The Gift of Life
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Meditation 9 - Because He lives, I can face today “I believe those who have endured the greatest sadness are often the ones who strive to bring joy to others. They know the weight of emptiness and despair all too well, and they never want anyone else to experience that pain." This quote has been often attributed to Robin Williams, although it is unclear if he ever did say it. Nonetheless, the profound truth of this quotation is that most human beings can relate to the experience of “joy” being birthed out of pain and tragedy. Only those pricked and bleeding are able with God’s help and presence to be conduits of charity to those in need. Case in point is the non-profit organization my husband envisioned in the aftermath of the loss of his entire family. This charity to which we have devoted our lives serves to address the out of balance issues in an area of our inner-city. There is an element however, in the above-mentioned quote, which indicates an imbalance in regard to human behavior, i.e… “They know the weight of emptiness and despair all too well, and they never want anyone else to experience that pain." Our experience is that not every person who has been cruelly damaged and in need, wishes to alleviate their own pain through generosity in sharing staples or kindness in spirit. The fear of having nothing creates a tight-fisted grip on whatever they have and believe they can control. My husband’s treatise is that “Nobody likes change, unless they are on the bottom in this world.” Delivering weekly meals to seniors in need has provided an opportunity to become acquainted with this mind-set. In this setting however, change is not always a sought after commodity. For some residents the possibility of particular changes is unwelcome. For instance, the fear that the delivery of free meals might be discontinued almost overshadows the joy of opening the door to receive them. Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV declares: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” As followers of Christ, the Resurrected Son of the Most-High God Who gave His Life as a Ransom for all, we are bound to share this hope with everyone we meet. The joy of the hope that is in us can be birthed in others, so each life can be lived in testimony… Not only can I face tomorrow But “Because He lives, I can face today.” Thanks be to God.
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About the Book
Every Saturday for the past several years, a beautiful text message has arrived -- offering thoughtfully crafted meditations on the lectionary readings for the coming Sunday. In these reflections, Lana Marler has consistently invited those who have received them into a deeper awareness of God’s presence in the ordinary rhythms of life. Her passion for reflecting on Scripture has always demonstrated the steady conviction that faith is not simply something we believe but how we live our lives. In this collection of meditations, Lana gathers years of faithful reflection and offers them as a gift to the wider Church. Drawing from her life as a church musician and devoted follower of Christ, she brings together Holy Scripture, story, art, and song with a pastoral sensitivity that is a gift for those who are serious about spiritual growth and discernment. Her meditations explore love, grief, hope, and longing, tying Scripture into who we are and how we are called to faithfully be in this world. These meditations are invitations to slow down, to listen more closely for the voice of God, and to see each moment as an opportunity to live with greater faith, hope, and love. By weaving art, music, scripture, and story together, Lana gives us a road map for deepening our spiritual lives through thoughtful reflection. (by the Rev. John B. Burruss)
About the Author
Lana Lee Marler is a poet, singer/song writer, and church music director. A wife and mother, she is partner in ministry with her husband who is a Retired United Methodist minister. Lana is an artist in any medium, but long ago chose music to express her relationship to God. Her faith journey led her to a major in sacred music in college and has crossed the landscape of Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal and Anglican denominations. In 2004, Lana and her husband, Rev. William D. Marler, co founded Jacob’s Ladder™ Community Development Corp., a non profit charity serving inner-city Memphis, where the Gospel of Christ is shared through community building, housing rehabilitation and education.