Redeem the Time
And the people stayed home,
and read books, and listened,
and rested and exercised,
and made art and played games,
and learned new ways of being
.. and were still ..
and listened more deeply.
Some meditated,
some prayed,
some danced,
some met their shadows.
And people began to think differently
and the people began to heal.
And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous ways,
meaningless, mindless and heartless ways,
the earth began to heal.
and when the danger passed,
the people joined together again
and grieved their losses,
and made new choices,
and dreamed new visions,
and created new ways to live,
and help to heal the earth,
as they were being healed.
- Kathleen O’Meara
“Life IS fragile” .. throughout human history this has been true: one never knows what event or situation might dramatically change an individual life or a nation or a planet.
Given its global impact & unprecedented changing of lives .. COVID-19 might be considered WWIII
But war with an “invisible enemy” .. makes clear our INABILITY to control what is uncontrollable.
Unexpectedly & universally .. swift changes are thrust upon us .. PRIORITIES are being reordered.
“Illusion of control is arrogance .. so goes human pride.
Turning our hearts to GOD .. this could “turn the tide”
In truth, times of uncertainty which pose great challenges .. may also be brilliantly disguised opportunities to grow personally & spiritually.
This will depend on how we respond.
It will also depend of what compass we use to navigate through the storm.
In any “storm” .. it is human to feel over-whelmed even afraid. Words of warning are like whirling winds … washing over us like a waterfall … producing fear and angst.
Yet .. there are rays of optimism:
“Corona can make us stronger” ~ Ali Anani
“Isn’t it pretty to think so?” ~ Hemingway
This quote from the The Sun Also Rises finds its illumination at the very end.
That chilling, cuts-you-like-a-shiv line: "Isn't it pretty to think so?"
This “Earnest” line sums up the very spirit of a Lost Generation.
Might history be repeating itself?
Might COVID-19 be revealing “the spirit of a lost generation”
Might the events unfolding in 2020 help to improve our sight .. alter our vision & focus.
“Corona can make us stronger” .. but will it?
Professor Ali Anani points out “The corona crisis is creating emotional, physical and spiritual voids in our lives.”
As I read his words: The thought that occurred to me is that these “voids” were already in place .. they existed prior to COVID-19. If anything, the “voids” are being MAGNIFIED at this time.
With honest self-assessment, we can all identify “voids” .. in our lives. In our communities .. in all nations.
Voids are unfulfilled fruitless, weak, empty places.
Whether we agree or not .. whether we’re prepared or not: priorities are being reordered and “voids” will become apparent.
Humans have a tendency to live in the physical .. live in externals .. thus we have a hard time seeing voids .. especially in the spiritual realm.
There is a Divine microscope that can help detect the condition .. if you’re willing to go under it ;~)
How can we be made stronger .. less “fragile”? This is not wand-waving .. there are no apps or easy buttons.
To be made “stronger” requires strength of spirit. It is a priceless quality that is uniquely, exclusively and individually produced: the ability to acquire this “strength” requires recognition & receptivity, desire, attentiveness & cooperation .. nurture, and spiritual push-ups.
This "strength" is not something that you can order online .. from Amazon.
Spiritual strength is imparted Spirit to spirit: God’s Holy Spirit into your spirit.
Truth: "God can only do for you .. what you allow (even invite) Him to do in you" - fem-v
Just as we have to do physical exercise to gain physical strength .. we have to "sow to the spirit" to gain spiritual strength.
“Sowing & reaping” is a Divine principle. It's a straight cause-and-effect principle.
The principle is equally true whether you believe it or reject it.
If we sow to the flesh: that is, do the things that appeal to our fleshly natures .. seek to satisfy the desires of the flesh, we will reap accordingly. “What is seen is temporary” .. these things will fade or end.
On the other hand, if we sow to the Spirit: that is, do things that build up our spiritual lives .. we will reap something that does not end. The implications are eternal.
In the physical:
A person indulges in overeating .. does not eat healthy foods .. does not exercise .. may smoke, drink in excess or use harmful drugs .. ignores well-being and then suffers health consequences. Yet this person fails to see the part they played in their own health decline.
In the spiritual:
Rather than “give us this day our daily bread” .. we “starve at the Buffet Table of Life” meaning never open or read God’s Word .. our thoughts are not edified with good nourishment .. we neglect or completely ignore our spiritual well-being and then seem to be in wonder that negative consequences follow: fear, anxiety, lack of peace. These are inward .. of the spirit so less visible.
