"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ..."
~ 2 Corinthians 2: 14, 15a


The monarch butterfly goes through many visible changes during its life. As a kid, we would gather caterpillars to watch them surround themselves in a cocoon, only to burst forth as a new image of its former self as butterflies.

Essentially we know it's the same creature, but yet it looks completely different.

I often consider spirituality much like this, or perhaps, when we allow God to dwell within as a similar process.

For years many of us just seem to go through life, and then, something happens, and we are changed. We are still essentially that same person, but something comes forth. We are different.

I love to see it when the butterfly emerges. I love it even more when I see someone emerge from a difficult time, or when the person realizes what lies within, and there is the realization that the person can be something more.

We are called to be a reminder that God is within the world! That we are that presence! Celebrate the fact that God is within. Breathe a beautiful sigh to know that when you feel like everything is closing in around you, think about the period of time that is necessary before the monarch bursts forth. God is working and waiting on the perfect time.

Remember, you are already special. As the writer of today's scripture reminds us, we are the "fragrance" of Christ that God identifies as being so very special. Always!

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

"And even though I walk through the darkest valley, I shall fear no evil."
​~ Psalm 23:4
​

The term, "living in the shadow of the cross" has been used for the title of songs, books, and sermons.

It's a term that is reflective of an event that tells a life-narrative of a death and serves as an indicator of just how far God will go to have a relationship with the creation.

I have never been able to watch such movies as "The Passion of Christ." I already have an understanding of how precious life is, and I am a witness to violence every time I turn on the evening news. Watching the actor portrayal of a brutal murder is like wanting to watch Matthew Shepherd being beaten and hung on a Wyoming rail in the middle of the night and left in darkness.

I know that God loves me. I recognize that death is the threshold to eternal life. It is both terminal and life-giving. It is what drives many, while some it causes nauseous conditions. And for some, a deep fear of death.

I had a member of a congregation get up and leave during a service one Good Friday. Later I learned that his mother had been beat to death and for him the agony of the cross was too real.

Living in the shadow of the cross should not be ignored. Lately I have been reminded that in order for a shadow to exist, there must be light in order to create shadow.

Light, which darkness cannot overcome, and light that will not surrender to the object that stands in its way.

You and I are light to others in a world that can often be overshadowed by objects or situations. Remember that no amount of darkness can truly block out that light. Even the cross.

Stay in God's grip!

​G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
~ 2 Corinthians 3: 18


In the book "The Outsiders," S. E. Hinton reminds Poneyboy to "Stay gold." Basically she means to continue being innocent, and pure.

The ability to remain any of these things is so very difficult. While the world rages around, and reminds us that not all things are as they seem, we learn quickly that at any moment our lives might change. "Stay gold" may be the words that God might be sharing with us now.

The innocence of the creation has long since been marred by tragic stories. By actions that bring sorrow, by the destruction of the garden by time, flood, and humanity's own hands.

We try to convince others that there was once a time that was simpler. Perhaps days that were good, and times where there was peace and harmony.

Somewhere along the way we seem to have lost our ability to see clearly the face of God within one another. To acknowledge that within the glory of God was planted, and that how we care for one another determines the success of the care and nurture of that seed. It's only when that seed matures that we see the success of the harvest.

As Christ prepared to leave, he shared that His Spirit would remain. A Spirit that would be present to help the world. "Stay gold" might indeed be a reminder of what is innocent and pure, but it is symbolic of hope. Of love. Of peace.

The glory of God is still present. It is both real and powerful. It's simply time that we recognize it one another.

Stay gold, and stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

"You alone created my inner being. You knitted me together inside my mother. I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this."
~ Pslam 139:13-14


Our life can sometimes become unbalanced. It just happens. Plans change, unexpected events happen, and suddenly life can seem to become a struggle.

When I become unbalanced, life can be a real challenge. It's usually not until God manages to nudge me and remind me that there is need for balance that I finally take time to stop, reflect, and write.

It's the way that I have been made.

One of the things I wish I could manage, is the ability to share just how important our time alone in reflection, meditation, or prayer actually is for each of us.

As the Psalmist reminds, we are each uniquely made, and so our ability to process life, or deal with the daily challenges, must contain time to think.

