I must begin this letter with an apology.  I have been in a certain state of incommunicado— for many reasons that seem more aptly categorized as excuses.  I could list them; however I will spare you of my pathetic attempt towards pity.  I am sorry to my family and friends (and especially my sisters) for not replying to the numerous communications I’ve received over the past month.

What times we live in.  And what a grand adventure God has called me to.  From earthquakes to political unrest…I, like you, am living in a world on edge.  The edge of what is a good question.  Believers and unbelievers would no doubt differ on the answer.  But I assert that we should not dwell too long on the physical realities of this position; instead meditating on spiritual certainties that either free or bind us in this world and the hereto after.

If we stand upon that edge in Christ, and Christ in us, we stand upon sure-footing ready to fly.  If we stand upon that cliff without Him, we are sinking fast, poised to fall—we have nothing and are assured of the same.

“No one can come to me [Jesus] unless the Father who sent me draws him.  Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.  This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.”  John 6:44-45, 65

It is by the grace of God that I stand in Christ.  And it is not by anything I have initiated, but by His mercy He first chose me.  For the past month I feel I have entered into a spiritual cocoon.  God has been revealing these truths to me, that I have nothing without Him and everything with Him.  Furthermore, that He desires a deep and intimate love relationship with me and that in the absence of this relationship I am left with a profound emptiness that drives me to deprivation and darkness.  It’s amazing to think that the Creator of all things wants a relationship, and not just the friendly chat-about-the-weather variety, but an intense and on-going tears-and-laughter-fears-and-cheers-all-or-nothing-love relationship.  It’s not about going to church or professing your religion— it’s all about relationship.  Thus my cocoon.  God is reminding me that it is not all about me…it’s all about US…and being together as He intended in the garden way back in the beginning.  It is the same for you.  We were created for fellowship with Him.

“Jesus replied: ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment.’”          Matthew 22:37