From The Shore by Allison Cain

With shaking hands, legs and body still weak from the battle. I crawl ashore. Collecting thoughts from the confrontation with truth. The realization of all endured and survived sinks in. I listen, feel and see with new eyes and whole heart. Mysterious hope, strength and courage fill me from above. I stand.

When you swim for so long, standing feels strange; offers a unfamiliar but welcome perspective. I realize and accept the fear, exhaustion, disappointment, and dread I once thought would overtake me has been replaced.

Treading water against the current kept me busy and exhausted; there was no time to see the beauty. In the fall and plunge of deep waters, panic and despair cloud the landscape. It’s the letting go, giving in, and leaning in to God with deep trust that has brought me to this fresh and majestic view.

But from the shore, after what felt like a near drowning, the miracle and healing sink in. The awe and wonder of survival, growth and change overwhelm. Tears of humility, gratitude and hope slide quietly down cheeks – in wild contrast to the power and might of the rapids teeming over the immense rocks of the waterfall.

I see the spectacle of nature for what it is now. Take in the fascinating features, bold display and power it demonstrates to those who stand on its shore. It is majestic and intimidating, but With God, I overcame that! I survived that!

Yes, there is still healing and rest to embrace; scars that will remind and provide proof of the pilgrimage. But with God, the challenges and survival are possible. He is all He promises to be – our provider, our shield, our deliverer, our refuge, our strength, our rock and fortress.

From the shore, I see Him in a new way, with deeper trust and stronger faith. I will rest here on the shore and allow these lessons and truths to penetrate my heart to its deepest levels so I am ready for the next waterfall.

Breathing Room by Allison Cain (Psalm 61:3-5)

So many people ask me why I enjoy Lectio Divina (scripture meditation). This came to me as I meditated over Psalm 61:3-5 on morning.

Sitting with God in silence and listening for His truth is powerful. Deep breaths are easier and come more naturally. Clear thoughts overcome the foggy confusion of the world’s chaos and lies. Truth always overpowers deception.

Stillness becomes a close companion you desire to spend with with and no longer dread. You realize the thing [stillness] you thought was lazy it the most challenging than any other activity; takes more discipline than you ever imagined you had.

Revelations and reminders flow gently in and fill a weary heart. Peace conquers fears that threaten deep trust in a Father who has always taken you seriously and welcomes you with open arms.

If you are interested in learning more about the ancient practice of scripture meditation called Lectio Divina, You can check out my new book called Thirty-Three Dates with God.

Keep it Simple by Allison Cain (Psalm 5:1-3)

What should this morning time with God look like? What is my morning offering to Him?

Sometimes, this doesn’t look like much. Sitting in silence and listening never do. An offering is simple and less complicated than we imagine or make it out to be.

It can be the cascading of tears, the letting go of lies to make room for truth, or just a declaration of love for the blessing from our Father.

A sigh or deep breath taking in His blessings of a new day, the groaning of our heart, the release of control or emotions that are keeping us from Glory. Creating the time and space to ponder, feel and absorb God’s love and wisdom.

Let go of expectations that bind your heart and close it off to His voice. He is always waiting for you. Keep it simple. Listen for God as He says,

“Join me. Simply sit down, I will do all the work. You don’t have to lift a finger. Feel the quiet, sense the stillness. Let the worries sift our of your soul. Allow my peace to envelop you as you let go of all your striving. Gently embrace my presence and the gift of being together in this moment. This is enough. You are enough.”

The God of Instead by Allison Cain (Isaiah 61)

God has something for us beyond our current circumstances or current situation. . . . different, better, unexpected or maybe even a little uncomfortable.

Instead of rubble or ashes, He rebuilds and restores.

Instead of confusion, He gives clarity.

Instead of doom, He provides an everlasting joy and hope.

Instead of old ruins, He rebuilds and displays glory.

Instead of endings, He is the provider of beginnings and makes all things new.

Instead of darkness, He is light. Instead of fear, He is courage and strength beyond our wildest imagination.