As a child I loved to watch Winnie the Pooh when he had a problem. He would sit and to himself he would repeat, "Think. Think. Think."

Have you ever looked at a mum? The flower has petal after petal, uniquely defined and layered, so amazingly organized that it's beauty causes one to stop and look. We are among God's most amazing pieces of creation. Our gifts are infinite, and the fact that we are here, miraculous.

​I am thankful that we each are unique, and that we are so amazingly created. I'm thankful that I've had this moment, where I have stopped, not to smell the roses, but to recognize just how incredible each of us are.

Stay in God's grip!

​G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

I sat with a woman last evening who's husband of sixty-four years is dying. Fighting back tears, she looked at me and asked, "Why am I being so selfish?"

Our desire to hold on to things can create a number of circumstances and feelings thay can be seen as being "selfish," but wanting one more day with someone we love is simply something we desire.

There were simply no words. There was silence.

The times when we discover quietness offers up more than what we realize. It is when we welcome a time for us to be get closer to that which lies within.

It was there in that quiet place where she soon discovered that surrendering the things of this world doesn't mean that we have lost. It is the beginning of knowing what we have gained.

Sometimes quiet is necessary.

As we sat, and I began to pray, the words of the Psalmist brought to mind the 23rd Psalm.

The Lord is the One who greets me in the silence, even when meadows so green and waters that sooth may not be found.

While at times I see my own wants and needs as an ememy to my soul, I realize that the Lord is always with me.

I don't understand how it is that I am blessed, and overwhelmingly loved, when I struggle to love myself.

But You do, Lord.

Such mercy and love You show me each day, helps to remind me that You have prepared a place for me, that will allow me to rest when I finally surrender all, including my final breath on this earth.

In this quiet time, and in my wandering I shall find, Your complete peace, Amen.

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

​

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
​~ 2 Corinthians 13: 14

Let's just stop a moment. Right where you are. I want you to look around the room where you are. Perhaps on the highway (if so pay attention to the road!)

If alone, consider the last time you were in a checkout lane at the store.

I want you to think of this. Every person, and I mean EVERY person around you is a child of God.

Have you begun to look at things differently? If not, WHY NOT?

It has gotten so easy to identify those that are "others" but the last time I considered that every person around me was a child loved by the same God, then I began to see the world differently.

It's not an original thought. For centuries there have been those people who have not only made statements, but actually believed this, and their lives were changed!

I wish I knew what it was exactly that has created such a fog that we can't clearly see this?

A few years ago I had lazer surgery on my eyes. Since second grade I was "as blind as a bat." It's hard to believe that within a period of 20 seconds on each eye, I suddenly opened my eyes and I could clearly see across the room. For me, it felt like a miracle! No more glasses!

I only wish we had the skill to change the hearts of people to open their eyes and see one another the way that God does.

Living the spiritual life does not include rose-colored glasses. It allows and provides us to recognize the beauty, and to be encouragers, while helping each of us help each other.

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."
~ Psalm 91:1


One of the things I enjoy taking photos of are shadows. Do you realize even the smallest speck of sand casts a shadow?

It's true. Shadows cause the writer of Peter Pan to make an introduction to a family that begins a tale that many of us know when Peter cannot find his shadow.

I can remember as a child attempting to step on my own shadow.

We used to make forms with our hands on tent walls using a flashlight for hours when camping.

One of my favorite theologians, D. Elton Trueblood writes, "man has made at least a start on discovering the meaning of human life when he plants shade trees under which he knows full well he will never sit."

For each of us, we recognize our own shadow, but did you also realize that no matter who we are, all of God's creation casts the same color of shadow?

To me, it is a significant reminder that in this world this similarity is a common place to begin.

Each shadow represents a child of God, who seeks truly the same thing. Happiness, good health, hope, family, and so many other things. Each shadow represents a common thread.

While in the light we all seem to focus on what makes us different and prompts us to judge, segregate, and divide. A shadow prevents us from doing that.

Each of us casts a shadow, and we ALL have been created to live and serve a wonderful loving and caring God.

While we enjoy the light of day, what do the shadows around any of us represent? Be happy, and love one another, beginning with our shadows!

Stay in God's grip!

