The opposite of hope is cynicism. The opposite of trust is selfishness. Hope is not “what’s in it for me”. Trust is not quid pro quo, cynicism demands loyalty, without mitigation, requiring suspicion and scorn, bullying with blind compliance. We trust in the “vision”, dreams, do indeed, come true and we rest assured, poised inContinue reading “Cynicism”
Category Archives: Heart
Magis
Disciplined imagination reflects God’s reflection. When I was a child, reward and punishment was activity’s pivot. When caught breaking the rules, absolution was sought through atonement and reparation. As a reflecting adult, compassion and sacrifice mirrors Divine mercy. The Beatitudes rule, communion is achieved through submission and grace. Common good relies on justice and seeksContinue reading “Magis”
Prayer
Some demand with hubris. Some expect with humility. Perchance the same words but such different instants. “…all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, those who humble themselves will be exalted.”[1] We have sinned and we are in need of help. Beyond reciting words, Prayer calls from the heart. “…humbling oneself is difficult. It demands so muchContinue reading “Prayer”
Messenger
Sometimes the messenger needs to remember to not shoot the messenger. When the Message is heard, the messenger is polite – without rudeness, direct, without smoke and mirrors. Life is conflicting Truth… thwarting community. Love holds opposing Word… dancing with divergence. When the Message is real, the messenger must educe – a heartfelt response, notContinue reading “Messenger”
Hear Me! (Psalm 120)
I call on you, my God, in my distress, please answer me. save me, my God from the lying lips and deceitful tongues of the willful, who surround me. Their lying is not helpful, their deception is unkind, Make them listen, their unfaithfulness is hurtful. pierce their hearts withContinue reading “Hear Me! (Psalm 120)”
Bounce Back Better
Setbacks are inevitable… to recover is not a passive movement, resiliency is an active affirmation, Absorbing the effects of the injury affects restoring comfort and happiness – surpass survival – thrive. Well-being is not an accident. Engaged is not a coincidence. Harmony is not a lucky chance. Total commitment… exercise the body, adjust the attitude,Continue reading “Bounce Back Better”
Pace
“When I walk, I walk slow. When I run, I run fast.”[1] There is a time to be watchful. There is a time to be enthused. There is a time to be measured. There is a time to be nimble. Walking is a time to relish the view – to be aware of surroundings, toContinue reading “Pace”
God’s Sadness
The tears God sheds are real and in harmony with creation. God’s gloom is not our doom, nor does it lessen her love for us, all of us, regardless of awareness. God’s grief is not fear of failure, She does not ache from envy, and does not compete with us. God’s anguish gives witness, SheContinue reading “God’s Sadness”
Consent
“Let it be,” is empowering – Listening can be disquieting, but union requires openness and following nurtures flowering. The request I somewhat resent – my first response, “Don’t tell me that,” but the call renders clarity and submission begets assent. Of course, I can invoke dissent – I am free to do as I wish,Continue reading “Consent”
Languishing
mandatory social distancing makes for hard times and empty spaces the panaceas do not work the heartaches are not quirks virtually giving direction toughens taking remote direction the alone together approach oxymorons the non-encroach without help the tasks are joyless the days have become aimless thus i flounder and cannot flourish wallow in the solitudeContinue reading “Languishing”
MaddogPoetry 