gwenhanna1

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19

My journey through seminary has been a path that has helped me settle my soul regarding hope. God has lead me to grasp, firmly and securely, that what had been an emotional pursuit found a landing in an intellectual truth. The resurrection of Jesus is the solid reality, “a new birth into a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3). It isn’t fleeting or something easily lost, it is a certainty based on the certainty of Christ in his resurrection and serving as our high priest forever!

For the last six weeks I have been deeply involved in the lives of others through my chaplaincy internship experience. In the course of these six weeks, the swath of shock, grief, and dismay have invaded the lives of people close to me through three suicide deaths of those close to them. There are so many questions. Theology must be firm and true to hold faith and hope in times like these!

As I wait for the repair of my last bracelet (see February 2017 blog post), I found myself once again browsing for symbols and reminders. As I browsed, I landed on a package of 50 “hope” charms. At first, I thought, “I’d never run out of hope if I bought that!” Then the Holy Spirit touched my heart. “Perhaps now it is time for you to stop trying madly to hold on to hope and instead give it away?” So I bought that package.

It arrived precisely the morning that a very difficult event occurred at the ranch that was painful and traumatic for everyone there as a beloved old dog was run over and killed. These little charms weren’t much, but I had one in my pocket for everyone there who had been tossed into the swirl of emotion and pain. God had prepared me to be there in that moment, equipped to share hope in the crisis and struggle. I pray the little reminder that has meant so much to me will be a tender invitation to each one to hold on to hope!

I keep these little reminders in my pocket as I look for those in my path who may need a little reminder. Gratefully, I just ordered another pack of 50 because they are going so fast! God is so merciful and gracious to allow me this holy role in his kingdom.

Today another bit of my purchase arrived in the mail – another bracelet! I know this one won’t last forever either, but I’m glad for this reminder that the resurrection of Jesus and the hope set before us is a firm anchor for our souls!

Lord Jesus,

Thank you.
You are the fulfilled promise,
The life, truth, and way.
Your faithful obedience to death
And the power of your resurrection
Give us HOPE as an anchor for our souls!
Spread your hope through me
However,
Wherever,
And to whomever you will!
I love you, Lord!

October 18, 2017

Do not move your neighbor’s boundary stone

set up by your predecessors in the inheritance you receive

in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess. Deuteronomy 19:14

While many can grasp what it looks like to be a chaplain at the hospital or in the military, some have a hard time envisioning what chaplaincy looks like at the ranch. Each day is a little different! I know my job is to show up—to be present. Sometimes I have a loose idea of who might be there during the day, but truly each day gives me space and reason to wonder (in the “amazed,” “intrigued,” “humbled” sort of way) … people are such a beautiful part of creation! One unique opportunity at the ranch is how the animals show us so much about life. Recently one of our clients finished his lesson on horseback and was eager to see the chickens. I had just spent 30 minutes in conversation with his caregivers and had heard that boundaries and disrespectful behaviors were a pretty big current challenge. While the need for safe behavior around the animals is always our top priority and presents opportunity for good life lessons in

self-awareness, sometimes bigger life applications surface.

My young friend was very excited to go into the chicken coop. With the adult conversation still in mind, I talked with him about our last visit with the chickens and solicited whatever he could remember about the ways we should approach. With some small helps, he recalled the need to be calm, walk slowly instead of chasing, lift them carefully, and return them to the ground gently. I reminded him that if we couldn’t show the chickens kindness by respecting that we were in their home—their space—then he would have to step outside the coop, outside the protective boundary that was set for them.

After a few false starts that required reminders, he was able to take hold of the need to remain calm and was able to approach, pick up, pet, and then gently set down a few of the hens. It was a great joy to affirm and enjoy his growing confidence and skill. As we left the chicken coop and headed back through the barn I asked him a few questions about respect and whether there were people in his life that he needed to show respect in the same way. To our amazement, he quickly identified someone close to him and showed me how he had not been showing respect to her. I asked him if he should be allowed in her space, her “chicken coop,” if he was not respectful of her and her space. He admitted that it was something he needed to work on. The lesson in the chicken coop gave him a picture of what respect should look like and language for each of them to use to reinforce the respectful behavior they all knew was needed. I walked away from the time spent in wonder at the hope for something new that each of us gained!

Father,

In your wisdom and mercy, you have set boundaries in our lives.
These are a gift given to help us thrive!
The boundaries help us focus,
Offer respect,
Protect others and ourselves
From the ways of brokenness that invades our best intentions.
Help me lean into the good inheritance you have promised.
For your praise and glory!

Author: gwenhanna1

Anchor for our Souls

From the Chicken Coop