I was reading (and getting a lot out of) the book I got today, or yesterday, its after midnight, at the Hope Center. Dark nights of the Soul. Its so good and rich! I was worried it would be new agey or too self help-y and if that was the case it would go back from whence it came…
In it, he mentions St. John of the Cross. I instantly recognized it as being catholic but the reference was so good I wanted to know more about this person. He is HERE on wikipedia if you are interested. His writings and poetry are just beautiful and have sort of drawn me in.
He was imprisoned by monks after being a part of a reformation. I cant figure out if it was a reform of the catholic church or just a section of it. Anyways, he didn’t seem like your normal catholic priest. So he was in prison and beaten by monks for being a part of this reformation. He was kept in a holding cell no larger than his body for 9 months. Taken out only to be beaten. During this time he clung to God and got so much inspiration for his writings. Finally he escaped with these writings he collected during his time there, which are the poems we have to read now. I read that he later felt a burden for people, Believers, that are faced with Dark nights of the soul. Like he suffered what he did to give inspiration and encouragement to these people.
Here are his poems if you want to check them out. I found some quotes today, these were my favorites..
“The soul that is attached to anything however much good there may be in it, will not arrive at the liberty of divine union. For whether it be a strong wire rope or a slender and delicate thread that holds the bird, it matters not, if it really holds it fast; for, until the cord be broken the bird cannot fly.”
Since joy comes only from God, John believed that someone who seeks happiness in the world is like “a famished person who opens his mouth to satisfy himself with air.”
“Where there is no love, put love, and you will find love.”
“In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.“
I then looked for people who have been inspired by this mans writings and found this musician from New York city. Check out his blog. I cant find where I want to quote, the whole thing needs to be read to get it.
The days are getting shorter. The nights are getting colder. And it makes me think: my heart is like a pile of kindling I’ve been collecting for such a long time. What use will it have sitting there in the corner, gathering frost, except to be set on fire?
But I just really enjoyed that paragraph. Puts it all into perspective for me. Set our hearts on fire, Lord!!
g’nite-
Flowers Family 
“Where there is no love, put love, and you will find love.” I really relate with the people from this time period. People like Jean Guyon, Fenelon etc …. These are people who thru great persecution and tribulation found God to be their all in all. I remember when you where pregnant with Rees. You were sick for about 7 months. During that 7 months I got to take care of you. Thru that I got to know God in a way that has forever changed me.
I remember what a hard time it was and how mad I could have been at God about the whole thing. But instead I embraced it and served you with all that I had. In that serving God came to me in such a way! I remember I would get up early every morning because that was the only time I had with God between taking care of you, Bradley (who was 2 yrs old) , and working from home. I couldn’t wait to walk with Jesus in those hours. I wasn’t locked up in a cell for 7 months but thru this trial I came to know God in a special way.
When my Dad got sick I didn’t understand it. He was 42 yrs old or so and got this disease that for 7.5 yrs slowly ate his brain. My Dad had a experience with God when he was in his 20’s and he was into for 2-3 yrs I believe. Then he got hurt and left the Church. He was so jaded over it. Well during the last few years I would ask him if he wanted to pray and all he would do is cry and said he couldn’t. Then in the last few moths of his life I would goto his house and he would be in bed. I asked him if he wanted to pray and he started saying YES! So we would pray and at the end he was lifting his hands crying reaching out to God. He reconciled with the Lord! How awesome is that?!
Thru things we dont understand, thru things that hurt, thru things that are inconvenient, thru these trials awaits great transformation – Ernie
btw– Happy Birhtday!!
Sorry, but I’m hijaking this post to say Happy Birthday!!! I know you won’t do an ode to yourself 🙂 so I’m taking this chance to say it. Hope you have a wonderful day!
I loved Ernie’s comment, “thru things that are inconvenient…awaits great transformation” That is an awesome thought and so true. The problem I always have with that is the “awaiting”.
I just logged on to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I left a message for you on your voicemail. Hope you have a GREAT day!
Love ya!
T
Tina, I just saw that you called, thank you! I havent listened yet but I will. This verse goes well with the thought..
Micah 7:7 Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.
Janelle, thank you! I have been thinking of you for the last 2 days. Im so sorry you have been sick. Hope you feel better today and gain strength. Its so hard after being sick to feel strong and well again.
Love you guys, S
Well, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!!!! Hope you have a groovy day;)
A birthday?? So sorry, I did not know, nor have been at the computer to catch up on things so….let me wish you a very Happy Belated Birthday, and may everday of this year bring you another step closer to the Lord, and may you sense His presence every step you take along this way, and may His light shine so bright around you, that you will never doubt His direction and try to find your own way, but you will walk hand in hand with Him.
B.