Beneath the Surface

Because the world is in an abnormal, fallen condition, people tend to think that chance governs the universe. Events seem to occur randomly, with little or no meaning. People who view the world this way have overlooked one basic fact: the limitations of human understanding. What we know of the world we inhabit is only the tip of the iceberg. Submerged beneath the surface of the visible world are mysteries too vast for us to comprehend. If we could only see how close God is to us and how constantly He works on our behalf, we would never again doubt that He is wonderfully caring for us. This is why I must walk by faith and not by sight, trusting in His mysterious, majestic Presence.

"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone- while morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? " Job 38:4-7

God created all things, therefore he is in all things. Our world is much more spiritual than we even realize. Everything is spiritual, because God is at the root of all things created. If I could only see how close God is to me and how he is constantly working all around me I would never doubt again. I have Peace in my current state as a human being who loves God, who is not too sure of what my life should look like or where it is leading me because I believe he cares for me and is very much involved in my life. So I walk by faith and not by sight.

My life has looked pretty "random" but now I see a very thought out, beautiful and personal story my life is telling. It's not by chance that things have happened they way they have. It's all part of a bigger story being told.

The City I live in.

Today was one of those "walk around the French Quarter and soak everything in" kind of days. I love to do this once in a while, just because I can and because I love living somewhere that is walkable, entertaining, and pleasing to the senses. I have a ritual when I go. I go alone. I always go to the CC's on Royal St- my barista by the name of Smokey overly likes his job and will convince anyone that coffee is the absolute best thing in the universe. I get my hot tea and sip it while strolling through the crowded streets. I love hearing the different sounds all around me, the smells of the spices filling the air, and the characters all around me. My favorite- the silver spray painted statues. New Orleans is a special place. It is a place full of life. As I was walking along the river I noticed a young man laying on some steps that lead to the Mississippi river. He was surrounded by a group of rescue workers. Apparently this guy had had some type of medical emergency. He was young, probably around my age, and his dog was his only companion. I stood and watched as the young man convulsed up and down on the steps. I am not sure what happened but it didn't look good. They loaded him up on a stretcher and began to wheel him off to an ambulance. The police were gathering information on a note pad, asking a homeless guy who was witnessing this sight if he knew him and who was going to take care of this guys dog? After watching this unfold before my eyes I was deeply moved, awakened, and realized something. I live in a city. Cities have life. Cities have jobs. Cities have poverty. Cities have crime. Cities have people who are happy. Cities have people who are hurting. I live in a city and I want to be here for the city- as well as live in it. I am discovering how this can practically work in my daily life. I must not surround myself with people that fit in my genre. I must not isolate myself from relationships that need to be built. I see a brighter picture being painted here, one where the poor and the business men alike are hanging out. New Orleans. This is the city I live in.