Happy Mother’s Day ❤️

Ingrid x

 

Two songs ~ Angel Armies

Two songs came to mind after someone at church this morning prayed in relation to the war in Ukraine. They prayed for angel armies! There are so many occasions where the direct intervention and display of God’s might has changed the course of history. He can still do the impossible. Russia is no barrier to God’s plans; Putin is no foe too great for God’s power.

Thinking of angel armies … In 2 Kings 6 Elisha is under threat of capture by the Arameans. They find out that he’s at Dothan which leads the king to send many chariots and horses to surround the entire city. When Elisha’s servant got up early the next morning and went outside, he saw troops, horses and chariots everywhere! Distressed he cried to Elisha “oh no my lord! what shall we do now?” … Elisha replied “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them”, then he prayed “open his eyes Lord, so that he may see”. What a sight awaited him! He saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

I believe those angel armies are still available today. In the words of these songs I think about the country of Ukraine as a whole and also every individual affected. God knows every single one … He has gone before and He cares immensely about every moment of suffering. He can truly empathise.

I will share the songs but if you’d rather read the lyrics here, I’ve written them out. 🇺🇦

‘Rescue’ by Lauren Daigle:

https://youtu.be/9PugD11k3JU

You are not hidden

There's never been a moment

You were forgotten

You are not hopeless
Though you have been broken
Your innocence stolen

I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS, your SOS

I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It's true, I will rescue you

There is no distance
That cannot be covered
Over and over
You're not defenseless
I'll be your shelter
I'll be your armor

I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS, your SOS

I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It's true, I will rescue you
I will never stop marching to reach you
In the middle of the hardest fight
It's true, I will rescue you

I hear the whisper underneath your breath
I hear you whisper, you have nothing left

I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It's true, I will rescue you
I will never stop marching to reach you
In the middle of the hardest fight
It's true, I will rescue you

Oh, I will rescue you

………………………………………………………

‘Whom Shall I fear?’ By Chris Tomlin:

https://youtu.be/R0gu0nOaFsI

You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light

Whom shall I fear?

You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though troubles linger still

Whom shall I fear?

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

My strength is in your name
For you alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory

Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in your hands
I'm holding on to your promises

You are faithful
You are faithful

Nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in your hands
I'm holding on to your promises

You are faithful
You are faithful
You are faithful

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side.

Ingrid x

The art of Silliness 😂

“It is lovely to be silly at the right moment” (Horace).

Did you know that the word ‘silly’ didn’t originally refer to the absurd or ridiculous, in fact quite the opposite. It derives from the Greek word ‘selig’ meaning ‘blessed’ or happy. So if there was ever a justification to be silly, you have it right there.

The world is often a sad, scary and sobering place. We are currently witnessing unprovoked war and the threat of further war. Who would have thought it in 2022. A pandemic followed by war in Europe. It’s overwhelming and concerning to say the least.

Yet it’s during the toughest of times that the best of people can be seen. In the face of evil and destruction heroes emerge. Kindness is brought to the fore and all barriers within communities disregarded when the basics of life are at stake. A common goal for survival and freedom drives all to the need for community in its truest sense. Sharing lives, provisions and skills, all brought together during conflict. The innate driving force for survival rises above all fear despite destitution and devastation. 

Conflict does take its toll though. Those on the front lines experiencing the worst of humanity can struggle to keep the best of the human spirit soaring. That’s when the need for some joyful silliness can uplift and reinvigorate just enough to continue the fight in whatever form that may be. 

This may be in the form of a song … think about the entertainment valued and cherished by many during and at the end of the Second World War. Songs by Dame Vera Lynn and Doris Day made their way into hearts bringing with them the hope for better days ahead; comfort and reunion amidst sorrow.

Being lighthearted whilst remaining sensitive can provide warmth to heavy spirits when the need to stir up and continue 'fighting' is required. With belligerent forces at hand, bravery, solidarity and strength of mind can be supported not only through sympathy, anger, prayer, practical support and rescue but through the retention of hope, joy and laughter … this should not be taken away even if it is justifiably misplaced for a time. 

Spread joy; share a smile; retain hope.

I firmly believe this applies to us all but I particularly consider the children caught up in this current conflict. They desperately still need some silliness … the severity of current affairs should not dominate their day. They need play, laughter, lots of love and fun. They will be all too well aware of the solemnity around them. In the words of Winston Churchill:

“Make for the children an evening of happiness in a world of storm. Let the children have their night of fun and laughter... resolved that by our daring, these same children shall not be denied their right to live in a free and decent world”.

So if the right moment presents itself, be silly and share some laughter to brighten this world and keep the light for freedom burning strong. By this you will strengthen hearts and minds.

In the village where I have the privilege of living, we have just ended our pantomime. It was easy in some ways to feel guilty about the shameless comedy, banter and hilarity whilst so many are struggling to secure a safe haven having had to flee their homes and possessions, all they hold dear with a future unknown. However the distraction of pantomime did not deter from the care and love in our hearts for those suffering ... many comments were made saying that it was good to be made to laugh as it was much needed during this time. It's a balance ... it in no way diminishes hardship and worry but can elevate the spirit and revive energy to rise up and help even more.

So be it.

Ingrid x

“If people did not sometimes do silly things, nothing intelligent would ever get done” (Ludwig Wittgenstein).

War

🇺🇦 I’ve no idea what you’re like, maybe you prefer not to listen to the news and would rather go about your business as normal. I can’t seem to do that. I do listen and I get affected. The situation in Ukraine is devastating, wrong and sad. The bravery and commitment of the people there is wonderful to see, their leader a solid, unwavering example of fortitude in the face of fear. Their future is unknown against the progressing might of the Russian forces.

It’s easy to get taken up with all the detail and the straight forward facts like Russia having a greater army and military arsenal so therefore its just a matter of time before Ukraine is completely invaded. However it doesn’t take much digging into history to see that there are many examples of the ‘smaller’ and less likely nation / side winning. June 1967 the six day war … Israel vs a coalition of Arab states including Egypt, Syria and Jordan … against all odds, Israel stood firm.

An easy Bible example is Gideon (Judges 7) … an army reduced by God from over 32,000 to 300 men and then Gideon divided the 300 into 3 companies … so only 100 men in each section! This against: “The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore” (v12).

Gideon and his men prevailed … how could they do otherwise when God Almighty was with them. Against all odds humanly speaking but a guaranteed success when God is in the camp.

I like this verse: “my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart” (Psalm 73v26). 

The only thing greater than hate, evil and fear is love … but this cannot be any ordinary love, it is a greater love and force than we can humanly conjure up, it comes from God. He enables us to face our fears and overcome … against all odds, he will give the power to prevail.

In the darkest of moments we need one thing … hope. Strength can arise if hope is in our hearts. I pray that those currently experiencing conflict firsthand will not lose hope and that the God of Gideon will provide a way of peace … against all odds.

Ingrid x