September 18, 2012
2

At a function recently someone asked me, “Where are you from?”  I answered in the usual way, giving the name of my hometown, but I secretly wanted to reply:

“I am from a song that was begun long, long ages ago,

breath and vibrations and imagination.

 

I am from where snow begins,

high in the sky, falling silently.

 

I am from a bird’s song

resonating from high atop an ancient oak tree.

 

I am from a chant sung by a Native American fore-mother.

 

I am from lullabies hummed by ancestors from across the ocean.

 

I am from my grandmother’s homemade biscuits, butter, and jelly.

 

I am from the back of a horse, saddled for me before breakfast by my grandfather.

 

I am from peaches and pecans from the trees in her yard and creamy,

Rich fudge from my grandmother’s stove.

 

I am from sitting on my grandfather’s knee and singing songs together on a road trip

halfway across the state of Texas.

 

I am from coastal sunshine, salt spray, and fish caught with my daddy.

 

I am from clothes beautifully crafted by my mom.

 

I am from sailing adventures with my brother.

 

I am from climbing trees and giggles with my little sister.

 

I am from games and cousins, and Christmas trees and camping,

and books and hymns.

 

I am from a place that, when I was 11 years old, was devastated by a hurricane

and resurrected by determination, faith, and countless helping hands.

 

I am from women and men who lived with Jesus

and taught others, who taught others, who taught others,

who taught my Sunday School teachers.

 

I am from many places, far from here.”

 

“And where are you from?”

 

Peace, Blessings, and Joy

Bev

 

About The Author:

My simple life… is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I let God lead me. I have been married to Greg for 27 years and we have three wonderful children. My simple life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I let God take control. I followed God’s call to begin seminary at Perkins School of Theology in January 2006. I graduated in May 2011. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God’s call. I began the Degree in the Art of Spiritual Direction at San Francisco Theological Seminary in January 2009. I graduated in May 2011. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God's call. I was ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA and spent three amazing years in Pastoral Ministry at Highland Springs Senior Living in Dallas, TX. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God's call. My passion is the Christian Spiritual Life. As a spiritual director and retreat leader, I am so blessed to hear how God is at work in the world. How is God at work in your life?

2 thoughts on “An offering from Bev: Where are you from?”

  1. I read this with a strong sense of kinship. As if coming from of similar place. The imagery brought fond memories of my own “Where are you from?” Then when I realized who wrote it I was delighted to see a familiar face. Bev, very well written and truly God inspired. Thanks for sharing. .

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