Instead of lies, He is truth. Instead of death, He gives life. Instead of condemnation, He offers forgiveness and grace.

Our God is the God of instead! What do you need to replace in your life today with more of our Heavenly Father?

God and Mermaid Tales By Melissa Bell

Baldhead Island has been a special place for both me and Allison. This is the place we put the finishing touches on our first journal and have each found solace and healing in the solitude of the Island.

Last week we wandered into a boutique and I picked up a sea glass necklace. It was exactly what I wanted, aside from a little mermaid charm dangling from the chain. The woman at the desk was up for the task of removing the mermaid charm and then placed it in my bag saying, “Perhaps you’ll find another place for this.” I laughed thinking, “I am a little too old for mermaids and fantasies.”

The next morning, I wandered down to the shore to process some really hard things I have been going through. I am no stranger to painful experiences, but this one has been the heaviest by far. Tears of anguish spilled down my cheeks as all of my suppressed emotions resurfaced. Waves of anger and sadness erupted as I cried out, “God, this is TOO Much for me to bear, somedays I can’t seem to catch my breath! How could you let this happen? Why did you let this happen?”

I stayed there on the beach for quite some time. In one moment, I would dig up a painful memory to share with God, followed by a moment of awe as I took in the strength and power of God demonstrated through the magnitude of the crashing waves.

After cleansing my soul of grief, I began to wander the shore looking for a treasure to take with me to remember my time spent with God. The unique delicate shells remind me of God’s intimacy and intentionality, but I couldn’t find anything to suit the occasion.

Suddenly, the mermaid charm came to mind. Maybe I wasn’t meant to take anything with me this time, perhaps I am supposed to leave something. I thought of the many mermaid tales I had read to my children and the mermaid’s ability to swim to the ocean floor. The same place where I imagine God’s power and strength rests. I stood at the ocean’s edge, envisioning a mermaid taking all of my pain and sorrows, one by one, to the depths of the ocean, laying them at God’s feet. The burdens are no longer mine to carry and they are no match for His power and might.

And as for my mermaid charm, it’s back in its rightful place, dangling with the sea glass.

We’re BACK with NEW Episodes!

We have enjoyed our radical sabbatical and even got in some beach time together. But we’re back with a new episode dropping today called “Hey God, Is That You?” Listen on your favorite podcast platform.

Visit our website at sinnerandthesaint.com and follow us on social media to stay updated on our podcast topics, blog and speaking events.

God in the Dark Places by Melissa Bell

As I stumble through the darkness, I can barely catch my breath. The sorrow bears down on my chest as if it is trying to suffocate me. The thoughts and memories are flooding in too quickly for me to outrun them this time.

I quickly gather up each memory with a superficial nod and try to stack them neatly in their place. But they keep tumbling out. I begin to lose the sliver of composure I had gained. Then out of the corner of my eye I catch a glimpse of it, the one I had buried so deep in the pile, hoping to abandon it forever.

Resignedly, I pick it up. I feel safe enough to do so because I am alone. It is UGLY. Downright evil. This was the “BIG one” that I vehemently worked to avoid. I hadn’t welcomed this one, it was thrust upon me by another. No, I had guarded and protected, staying vigilant to thwart off any attacks. Yet, here I am.

Staring it down, I try to catch my breath. Tears of anguish streaming down my face I scream, “God, what am I supposed to do with this? I did everything right! I played by the rules and STILL I find myself here?! Where were you? Where are you?!”

The silence is deafening. Minutes feel like an eternity. Still, nothing.

Taking a few deep breaths, I straighten myself up and attempt to regain my footing. A cool breeze rushes in as the light begins to seep in.

“Revenge is mine. I will restore to you the years that the swarming locusts have eaten. I will wipe away every tear from your eyes, for I will never leave you or forsake you. What was meant to harm you will be used to accomplish great things. I will do mighty miracles for you.”

I tuck the treasures deep in my soul. I have faith in God that it will happen, just as He told me.