The present?
It's entitled 'Courage - bringing a triumphant spirit, inspiration and courage.'
The explanation of the figure goes on to explain that it was created to celebrate that which we call upon when facing challenges in our lives.
As I've looked at this figure and thought about the sentiment behind it, I understand why it was given. I more than appreciate the love, respect and understanding that wrapped it up, and yet, I'm not really sure I deserve that.
I love the way the figure is standing. It reminds me of the photograph we were shown in a meeting a while ago, whilst considering how we want/need to respond to the Holy spirit:
The openness of the arms stood as an invitation to the raining (reigning?) down of the rain/Holy Spirit.Another image which came to mind was that of someone winning a race. The acknowledgement of effort, pain, tiredness, sacrifice, and the relief, joy, euphoria of emotion, expressed in those raised arms.
Yet the strongest image that this 'Courage' figure brought to mind, was that of an experience at Roots this year. An image that I think will remain my 2007 'logo' for a long time to come.
The photograph I've found to support my thoughts, doesn't do the event that happened any justice at all.
The image is simply that of one person, holding up another's hand in worship.
The word we would use at school is 'scaffolding' - helping someone to do something they can do/want to do/will be able to do, but needing a little support from someone else in the process.
That moment will stay with me forever. The strength of hold between two hands. And two hearts. The understanding of need. The willingness to be helped. The recognition from both parties, that praise is the only way forward, yet silently agreeing that alone is not yet the way.
I'm not sure that person will remember, if they do, I'm not sure they'll ever understand how much that meant to me and how vividly I remember that moment.
Courage.
Receiving of the Spirit.
Relief.
Worship.
The list could go on. I praise God for 2007 and wait with open arms for 2008.
2 comments:
For what has been and what's to come. X
I got a little snowglobe from one of the children - it's tiny, with a little Christmas tree in it. On the festive red base is one word - JOY. I have been praying for joy, a really inate joy that doesn't depend on circumstances, so I love this gift and I'm going to keep it on my desk at work all year!
Wow!
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