The principle of “sowing to the spirit” is of the heart & spirit. It is heart-to-heart and Spirit to spirit.
People might be able to hide their heart-intentions from other people .. even from themselves. But not from God. He alone knows the intentions of human hearts .. if they are genuine or not genuine. God knows.
“God is not mocked” .. “a man reaps what he sows”
Lessons from nature ..
Great physical force is stored in the depths of the earth.
Over 3 billion years ago .. deep within the Earth’s crust under conditions of intense heat and pressure .. carbon atoms were caused to crystallize. The result of this force produced diamonds.
In the same way, spiritual force is stored in the depths of our being and spiritual strength can be brought about by “intense pressure.” The very struggle, pain or crisis we are suffering & cannot understand has the ability to produce within us something of strength & beauty .. IF we can grasp it and cooperate with the process.
“What matters most is how you walk through the fire.” - Charles Bukowski
“Who among you fears the Lord? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go .. walk in the light of your (self-made) fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from My hand: You will lie down in torment.” - Isaiah 50:10-11 (NIV)
This is a solemn warning to those who might find themselves in a hard place .. in a place of darkness .. trying to find the way out with self-made light.
It is foolish to reject God’s Light.
When we are under a dark cloud .. when uncertainty produces fear & worry: the temptation is to make our own way .. to exert control .. to “walk in the light of self-made fire" .. Rather than seeking God and relying on Him to help us, we try to help ourselves. We readily seek the advice of family & friends .. yet neglect the Highest Counsel. As a result, we may take a path that would not be of God at all.
When we place our confidence in human strengths: intelligence, abilities, appearances, accomplishments and resources instead of in God, we risk being left to our own devices. The end result may be “torment" or sorrow.
Relying on human strength & being self-sufficient can place us in opposition to God. This is not a place of peace or provision or strength. It is a place of weakness.
Please do not confuse being personally responsible with “self-sufficiency” ..“Self-sufficiency” in a spiritual sense is relying on self instead of relying on God.
Times of trouble & uncertainly are meant to teach lessons. Lessons we desperately need.
Even if we can’t see the “voids” .. or choose not to, the voids are there. Unfulfilled, fruitless, weak, empty places.
“Be careful then how you live, not as unwise but as wise .. redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” - Ephesians 5
“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without wisdom, redeeming the time” (KJV). Colossians 4
“Redeeming the time” is related to wisdom: how we “walk,” that is, in how we live.
There are two ways to journey through life: with God or without God.
We can walk and live in the “light of our own fire”
Or
We can walk and live in His Light.
In stillness: listen expectantly for His quite voice .. the prompting of His Spirit.
“For with you Lord is the fountain of life; in your Light we see light.” - Psalm 36
Giving honor where honor is due:
Artist Image: https://www.duyhuynh.com/
2)
“Corona can make us stronger”
https://www.bebee.com/producer/@ali-anani/corona-can-make-us-stronger#c98
Ongoing thanks my dear Professor … for your wisdom, and most especially your heart to inspire and engage
3)
More Scriptures about “redeeming time”
https://www.openbible.info/topics/redeeming_time
https://www.biblicalfoundations.org/sowing-spirit-galatians-66-10/
4)
Poem: "The People Stayed Home"
https://happinesstakeover.com/2020/03/20/and-the-people-stayed-home/
April 14th 2020
“In His Light” … I write ;~)
All rights reserved: Fay Marmalich-Vietmeier
If my words make you think … Great ;~)
As “iron-sharpens-iron” … I enjoy bantering with other BEES … your feedback is as “honey”
A glimpse of the “Bee” called “me” ;~)
My caring nature makes me an advocate. My curious nature makes me a “queen of questions” … but gifted with the ability to listen ;~) I am a woman of deep faith, a blessed mother, a voracious reader, a blossoming writer, a grateful person, and a lover of beauty … I treasure family, true friendships and my loyal clients ... enjoy traveling, learning, good movies, good wine and golf. I’m a “heart-to-heart” communicator.
