At this moment, the world is consumed with the disaster of epic proportions – continually unfolding – in Japan. The photos of the destruction are beyond our worst imaginings; the tragic stories of lost lives, heart-wrenching.
I continue to hold the people of Japan in prayer. How they will ever begin to put life back together is something only God knows.
And, by His grace alone, such tragedy has eluded us. We can never be thankful enough for this unremarkable normalcy.
While the other side of the world suits up to prevent harmful exposure, God reminded me of a phrase I wrote down years ago;
Radiance – that which emanates from our edified souls...
Such an atmosphere was pervasive during a women’s retreat last week at our church. Who knew there were such compelling speakers in our midst?
Gretchen, Maggie, Margaret D. and Marilyn captivated us with their perspectives, their walk with God, and messages of hope and faith. Margaret J., seated in her wheel chair, touched the hearts of all as she spoke of her challenges with brain cancer, bringing laughter and tears with her words.
These amazing women blessed and inspired us all.
What really struck me was the revealing of such radiance – free-flowing, brilliant, and warm. Receiving it was effortless, yet so powerful to the soul.
We take great pains to keep ourselves and our bodies free from environmental pollutants. We drink our hormone-free milk in BPA-free plastic cups. We choose to buy organic produce, grown without nasty pesticides.
Awareness of such things promotes a healthy lifestyle. Are we just as vigilant about the feeding of our souls?
If we are observant, we can find inner light radiating around us – in people everywhere. Sometimes we can turn it on with a smile, a caring remark, or just by being present and willing to receive it.
If we look carefully, we can find surprising pockets of “soulbeams” shining around every corner. Have you taken the time to really – really look into the eyes of the person before you at any given moment?
What you see – and feel – might just blow you away.
Throw off your “protective gear”. Face the light from others head on. Revel in it.
And in doing so, you will get a glimpse of God.
Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around (her). This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking. ~ Ezekiel 1:28 (parentheses mine)
Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path. ~ Psalm 119:105
beWARM 
Thank you, Toni! I was reminded this morning in my prayer group that –“of course”– everything comes from God. The radiance you see in the other person– is specifically from God.
The truth of this hit home this morning because of the confidence with which my friend announced, “Of course it’s from God”. I can be that confident in God’s magnificence, all it takes is submitting!
For sure!
Thank you for this post. God just reaffirmed what He was showing me this morning… The beautiful in the ugly. Thank you Lord for the women in Christ Church.
I am so thankful for them, too! aren’t we so blessed?
See…I knew I loved you before I even knew you:) This is awesome…the “soulbeams” are a perfect description of that Glennon Melton quote about women who are so warm and beautiful that you can actually feel it spill out on you. This is one of my favorite entries. xoxo