Phoenix
I am a Southern Oregon native. A graduate of a class with less then a hundred students, I was blessed to grow up in the heart of a small town. This map dot just north of the California border will forever be my home. Though I live in Los Angeles now, my home and my heart are still in Oregon. This town that as a youth I tried so desperately to escape is where my roots still lay grounded. Phoenix Oregon. Often mistaken for Arizona, this little towns name serves symbolic to my life.
The legend of the Phoenix bird is that of one’s destiny. The bird with its beautiful golden wings was said to regenerate when hurt or wounded. At the end of its life-cycle the bird builds a nest in which it lays, that is then ignited by flames and the Phoenix is then reduced to ashes. Out of the destruction a new Phoenix arises destined to live.
Literal flames have engulfed thousands of acres in Southern California causing great devastation to many families. Pictures of the fiery flames served as cover shots for newspapers across the world. People have lost their homes, treasures and hope.
I find myself lost in thoughts of deeper devastation. Millions of people all over the world suffer from their own daily torment. Whether it is an addiction, a loss, a hurt or a circumstance we all have felt at one point or another under fire. Flames so overwhelming that no hope seemed to be in sight.
Maybe today your world is aflame. Your home, your treasure, even who you are may feel lost. Out of the pits of despair you can find hope. Like bird that is given life through death, you too are promised new beginning. No fire is too big to be extinguished. Whatever affliction you may face, rest assured that you don’t have to face the fire alone.
The price for your life has been paid. From death He brought you life. He will pull you from the ashes and you can be new again.
“For God so loved the world that he gave is one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
The legend of the Phoenix bird is that of one’s destiny. The bird with its beautiful golden wings was said to regenerate when hurt or wounded. At the end of its life-cycle the bird builds a nest in which it lays, that is then ignited by flames and the Phoenix is then reduced to ashes. Out of the destruction a new Phoenix arises destined to live.
Literal flames have engulfed thousands of acres in Southern California causing great devastation to many families. Pictures of the fiery flames served as cover shots for newspapers across the world. People have lost their homes, treasures and hope.
I find myself lost in thoughts of deeper devastation. Millions of people all over the world suffer from their own daily torment. Whether it is an addiction, a loss, a hurt or a circumstance we all have felt at one point or another under fire. Flames so overwhelming that no hope seemed to be in sight.
Maybe today your world is aflame. Your home, your treasure, even who you are may feel lost. Out of the pits of despair you can find hope. Like bird that is given life through death, you too are promised new beginning. No fire is too big to be extinguished. Whatever affliction you may face, rest assured that you don’t have to face the fire alone.
The price for your life has been paid. From death He brought you life. He will pull you from the ashes and you can be new again.
“For God so loved the world that he gave is one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
posted by Tami Farrell at 11:30 AM
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