I am not a politically minded person and I admit to burying my head in the sand frequently about most political matters. But I pressed the play button the other day and stood aghast, first confused, what is happening here? Then saddened and holding President Zelensky in deep empathy. My emotions turned to disbelief, anger and shame that our top two pollical leaders ‘trained’ in diplomacy that should be armed with stellar interpersonal skills were acting like toddlers on the playground. Sadly, I was not totally surprised by the sick drama but to have this type of behavior on display was cringe worthy and heartbreaking. So what to do?

As always when I am in a state of distress, I take myself to the forest. This Saturday the temp dropped almost 20 degrees in an hour with crazy wind and snow flurries. A perfect time for me to head out and clear the cobwebs in my mind and the filth around my heart. Divinely inspired I began singing “I raise a Halleluiah, in the Presence of my Enemy”. Over and over. Here are more lyrics from this truly inspiring song by Bethel Music:

I raise a Hallelujah
In the presence of my enemies
I raise a Hallelujah
Louder than the unbelief
I raise a Hallelujah
My weapon is a melody
I raise a Hallelujah
Heaven comes to fight for me
I’m gonna sing
In the middle of the storm
Louder and louder
You’re gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the King is alive
I raise a Hallelujah
With everything inside of me
I raise a Hallelujah
I will watch the darkness flee
I raise a Hallelujah
In the middle of the mystery
I raise a Hallelujah
Fear, you lost your hold on me
Sing a little louder
In the presence of my enemies
Sing a little louder
Louder than the unbelief
Sing a little louder
My weapon is a melody
Sing a little louder
Heaven comes to fight for me

Photos by Jacob Bernier

I was quickly filled with so much peace, wonder and joy by moving into the present moment where nature sparked my spirit. I simple sang and praised with the howling wind and face wet with snow like the forest was dancing and singing with me. This truth arose and always does when my heart calls for righting. I can ONLY influence my own mind and heart. I recalled after Trump won the first election, I also went to the forest as a balm to my seemingly wounded soul. Out came another popular song from church memory..Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

This version from Vince Gill:
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With ev’ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me

Over and over, I sang this song and again felt in control of my destiny. We all choose how to stand in ‘troubled’ times and what to stand on. Are we standing on the lower vibrational feelings and actions I had let myself slip into after witnessing such toxic energy, such as anger, defeat, despair and shame.? All emotions have a ‘season’ but are never meant to be worn as a permanent shield or coat.

We can also choose higher vibrational emotions such as acceptance, humility, peace and love. Jesus embodied these qualities and more to carve a path for us to walk on and with him so that we may bring his peace to the world. Jesus left his apostles and us with this comforting blessing: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.- John 14:27. ESV. He spoke to all generations who needed to here this, as he knew we would. In fact, the Bible (Old and New Testament together) say the phrase do not be afraid 365 times! Amazing, like we need to hear this every day!

The other way the Bible reassures us and asked us to be mindful of what characteristics to embody are in passages that ask up to put on the coat of Christ. No, not the coat of deceit loathing, ego dominance and rage, the beautiful coat of Christ. Here is one example from the book of Colossians; Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. -Colossians: 3:12-15. I love how Paul highlights cultivating peace, forgiveness, unity and gratitude.

I had one of those moments as a mom that is written on my heart, as my son and I walked and talked about spiritual matters in the church of the forest. He simply said; I think we are really just supposed to be more like Jesus. This from my spiritual but non-Christian son. My normal size heart felt like the Grinch’s growing and growing in my chest full of pride and wonder at this son of mine. Of course, we can feel this way when our world views are affirmed but this was not about me or my believes it was the forest and my son speaking of truths. Truths that will always be there for those that have eyes to see and hearts that are willing to be unguarded.

Interestingly in Ephesians Paul speaks to us about guarding out hearts, but I feel what he is alluding to, as he mentions in one of the later verses, is that when we guard our hearts we are putting on the coat or characteristics of Christ which allow us to embody Holy power; For this reason, take up the whole armor of God so that you may be able to take a stand whenever evil comes. And when you have done everything you could, you will be able to stand firm. Stand firm, therefore, having fastened the belt of truth around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and being firm-footed in the gospel of peace. In addition to having clothed yourselves with these things, having taken up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one, also take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times with every kind of prayer and request. Likewise, be alert with your most diligent efforts and pray for all.- Ephesians 6:13-18.

I guess what I am trying to illuminate is that we are in control of ourselves. We decide how to react and walk in the world. Just as I did the other day, we often need righting. What do you do to right yourself when you are feeling like you are sinking or like you are walking down the wrong path? By consciously deciding to be just a little bit more like Christ we radiate at a higher frequency. We feel it. Others sense it. When more and more of us make these mindful and holy corrections the energy of the world shifts just a bit. Rather than focusing on all the wrong in the world and succumbing to a defeated version of our unique soul expressions can we self-correct? Consider which coat to put on each morning? Maybe on different days you need a different coat. Sometimes it is humility, another strength. Perhaps you need hope or trust. Maybe patience but always peace. The peace that Jesus offers us and surrounds us with.

Another topic that came up with my son during a different walk was the idea of mystery in faith, and all that is unknown. As a people that want the facts, the spread sheets, the predictions and google searches to help us find the answers and truths at our fingertips this can be a scary word- the unknown! However, I truly find it a comfort. I do not have to have it all figured out or to see God and to hear him whisper the truths of the Bible in my ear to believe. I just do, and it gives me peace that is beyond words or a tangible source, but I know! Paul (yes my favorite contributor to the Bible) speaks to this in a letter to the church in Philippi; And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.- Philippians 4:7.

I close with one of my all-time quotes from Clarisa Pinkola Estes; One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Soul on deck shines like gold in dark times. The light of the soul throws sparks, can send up flares, builds signal fires … causes proper matters to catch fire. To display the lantern of soul in shadowy times like these – to be fierce and to show mercy toward others, both — are acts of immense bravery and greatest necessity. Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it. If you would help to calm the tumult, this is one of the strongest things you can do. I might add when we stand up and show our souls, we should also consider which coat we are choosing to put on. I know for me when I put on the coat of Christ I shine like gold and just once in a while my soul throughs sparks signaling to the world that I am fully lit with the power of Christ and the mystery of his truth and love guide my steps. By his grace I can sing a little louder and raise a halleluiah.