I feel it in the shift of falling leaves, the bird feeder swinging in the cold breeze scattering seeds among the pine needles and crunchy embryos of summer’s bounty. I hear it in your voice, the way your soul lays down with the setting sun, lying there cold and exposed. Wondering how the world will look with the spin of tomorrow and the winds howling for change.
How do I matter? We’re all part of this collective choir of silent stares, waiting for the answer. Grasping our hands around the finial at the bottom of the staircase, worrying if we’re dressed appropriately for the occasion of transformation. All invitation, no details.
We’ve opened the treasure chest of props to mask the pain of our wounds. Discarded them like dangling acorns letting go in order to live again. Tempted to collect them in the skirt of our apron, put them in jars for safe keeping when the enemy taunts with the familiar tale of fear.
Letting go isn’t for the meek and mild. We’re white gloved to the elbow in brave, resting our arm on the courage of the King. Taking slow steps forward, shoulders squared, balancing the tiara of trust.
Those clanging windows blown open in dirty circumstance no longer require our attention. We’ve traded the chill of doing things our own way, to buckle down in peace preparing for glory beside the fire.
Are you ready to enter the incandescent room of calling, to be presented to the world of grace? He’s holding you by the hand as you bow to the audience before him. Will you turn around to grasp the latch on the trunk of familiar comfort or bask in the smile on his face?
We’re stepping over the threshold to freedom together tomorrow as we finish this leg of the race. Will you join me?
Linking with Jen and Eileen today.
I can hardly believe it, this is #30 in the series 31 Days of Letting Go. Tomorrow is our last post in the series and I hope you’ll come by to celebrate all that God has done. You can read the collective here. Subscribe to receive the series in your inbox or feed by adding your address in the side bar under Follow Redemptions Beauty.
My tiara of trust slipped from my head a long time ago because I still struggle with my faith, my prom dress of perfection got torn and outdated, my white gloves of winsomeness got soiled, and like Cinderella, I’m missing a glass slipper. I hobble a lot. Why pretend? I’m a tatterdemalion testament of ineptitude and sin. I’m a mess! I let go my mask some time ago, and pretty much wear my heart on my sleeve-bared arm. It’s called surrender and transparency. I think Christ wants it and the Church needs it (not I, particularly, but everyone’s transparency). I agree with you, Shelly: It’s time to shed our masks and drop our pretenses. I love that you are a see-through writer who bares your heart and unbosoms your soul; you’re real. You’ve taken His arm for support as you walk the world’s runway, knowing He has told you to get out on the stage and write for Him. That can be a fearsome thing (especially when you write as honestly as you do), but you are letting go your will in order to do His. You are performing for an audience of One, and we who hover in the wings, stage right and stage left, are privileged to see your life play out as you live it before Him. You’ve passed the threshold test of transformation, because you know that you can’t muster it, but there is grace to master it. It’s ALL of grace. And when we don’t think we can either let go or go on, He gives us grace to do whichever He is asking. Wow! I LOVE your “letting go” series. Thank you so much for having the courage to stick with this for 31 days!!! Just amazing!
Lynn, thanks for being a part of the series. Your guest post was definitely a highlight and your comments a big part of engaging conversation here. Appreciate you so much.
I must sound like a broken record sometimes, Shelly. But I love your way with words. Beautiful.
Broken records are good for this writer Eileen, I need repitition in my life to get it sometimes. Thank you for your kindness.
Letting go is never easy, but its freedom is worth it…to give ourselves to him and receive his grace. I am struggling with letting go of a relationship with my dad, but I have given it to God and I am trusting him to help me continue to let go. 31 days of letting go…awesome subject and great transparency in your writing.
Dionne, I’ve had to let go of relationships with both my parents. Probably the most difficult things for me to let go to date. And even though I’m sure our circumstances are different, I understand the struggle well. If you need someone to pray you through it, I’m available through email too, shelly@redemptionsbeauty.com. Thanks for being honest and leaving a comment, glad you were part of the journey this month.
So beautiful. Thank you, Shelly.
Thanks for being here Heather, it’s good to have you back on the blogosphere.
Hi Shelly…beautiful post again today! I’ve said it before, but I say it again–I have so enjoyed your 31 days of ‘Letting Go’! I’ve taken notes everyday. I’ve learned about the many ways I hold on, trying in my own strength—it hasn’t made for a very pretty picture. My friend Lynn, has expressed it perfectly here. I love that you are so transparent and honest with us. The world needs more like you, and I’d like to be the same,,,when I grow up. Thank you, Shelly, for being just who you are.
(There’s an old Beatles song, ‘Eleanor Rigby’. It says, “Eleanor Rigby, puts on her face that she keeps in a jar by the door. Who is it for? All the lonely people…” I’ve always related to old Eleanor. Time to smash that jar and throw out my mask, amen?)
It’s been a privilege to see you grow in your faith Jillie, so glad you are here with me.
Shelly,
Though I take little time to read any blogs, I have come to yours, due to nudging from Lynni Morrissey, for which I am most grateful. I find your picturesque speech, almost musical, as a refreshing way to express and convey His truth. The freeing of Self allows one to go forward with receptivity to God’s guidance and wisdom unencumbered by the dross, which is alien to us as creations of His.
Thank you for the sharing of your lovely Gift from Him,
Joan
Joan, so glad to have you following along, what a gift. And that Lynn is such a blessing to me, so thankful she gave you the nudge to visit. Appreciate your kind comment.
OH Joanie, I”m so glad you told me that you posted on SHelly’s, and I pray you will become a regular reader. She is the kind of writer you love, full of music and meaning. You will be right at home here, dearest one! Love, Lynni
this is beautiful. thank you for sharing!