brian shivers

November 25, 2018 Second Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis Romans 8:18-27 p. 1030 "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do

There are so many voices; so many whispers. There are so many half truths; so many lies. They vie for attention; for someone to hear; for someone to believe; for someone to give in to their relentless pressure - O, the relentless pressure. Their noise attempts  to drown out all other sounds; to choke out life itself. Listen deeper beneath the cacophony.  In the deepest depths  of all that is remains the echo of the song that gave birth to all things. . . You are chosen. . . You are beautiful. . . You are enough. . . You are loved. This is the truth of who you are. Lose yourself in the mystery of this echoing song. - bshivers 

Grief        love’s lasting scar.  Evidence of      taking risks,      making sacrifices,      giving self,      accepting life’s grandest gift. Though its visible presence fades with time  it still  and forever       tells the story,      sings the song,      speaks the truth  of the one  who is no longer  here. Show me       your scars.  And I will share       with you mine. Together we will      laugh,      cry,      mourn,      celebrate  what it means to be human; what it means  to be. - bshivers 

There is a way, and it begins with a decision to simply be kind - not the kindness that is self absorption parading about for attention, for applause, for accolades; and not the kindness that is a means to an end where the end only benefits self - no, this is the kind of kindness that has kindness and kindness alone as its one and only end. There is a way, and it begins with a decision to simply be kind for kindness’ sake. - bshivers

What if . . .    we made decisions as if    we were       deeply concerned          about the lives;       intimately connected          to the lives             of those around us —    those who       think,       look,       act,       love,       believe,       worship,       reason,       speak,       live,       exist             differently? What if? Now is our chance. - bshivers