Refuge in the storm

The world has changed since the onset of the Great Recessionof 2007-to-Infinity. Yes, I know the government economists say the recession wasover in the summer of 2009. But that’s theirnarrowly-defined set of rules to classify slumps, bubbles, recessions,Black Fridays, and crises. They declare that unemployment stands at 9.2percent, but that figure only includes those covered by miniscule unemploymentcompensation payments, not the millions of men and women who termed out, neverqualified, are military veterans, are returning to the workforce, or haverecently graduated from university or high school.

The real unemployment rate is between 18 and 27 percent.That means you and/or one of your family members and many of your friends areunemployed—and scared. People over 45 years of age have been unemployed longer, and makeup the greater part of the pool of potential labor.

This means that people have lost their homes and vehicles,have moved in with relatives, and disposed of beloved pets because they can’tkeep them any longer. It means that they’ve given or sold their heirlooms andheritage. They’ve moved from the place they called home, to an unfamiliar placethat gives no sense of refuge or rest from the fray.

What economists don’t say, because it would create a crisisof “consumer confidence” (you are encouraged to laugh derisively here), is thatwe passed out of a recession, and into a de-pression.The economics we knew have gone away, and will not return. Ever. I heard oneeconomist say that unemployment cannot (not just won’t—cannot) return to its sick levels of 2007, until 2023. Who can lastthat long? No one! Better stake out your appliance carton under the bridge,right?  Or stop wasting time on thesearch for a job that doesn’t exist, and start making your own work—which iswhat I’ve done.

With all the pain, loss, anger and greed in this worldstorming around us like a Category Five hurricane, it’s easy to be discouraged,become sick with frustration, and lose sight of our refuge and secure, quietplace.  

But somewhere over the roar of the storm winds and thunder, whilewe’re drowning in our finances and trauma, we hear sometimes as a whisper and sometimes as a triumphant shout, ‘Don’t be afraid,’ Jesus said. ‘Takecourage. I AM here!’ Matthew14:27 NLT. Or, colloquially, “You've got the I AM—here—right now, so there's no reason to be afraid. The I AM has it handled.”

I AM. God’s personal name. I AM loving, compassionate,merciful, forgiving. I AM here. I AM the bread of life. I AM the resurrectionand the life. I AM the good shepherd. I AM WHO I AM.

What is left but to submit to the One who exists, whoorders, who creates, who heals, who restores. The One who offers to take ourburdens upon himself and give us rest. In him all the time is the sabbath rest that makes ussigh with deepest satisfaction, “Ah, thisis the life.”

Ah, surely yourgoodness and unfailing love will pursue me—hound me, stalk me—all the days ofmy life, and my home will be in the heart of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6,my version.

Do you have an E-mother?

An E-mother is not a virtual-reality, generic everywoman face on your computer monitor. It's an emergency mom.

In the 1960s, when the only mobile phones were Star Trek communicators, there was a safety network in place for neighborhood children. When kids walked to school or the bus stop, they knew that they were being watched. If a scuffle broke out, or a child sprawled and scraped both knees, or a suspicious man lurked, all a child had to do was look for the front window with a cardboard “E” placed in the pane. The rectangular sign was red with a white letter that could be seen for quite a distance.

That was the insignia for an E-mother. This was the place to run to in an emergency. A safe-house. An E-mother was a comforting presence; had first-aid skills and a hotline to rescue agencies; and although perhaps a stranger, she could be trusted to keep you safe until your own parents arrived. An E-mother was a volunteer who cared about the well-being of all children, not only her own. She made it a point to stand behind the lace curtains and watch during school “rush hours,” and knew when the school buses discharged their loads. Kids knew to at least act decorously as they passed in front of the E-mother’s yard. If the ice-cream truck parked too close to the crosswalk, or bullying took place, the E-mother would know what to do. She was both the authority and refuge to every child passing through her territory. 

Elohim, the Trinity, created both man and woman in His image. Both genders were created to reflect the compassion, mercy, loving-kindness, and forgiveness that so define the great I AM. So it’s no wonder that God is comfortable referring to His love for us in a maternal way, and He commands us in both New and Old Testaments to honor fathers and mothers. 

The apostle Paul, a fiery and fiercely strong warrior for God, was so transformed by abiding in Jesus Christ that he was secure enough to write this moving love letter: Even though we had some standing as Christ's apostles, we never threw our weight around or tried to come across as important, with you or anyone else. We weren't aloof with you. We took you just as you were. We were never patronizing, never condescending, but we cared for you the way a mother cares for her children. We loved you dearly. Not content to just pass on the Message, we wanted to give you our hearts. And we did. 1 Thessalonians 2:6 MSG

Doesn’t that describe a true mother? Loving, uplifting, encouraging. 

King David sang the praises of the Lord of Hosts. Although it’s a soldier’s hymn, he also described an E-mother! God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble. And so, we won't be afraid! Psalm 46:1-2 CEV. 

He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:6-8 KJV. 

Although most of us have had lovely and exemplary mothers, worthy of honor throughout our lives, some do not have the memories, the warm connections, and the heritage of compassion and teaching. 

No matter how many birthdays we have behind us, we all feel like children at times: lost, lonely, in need of rescue or an advocate. 

Perhaps you long for the affirmation and unconditional love of a mother’s heart. If you are that person, remember that Elohim is not only your Father, but your Mother as well.

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! Isaiah 49:15 NIV. 

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem. Isaiah 66:13 NIV. 

Our Lord has been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. Isaiah 25:4 KJV. 

When you’re out in the world, having been under attack or needing a place of refuge, remember that our Elohim is ready and waiting, watching out for you, and ready to run to your aid with comfort and compassion.

How can we not respond with love and gratitude?