Thank you, Rev. Trimble! So true, sometimes the fire meant to warm us ends up burning us. We need to respect its potential. I am a poet, and about a month ago, I wrote a poem about that very image of the charcoal fire in John's gospel. Not sure I can print it here, but here it goes!
Amen. Power is alluring but our impacts as disciples are so personal and individual. A senator could choose to harm or do good for broader groups than single individuals. Judgment is not mine. I am responsible for my own accountability in serving and stumbling in serving God. I will be struggling with that full time until my last breath.
Loved this powerful, well-written, and wise reflection. Also have never thought about the two fires before - a compassionate invitation for all of us to respond as we can to the question that matters.
Thank you for this powerful reflection, especially the PRAYER.
It takes us a life time to learn the lessons of LOVE POWER. We need to stay by, and attend the FIRE so that the embers of EGO'S needs for power will be consumed ...and then we can serve a healthy BREAKAST that will feed the world's hunger for nurturing leadership.
It beckons the everlasting question, “Who do people say that I am? … Who do you say that I am? … Who am I?” May I have enough humility and faith to endure the responses. Thank you for keeping the flame, Cameron. Peace…
A very thoughtful and challenging perspective. For me Graham was pure evil but you have helped me to reconcile with the two Peters that perhaps lived inside of him rather loudly and in us all to some degree. Thanks
Thank you, Rev. Trimble! So true, sometimes the fire meant to warm us ends up burning us. We need to respect its potential. I am a poet, and about a month ago, I wrote a poem about that very image of the charcoal fire in John's gospel. Not sure I can print it here, but here it goes!
Charcoal Fire
John’s Gospel, chapter 21
He knew.
He knew that after a night at sea,
rowing, wet, fighting the waves,
fighting our sadness,
we’d be hungry.
Is there anything better than a hot breakfast?
Fish sizzling in a skillet,
lightly salted,
just baked bread to sop up the grease,
to sop up the sadness?
We didn’t know it was him,
but somehow we did.
Didn’t we see him feed the 5,000?
He asked for our fish and kept cooking
over a charcoal fire,
sliding the savory deliciousness
into our thankful hands.
It wasn’t until later that he asked me
if I loved him – three times –
and before each “yes” I closed my eyes
and remembered that cold night, the fear,
and the denial over that other charcoal fire.
“Yes, Lord, you know I do.”
He knew.
This is beautiful John.
Thank you, Victoria!
Thank you for this beautiful message of compassion and redemption.
May you continue to spread peace, joy, and healing.
🕊️
Amen. Power is alluring but our impacts as disciples are so personal and individual. A senator could choose to harm or do good for broader groups than single individuals. Judgment is not mine. I am responsible for my own accountability in serving and stumbling in serving God. I will be struggling with that full time until my last breath.
Loved this powerful, well-written, and wise reflection. Also have never thought about the two fires before - a compassionate invitation for all of us to respond as we can to the question that matters.
Thank you for this powerful reflection, especially the PRAYER.
It takes us a life time to learn the lessons of LOVE POWER. We need to stay by, and attend the FIRE so that the embers of EGO'S needs for power will be consumed ...and then we can serve a healthy BREAKAST that will feed the world's hunger for nurturing leadership.
It beckons the everlasting question, “Who do people say that I am? … Who do you say that I am? … Who am I?” May I have enough humility and faith to endure the responses. Thank you for keeping the flame, Cameron. Peace…
Oh how I hope I remember who I am and what I stand for when I am tested. We, in the West, are all a lil close to power aren’t we?
A very thoughtful and challenging perspective. For me Graham was pure evil but you have helped me to reconcile with the two Peters that perhaps lived inside of him rather loudly and in us all to some degree. Thanks
Thank you for this reflection. It has made me reflect in a new way.
Reflection without judging
A beautiful and life giving reflection… thank you and thank you for sharing your poem.
I love your deep insights which offer us the opportunity to think about the world and ourselves differently. Thank you.
Cameron, thank you for your message, this morning it brings tears to my eyes and hope to my weary heart, I am very grateful