“It’s the people . . . all about the people for me. They are where I find God.”
So I told my new friend from the 7th year, both of us participants in Alicia Chole’s Leadership Investment Intensive. Half-way between her house and mine rests Bellamy Manor and Gardens – a home with a 140 year history, beautifully restored and generously shared with patrons desiring a peaceful getaway. We were two of them, my friend and me. I can’t take credit for the idea; I can only take credit for taking her up on the idea. I’m so glad I did. In doing so, I didn’t just find another friend, I found Jesus . . . in her. A little peace for my journey.
Funny thing, this amazing grace. It stretches some 2000 years down through the landscape of history to unite the lives of those whose hearts are set on holy pilgrimage. My friend and I were strangers to one another prior to 2013, living differently and apart; yet because of that one single moment on a hillside named Calvary, we now live similarly and together, united under the single banner of grace. It doesn’t get more amazing than this.
Certainly, some people find God in the world around them. In a garden or on a seashore. In the mountains and in spring bloom. In the bumping of clouds up above and in the shafts of sunlight that intermittently break through. At a riverbank. In a field of red poppies. A soaring eagle overhead. A fragile chrysalis delicately dangling on tree limb.
A crackling fire.
An afternoon tea.
A room with a view.
All of these, noteworthy nods from God. But for me, these are not where I find him most available, most readily seen. For me, God is found in his people—the walking, living, breathing door-keepers of the kingdom. Those who make gracious entryways for others to step over the threshold from flesh to faith, from mystery to revelation. Those torchbearers who hold God’s light in their eyes and who cast the long shadow of grace onto all who risk standing in mercy’s pathway. They are the eternal pulse of Father God, and in their presence I am reminded that I am not alone. That I am not forgotten. That I am but one amidst a great cloud of witnesses whose knees bow only to the King and whose eyes are fixed on the unseen, counted, and generously collected treasures of the kingdom.
Sister pilgrims. Easter pilgrims. This is what we are. This is who we must be. This is how we should live. In doing so, the collective grace of Calvary continues to stretch outward and carries on the amazing work of the cross.
I’m so honored to have stood in my new friend’s shadow in recent days. She’s a beautiful release of God’s love in this world. I’m so honored to stand in yours as well, friends. You cast the long shadow of grace over my heart; you are where I find God.
Blessed walk to the cross and beyond this week. I’ll meet you on the road, just clear of the tomb. We are not a people without hope. Let us march on accordingly. As always . . .
Peace for the journey,
I’ve wanted to go in that home…several of the homes there intrigue the ‘southern belle’ in me. so glad you got to enjoy it there, and even better with a friend
Happy Holy Week, Sister!
Fabulous home, only outdone by the “fabulousness” of its owners, Wayne and Suzann Anderson. You’ll feel like family and enjoy southern hospitality at its finest.
You are a sweet fragrance in my life, love you.
You’re a blossom in God’s bouquet as well, Denise. Thank you for your constant stream of encouragement in my life.
How I would love to visit that house. Soo up my alley. I am glad you were able to go and spend some restful time there, but I am even happier you felt that touch from Him through your friend! Enjoy every minute of this next week! HUGS
Friends are the best! Wouldn’t it be grand if we all could meet up one day for a long, girls’ weekend?! Quite a drive for you, but I sure would love to hug your neck.
Your thoughts always warm my heart
Thanks, Terri. Bellamy would be a great place for you to flesh out your novels! Wish you lived closer. Maybe on one of your trips through here?
It’s about people for me, too. You have always been a sister pilgrim for me. I’m so blessed to walk with you, my friend…during holy week and in the days ahead!
Love you…
My mind is already reeling with ideas about having a girls’ weekend at Bellamy – perhaps in the fall! FYI, I stopped by the Harry and David’s outlet on my way and loaded up on chocolate. Currently, I mowing my way through cherry/chocolates!
“Sister pilgrims….casting long shadows of grace….” Count me in!
(SO happy you had the experience of this beautiful place and blessed friendship, Eileen.)
I’ve stood in your shadow so often, Rebecca. Your walk strengthens mine. PS: You would love Bellamy and the gracious hospitality of its owners, Wayne & Suzann Anderson!!! Oh, and the gardens and Cozy (the Manor Dog). Just perfect.
Love the immediate bond we have with other believers — like you said, it’s simply amazing. So glad you enjoyed such a wonderful time with your new friend. Easter blessings to you, Elaine!
You would love Bellamy, Cheryl. A perfect place for picture-taking enthusiasts. I’m afraid my skills are limited.
I find a calming peace and restfulness in God’s artistic work called nature but I find a balm to my soul in the fellowship of my fellow sisters . . . He knows what we need and He is good in fulfilling our needs!
This came at just the right time for me, Cyndi. Indeed, God knows!
Enjoyed hearing about this sister encounter in such a lovely place! Yes…we are traveling this road of hope together! And I count it a privilege to walk beside you! You bless me always!
Marilyn
I just wish Mississippi were closer, Marilyn! We could have so much fun together.
A beautiful post from a beautiful woman. Elaine, I am always blessed by your words – the actual content of them, and the poetic way they speak to my heart.
I’m grateful for you, sister.
GOD BLESS!
(Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter, full of resurrection JOY!)
Thank you for being here, Sharon, and for speaking encouragement to my heart. It means so very much. I’ll be by later to check on you:)
Looks like a charming & wonderful home. A perfect place to spend time with a sister pilgrim. In the last year, I’ve found a sister pilgrim who lives in another city. We’re meeting for dinner and a concert (her daughter is a well-known singer) in a third city, and we’re looking forward to our time together. God knows who to put in our paths.
XOXOXO,
Brenda
You are a sister pilgrim as well, Brenda. I’m so grateful for the link we share in Jesus Christ. Thank you for being here for me in some of my darkest hours.
Hope to meet you one day too.
Blessings!
Happy and blessed Holy week to you and your family Elaine! It is always a wonderful experience coming by your site. Lori
Oh yes, it’s about people for me too. How lovely to stay in a home like this. And when two people love the Lord there’s a common bond that connects them. There’s nothing quite like it. When I met Kathleen (Sassy) it was immediate friendship and also when I met Lisa Shaw. I know I’d feel the same way about you Elaine.
Blessings and love,
Debbie