by Kathy Brasby | Jan 24, 2025 | Listening
The dragon breathes glowing red fire, scorching anything it touches. You know this: it has burned you. And you know its name: grief.
Loss prodded this fiery dragon into life. Do you know it rises from within you? Its long spiked tail slams you again and again until you can’t breathe.
Sharp claws dig into your skin and then you are flung against the rocks over and over and over until your heart races so that you’re sure it will burst.
But I assure you that you are able to stand against it.
No, not alone. With me.
Get to your feet. You are scraped and bloodied. Get behind me, Beloved. Let my shield and my sword protect you.
The dragon will never leave you now, but it can grow smaller.
It will be contained. By me. I will teach it manners and how to sleep in the cave.
Then I will sponge living water onto your bruises and pour the sweet oil of healing over your wounds.
I will soothe your pain, and I will subdue the dragon.
Get behind me, my love. Let me protect you.
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
I cried out to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy mountain.
Psalm 3:3-4
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. All rights reserved.
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by Kathy Brasby | Jan 7, 2025 | Listening
Storms of grief roar, filling your mind with chaos. The winds of pain shriek, making you believe you cannot hear me.
Focus on my voice instead.
You think I am not speaking? Listen.
I whisper words of hope, confidence, and life. I speak in the storm.
Learn to hear my voice even when your pain would lure you away–into confusion and despair.
Those howling winds are outside, not within your spirit. Let my voice breathe life to your thoughts and soul.
Focus on me, not those external angry cries.
My words are of love and purpose and kindness and mercy.
In the storm, I love you.
Amid the shrieks of disarray, I show you mercy.
You have a choice: to listen to the roar of pain or to my voice of love and peace.
Choose wisely.
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.”
John 15:9
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. All rights reserved.
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by Kathy Brasby | Dec 30, 2024 | Listening
Step into the water and feel the soft sponge caress your skin with warm water. Living water.
I love you, dear one, and I pour fragrant sudsy water over your body.
No, don’t protest. This is the nature of my kingdom: to serve my children.
I rinse away the dust of this world, the responsibilities and burdens. My burden is light.
Be revived by this smooth water. Your thoughts will settle and be rejuvenated by my flowing stream.
Allow your heart to be healed and your mind awakened.
Trust me. I love you and I will breathe new life into you day by day.
Lean into my gentle waters.
Be renewed. Be refreshed.
Be restored.
When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:2-3
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. All rights reserved.
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by Kathy Brasby | Dec 21, 2024 | Listening
I know the ground is covered with snow now, but you have touched a flower’s bloom.
Remember the silky petals, the sweet scent, the contrast between the colors. The petal is pink or red or purple while the stem and leaves are vivid green.
Not only do all these parts have a utilitarian purpose but they also bring lovely contrast of colors, don’t you think?
They please me.
Notice the bee nestling gently into the stamen. He has a job as well, to spread the pollen and produce life-giving honey. Isn’t it all wonderful?
My creation will encourage you and strengthen your heart. Don’t be so deep in your grief that you don’t see.
Notice, my child.
…the LORD made the heavens!
Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.
O nations of the world, recognize the LORD; recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong.
Psalm 96:5–7
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. All rights reserved.
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by Kathy Brasby | Dec 19, 2024 | Listening
(God spoke this to me on Christmas Day seven months after Matt passed.)
Look back – a quick glance – to see how much progress you’ve made on this mountain. Notice the rugged stones beside your path – and the yellow and purple and blue flowers.
Breathe in.
Up here, the air is thinner, but sweeter too and cool. Let that air go deep in to your body, burrowing into your soul, refreshing your heart.
The breeze whistles as it carves its way around boulders, rushing onward and caressing your skin. A bluebird overhead joins the new song.
You are ascending a height that not everyone has conquered. Continue by my strength.
It’s a special day – but you live today without your precious ones lost til eternity. Don’t focus on the loss, but strive to see.
Embrace the view before you–a magnificent slice of my creation. You have endured. I haven’t let you fall and I never will.
Breathe deeply once more. The air is thin and your legs are weary. Go one step further. Don’t think of turning back. Be tenacious.
Take one step. Then another. Then another.
The coming year holds beauty. You only see it if you keep climbing higher. Stay alert for the splendor and the love and the truth that awaits you. In me. In my presence, my beloved.
Notice how much progress you’ve made! Majesty lies ahead.
The Lord, the Mighty One, is God,
and he has spoken;
he has summoned all humanity
from where the sun rises to where it sets.
From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God shines in glorious radiance.
Ps 50:1-2
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. All rights reserved.
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