https://www.bebee.com/@fay-vietmeier-pennsylvania
https://www.linkedin.com/in/faymarmalichvietmeier/detail/recent-activity/
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Comments
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #29
Joel Anderson Joel~ thanks for sharing this lovely poem. “Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Do not go gentle into that good night.” ~ Bob Dylan I picked up a book at the library before the corona The Wind that Shakes the Barley: A Novel of the Life and Loves of Robert Burns (an influence on Bob Dylan) It is not a page-turner but very interesting ... his father was a unique man and great force in his life ... the time was filled with great struggle for “Rabbie” and his family https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/oct/06/bob.dylan.robert.burns.inspiration Bob Dylan's greatest creative inspiration is not Woody Guthrie, Little Richard or Odetta. It's even not Picasso or Cézanne. Instead, Dylan has revealed his greatest inspiration is Scotland's favourite son, the Bard of Ayrshire, the 18th-century poet known to most as Rabbie Burns
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #28
Roberto De la Cruz Utria Roberto~ Thank you for your always thought-full comments With assurance we can only testify where we are ... “only find ourselves in the moment we live” History is so important ... filled with lessons ... yet often ignored or dismissed as “not relevant” I never cease to be amazed at what is deemed “relevant” Purely based on the perspective of each person ... right of wrong ... good or bad I gently disagree with what you say: “we are the best version of human being that ever existed” ... more advanced in technology ... “Yes” ... overloaded with “information” ... but that is not necessarily Truth ... thinking has evolved ... people have endeavored to right the wrong in: Racism, Slavery, Fanaticism, ethnic-religious persecutions ... But sadly they still exist ... though have been “diminished” This is a good thought & I agree: “adversities lead mainly to the union of peoples, to forget differences, at least for a time, to bring out the potential that each individual can give.” May it be ;~)
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #27
Preston \ud83d\udc1d Vander Ven “The sounds of silence" People talking without speaking ... People hearing without listening Thanks Preston ... I’d like to believe that people will be sitting in silence ... able to “listen to their own consciousness speak to themselves” An echo: “Wouldn’t it be pretty to think so?” ~Hemingway “I have been pondering the 23rd Psalm “He makes me to lie down He leads me beside still waters He restores my soul ... He “makes me” ... we are so like sheep ... how often we need a “Good Shepherd” who knows we need rest ... when we have no idea Sitting in silence? Or looking for noise? Time reveals all The "invisible enemy" that has been applied to corona ... sometimes makes me smile Truth veiled in a dark cloud "the invisible enemy" is the enemy of our souls
Joel Anderson
3 years ago #26
River walks are getting interespersed where possible. Work is going crazy busy right now. Be safe, be healthy. https://poets.org/poem/do-not-go-gentle-good-night
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #25
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #24
Franci\ud83d\udc1dEugenia Hoffman, beBee Brand Ambassador Thanks for visiting Franci ;~) I really liked the poem too .. it was shared with me by my Irish friend ... but her note to me attributed it a different Kathleen O'Meara 1939-1888/written in 1869 /10 years after the "Great Famine" ... "enjoy the journey and be less concerned with the destination" When I read your words ... I was thinking more concerned about the destination ... But I'm looking to the end of "the dash" called LIFE An important "destination" ...
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #23
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #22
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #21
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #20
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #19
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #18
Ali \ud83d\udc1d Anani, Brand Ambassador @beBee As long as this bee can fly with her words ... you'll never be "lonely" Thanks for the direct to Harvey Lloyd new post ... he's going to be hard to keep up with too ;~)
Ali Anani
3 years ago #17
Fay Vietmeier I have already responded to your other "pearly" comment. It seems our friend Harvey Lloyd is also sidetracked because he contributed a great post today that blew wind in my mind with its depth. Confirmation Bias II https://www.bebee.com/producer/@harvey-lloyd/confirmation-bias-ii So, You both left me lonely
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #16
Ali \ud83d\udc1d Anani, Brand Ambassador @beBee I left a note for you on the "pearl" that I'm sidetracked with an unexpected project ... I'd much rather be in the "Well-Spring" beBee cafe ... hope to be back this evening or tomorrow (unless the Lord calls me home ;~) ... in which case your own your own ;~) but you have always have Harvey Lloyd ;~) ... have so many thoughts buzzing to respond ...
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #15
Pascal Derrien
3 years ago #14
Ali Anani
3 years ago #13
Ali Anani
3 years ago #12
Dear Fay Vietmeier You wrote in your lyrics with such beauty "I have a Friend who fly’s with me" Well, I can tell you you are on the fly with superb wings.
