Compassion
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A Perfectionist Starts to Heal
I can embrace all of my feelings–even the unpleasant ones–with respect. I can allow my inconsistencies. I don't have to be right. I don't have to like everyone. I don't have to get everything done. I don't have to please… Continue reading
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Stopping by My Mind on a Spring Evening
Whose thoughts are these?I think I know.He dwells within the crawlspace, though.I often find him mewling near,obsessing concepts, theories, fear,postures old and long of tooth,and seldom grounded in the truth. No time have I for thoughts like these,for I have… Continue reading
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Helium
Now is the time of letting go. Sadness, certainly,but also dusky shades of something salvific. I am a helium-filled balloon;letting go,I finally, finallyfly. Text and image © 2013 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved. Continue reading
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Sabbatical
To those of you have followed my blog, offered comments, expressed appreciation and encouraged me, I thank you. It is time for me to take a break. I'm going on haitus to focus my energy on healing. It's my hope… Continue reading
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Grace Waits
They are the golden children,the ones for whom doors open,the ones who face few obstacles.And obstacles–when they do appear–can be stepped over or pushed aside,and turn out to be mere annoyancesthat barely impede their progress. And then, one day,the earth… Continue reading
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Kindness
She exhales kindness.It chills me like a whisper, close by my ear, unexpected in the dark. Only later do I know itfor what it is: a light giving, needed, welcomed,but so gentleit took awhilebefore it dawned: "Ah,that was a subtle… Continue reading
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Labeling
I have good news for you,the label-makers: You can stop. Up/down, good/bad, us/them, Christian/not, conservative/liberal… you hereby have permission to stop! And what a reliefto cease the endless, unnecessary labeling!Think of the time and energy you'll save!Thing of the good you're now freed to do! Hold… Continue reading
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We, the Imperfect
Jesus never slammed the sinners.Jesus never cursed mistakes.Jesus never mocked beginners,leaving chaos in his wake. Only those convinced they'd made itto some arid, righteous peak,leaving all their faults behind them,felt the sting of his critique. We are human, prone to… Continue reading
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Empty
"This morning,"she said,hands wrapped for warmtharound her coffee cup,"I woke up empty." "Empty?" he asked,spoonful of All-Branhalfway to his mouth."Empty as in…how?"For him,empty could be good, like Zen: open, clear, ready.Or empty could be sad, like death: … Continue reading
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Four Lines
I offer four lines,one to save myselfand three to save the world: "I'd rather be kind than right." "I was wrong." "I'm sorry." "Hold me." In vulnerability waits salvation. Text and image © 2013 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.… Continue reading