Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Interlude

I have spent a good part of today trying to sort out the details of my story that began yesterday in The Heart of the Matter. In working on a conclusion to that post I've really struggled. The first part of my story is about me. The second part, which you have not read, is about God. In sorting through my story, I find myself stunned again by how often I think I've got it all figured out. Mistakes that I was certain were in the past have crept back into my life. The last thing I want to do is post a conclusion to a story that is disingenuous. That is to say, God pulled me up short today and I'm dealing with some conviction. Ergo, The Heart of the Matter, Part 2, is on the way, but not until God and I make our peace again.

In the meantime, without giving away the pieces of the puzzle, I'd like you to take something in. Because of where I've come from, this is my favorite song. Whenever I hear it the faces of people who have come in and out of my life flood my mind. For some of those people, due to circumstances that had nothing to do with me, their stories ended abruptly, painfully and with casualties.

Like a calloused hand that becomes oblivious to a splinter, infection can spread all the same, threatening the loss of the limb. Unforgiveness, though not a little thing, callouses our hearts the same way. To me it's far better to forgive a wrong, maybe even before it happens, so that life isn't choked away any sooner than need be. The singer, Don Henley, eludes to this idea when he says, "This song took 42 years to write, but only 4 minutes to sing." I love that.

This is my song. It's part of my story.

Thanks for understanding.

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9 comments:

  1. bubSeptember 30, 2008 at 3:58 PM

    What a trip. So after I watched "The End of the Innocence" video yesterday I saw the video for "Heart of the Matter". I clicked on it and went "Man, what a fantastic song this is!" You must have been thinking the same thing. Forgiveness, Forgiveness. The REAl heart of the matter. God bless...

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  2. ~teachmom~September 30, 2008 at 4:33 PM

    I love this song and have had a good collection of his songs on cd for some time now.
    This song says a lot...and forgiveness isn't easy...well, we don't let it be easy, do we? It really could be if.....

    I know it, Sister.
    God Bless.

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  3. AnonymousSeptember 30, 2008 at 7:36 PM

    I admire your courage and humilty in sharing your story. This is one of my life songs and this video is my favorite version of it (from the Hell freezes Over tour). I remember when I first watched it years ago, they (the Eagles) sang some of Don's songs during a mellow unplugged acoustic set. I was astounded by the rousing standing ovation from the audience. The desire to experience forgiveness is so prevalent. This song was the beginning of series of events in which God opened my eyes to the real hurts and pains in my seemingly Stepford marriage, friends and church. Verse 2 says it all,

    These times are so uncertain
    Theres a yearning undefined
    And people filled with rage
    We all need a little tenderness
    How can love survive in such a graceless age?
    The trust and self-assurance that lead to happiness
    Theyre the very things - we kill I guess
    Pride and competition
    Cannot fill these empty arms
    And the work I put between us
    You know it doesnt keep me warm

    'For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Heb 12:2-3

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  4. saraSeptember 30, 2008 at 9:15 PM

    Thank you, Stacy, for being willing to share your story and let God work on you even through that. One of the things I enjoy about the online community is how it can bring people closer together...and how one person can heal by sharing their story with others, while others are healed by hearing it. You are in my prayers as you work through these things.

    And I love - absoultely love - that you are a Don Henley fan. And that you see God in the secular things as well, because after all, it all belongs to Him. this is such a rich song, as is The End of the Innocence. Thank you for sharing.

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  5. CandyOctober 1, 2008 at 3:56 AM

    Thanks for sharing Stacy. Looking for Part 2 with patient anticipation. God bless you.

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  6. Shaybplus3October 1, 2008 at 6:07 AM

    "Until me and God make peace again" Really glad to know that I am not the only one who feels that way sometimes! Sometimes I feel that he wants me to wrestle with him cause I guess I work harder...Hope your day is full of awesome.

    *Shay*

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  7. AnonymousOctober 1, 2008 at 8:22 AM

    Thanks Stacy - Almost to much for me this morning...Forgiveness - others and myself - which is often the toughest one. I am so thankful I know a God who accepts my weaknesses - but doesn't let me stay where I am.

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  8. AnonymousOctober 1, 2008 at 3:54 PM

    forgiveness is a gift for you, yourself. we say i forgive *you* but forgiveness truly heals the giver.
    bitterness can not be allowed to grow in our hearts.
    forgiveness is the vine that flourishes with god's love. when i can't feel love for the one who has hurt me, god's love provides that forgiveness, and it grows and blooms and leaves no room for bitterness to take hold.
    thanks for sharing, stacy.
    and a great songwriter shares his/ her joy and pain and experiences, whether he's david, son of jesse, or rich mullins or don henley.
    you have discernment.

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  9. bubOctober 1, 2008 at 7:00 PM

    OK, not to break up all the excitement going on over here, but I received my survival kit today. There's pictures at godmeandpoker.blogspot.com. So come take a look, hear?

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