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #11
Ali \ud83d\udc1d Anani, Brand Ambassador @beBee My dearest Professor How those “voids” are filled … reveals much … determines much … I think this is true: “God is testing us by watching how we take the opportunity of filling the voids” Your words brought to mind the concluding words of my poem: “I hold my breath in awe, I am convinced. … God is watching us … I have a Friend who fly’s with me But He’s a Spirit … you can’t see He made the sun & moon & stars He is near ... though He seems so far https://www.bebee.com/producer/@fay-vietmeier-pennsylvania/i-dream-of-flying-209378
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #10
Oswaldo Enrique Diaz Delgado Oswaldo~ I’m not sure “every human being knows that he is blessed” … although you do point out this is based on “his capacity to be able to see, feel & appreciate” … with that I agree You also say: “From the ego, power and vanity a human nature that can be corrected and deserves profound changes” All that is required is a willing heart & a willing spirit … then it is possible for “human nature can be corrected” … (recognition and a desire for change) We don’t “deserve” but GRACE is a gift … the work of God's Spirit a gift ... “so no man can boast” … freely available to every willing … seeking heart Be blessed in this day my friend ;~)
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #9
Oswaldo Enrique Diaz Delgado Oswaldo ~ Thank you for reading and always so thoughtfully writing My “compass” is God ... He helps me be a compass in my family ...but He Guides the ship ;~) This is a beautiful thought you share: … “where each human being has his perfect compass … Family love" … Our dispositions in the own revelation "God" and with the same love of family to each corner of the planet we will arrive to establish well-being from before and after the storm” Family love is a compass … in every corner of the planet … universally connecting us all We are God’s “family” … and He loves us God demonstrated His LOVE … by sending His One & Only Son, Jesus Christ to be our Savior … to redeem and restore mankind “before the foundation of the world, God predestined that we would be His heirs … even co-heirs with Jesus Christ” Believers are receivers … “that whosoever believes will have eternal life” Your family is in my prayers … be well with all your being Oswaldo ;~)
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #8
Ali Anani
3 years ago #7
Hello dearFay Vietmeier It is you who sharpens my mind. Yes, humans are broken fractals with lots of emptiness to fill in. Some people choose to fill them with experience, learning, spirituality and discovering. Others do just the opposite. God is testing us by watching how we take the opportunity of filling the voids. Well, the title of my post that you like is the inspiration from the exchange of comments with you and more as explicitly acknowledged in my post. You are a genuine spiritual well-being.
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #6
Paul Walters First Paul ~ I hope all is well with you and your family. I am honored to have you read and thoughtfully comment … I read your recent “Bali in time of COVID-19” … enjoyed: You do have a way with words ... you write like a paint brush ;~) As I was reading your comment … the Spanish Inquisition came to mind which began around 1477… History is filled with man’s inhumanity to man I read a most interesting book: People of the Book ~ Geraldine Brooks (I’ve read this book twice ;~) pleasure page-turning reading ;~) … it is fiction … and within the “Book” are small-books … one is about the Inquisition (I still remember it) Sadly history reflects how often that religion is a corrupting force … rather than a Life-giving force (the later is TRUTH & more powerful ;~) Misuse and distortion of power is of man … not GOD … “People of the Church” (now that would make a book- I’ll tuck that away ;~) I say beware “religion” … this is man’s attempt to reach God Jesus Christ is God’s way to reach man … and Christ is “the Way” to our Father in heaven Relationship is what God seeks from us … NOT religion The Standard is God … never man How often people reject God … because of the heinous acts & behavior of sin-filled men (or women) (part 1)
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #5
Ali \ud83d\udc1d Anani, Brand Ambassador @beBee Hello my dear professor … I hope this finds you well rested ;~) I am not that “early bird” … you’re as bad as me up at 2 am and on the computer ;~) “Our priorities are like broken crystals and we need to do effort and work (including mental and spiritual works) to put them in order” Your comment made me wonder how a person does “spiritual work” … if not a believer? Humans beings are like “broken crystals” too … fractal beings are "broken" beings How do we get glued back together? 2) I like the title you chose ;~) for your new post and agree: the joy is in the journey ;~) In the journey: ongoing we are resetting goals & priorities … … sometimes our choosing … sometimes not “The jewel is not finding the pearl; it is in enjoying the learning journey. and resetting the goals as per their new priorities. The journey may be chaotic, but only to provide us with opportunity to do work and reset our priorities.”
Paul Walters
3 years ago #4
Ali Anani
3 years ago #3
Thank you dear Fay. I assure you that I had written my comment before reading this honoring comment. I am deeply grateful to you. By the way I responded to your last comment on my post and in it you shall see my "revised, and hopefully, ordered. thinking.
Ali Anani
3 years ago #2
Fay Vietmeier
3 years ago #1