
Powerful story and images, Shelly. Thank you.
“That when we soak up Christ, true love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control drip from the soul, no matter the circumstance.”
So true!! This reminder comes at a perfect time for me! Your beautiful pictures take me back to London. I love how the history just breathed from the stone walls. A few weeks ago I wrote a post based on the song “If These Walls Could Speak”. I was referring to the homes I’ve lived in but I found myself humming it as I read your lovely words!
Stopping by from Sunday
Blessings~
So glad you visited and left such a warm and heartfelt comment. Made me think about the houses I have lived in, in that context. I wish the walls in England could talk – what stories they would tell!! Blessings.
I hate to see old buildings crumble–and their stories with them. The words you share here, the photos–so powerful. And to soak Him up to drip Him out. My prayer. Yes.
Sandra, we saw a building that is 1,000 years old and that just blew me away. We don’t have many buildings that are 100 years old in the US. Wish those buildings could record history and all those that have walked through them.
Hi Shelly – thank you for linking up with me on Winsome Wednesday, I’m so glad you did because I now have found you. Looking forward to seeing you again this week and your next post.
God Bless
Tracy
Glad I found you too. I was travelling last week so I had little time to visit other blogs that linked up but will do better this week.