Words about words, FAITH

Throw away all your begging bowls at God’s door,

for I have heard the Beloved prefers sweet, threatening shouts,

something on the order of,

“Hey Beloved, my soul is a raging volcano of love for you!

You better start kissing me – or else!

                                                Hafiz  (Trans. Daniel Ladinsky)

Faith means trust in God, the one who represents love, understanding

Dignity and truth.

                                                                Thich Nhat, Hanh (Living Buddha, Living Christ, p.12)

_______________________________________

Lord

how often do I come to you

begging bowl in hand

focused on all my emptiness

all my need

and fear

tentatively holding out

this emptiness

not quite trusting that

my begging cup will ever be filled

Lord

how often do I come to you

looking furtively back across my shoulder

wondering

who or what is lurking there to rob me of my happiness?

how often do I come

prepared to push people away

filled with the anger and fear of unfaith?

Lord

faith means trusting

trusting that you are big enough

trusting that you are love enough

faith means grabbing hold of your hands

and with abandon

dancing a little jig

even in the mud