​G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

"As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world."
~ John 17: 18


I wonder how many of us see ourselves as God's presence in the world?

Over the weekend I have laughed and cried with friends and relatives who have gathered to celebrate a relative getting married. One of the things I will say I have learned is that each of is carry a story.

Even relatives who may have been present for the same events growing up or even what they remember about different people, can be so very different from one person to the next.

It's easier sometimes to forget that each of us can and do have differing opinions. Even in the closest of families, when it comes to life experiences.

We even find this in Biblical stories. Sometimes I think it was because of thise opinions that we find that the disciples all wrote down what they experienced as a way to let others knkw what they rememeber, or what was important.

For each of us our stories are important.

So it is with the stories of God. It is the reminder to me that through any experience, or memory, God being present, whether recognized, or seemingly silent, still is important.

While we may have differening recollections, one thing is certain. The love of God was available in each moment.

Stay in God's grip!

​G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me."
~ John 17: 22, 23a


This morning I am up and preparing for a trip to go to the wedding of a cousin of mine. One of the amazing things about being one of the oldest of my generation has been watching my cousins grow up. I love that as tbey have grown, I have seen reminders of my grandparents emerge.

In many ways, when I have these gatherings I look around and I begin to realize what the Biblical "cloud of witnesses" actually looks like. When I spend time with family here on earth, I am rrminded that there is an amazing family gathered in eternity, and that what I am experiencing is just a glimpse of what the Kingdom of God will look like.

When Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist declares that the "Kingdom of God is at hand," we don't realize just how true that is!

I think the older I get, the more I bump into this kingdom!

There is so much that we do not recognize about God's Kingdom because our eyes are unable to focus. We see the things of this world, without any problem. Our visual society immediately recognizes emoji symbols, hash tags and red lights. Unrest and wars, as well as, the flicker of a candle, but yet there is so much more.

For us, the world still has so much that we do not see. Imagine our surprise when we note God's presence in that same world! Then you begin to welcome in the Kingdom of God!

When we usher in love, then the world changes. Usher in peace, then wow! There is peace. Respect, understanding, celebration, prayer and meditation. Kind words, helping others. We begin to realize the Kingdom of God among us!

Jesus reminds us that we are the living instruments of his presence in the world. He is within us, and because He is in God, then we literally are walking, living and breathing as vessels of that invitation to others to see a glimpse of God's Kingdom.

Be Christ for others. Let them see the Kingdom of God!

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

When I began writing my blog, it was my hope that it would serve as a place of encouragement, reflection, and where my faith might be expressed.

Today I learned that there are over 19,000 people taking the time to read my words.

It serves as a reminder that each of us have the potential to reach out to one another, while sharing faith, hope and of course, love.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Stay in God's grip!

Todd

"Before they call, I will answer. While they are speaking, I will hear."
~ Isaiah 65:24

Sometimes we forget that God truly knows us. God understands our hearts. God understands our needs. God just simply "knows" us.

So why are we surprised when God intervenes in our circumstances?

I can remember a time in my life when I was being very specific about something I wanted in my life. I did everything humanly possible to make it happen. The only thing I wasn't counting on was the fact that God had something different and better planned for my life.

The whole time I struggled to make what I want happen, there was this voice within that started to make itself known.

The more I worked to achieve what I thought would be best, the voice grew. Before I realized it, friends and family were being that inner voice being proclaimed in the real world around me.

Finally I admitted that what they were saying made more sense. I didn't necessarily surrender the thought of what I wanted. Instead I acknowledged, "perhaps this might be what I need right now."

Understanding that decision took a while to comprehend, but now that time has managed to become part of that decision I now understand that God was speaking and was helping me.

​While reaching out to God for help, we must remember that God already is holding us in God's amazing hands...

Stay in God's grip!

​G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
​- Luke 24: 36

Our lives are meant to be lived with moments of vulnerability. It is times when we reveal our hearts to God that makes us one with God and one another.

The beauty of community in Christ is that it is meant to be open to the vulnerable touch of the Savior. Through gathering at the table, we come as broken beings, where we meet a broken God, who greets us in bread and cup.

Years ago I attended a gathering of clergy from many faith traditions. While each of us believed many things about our faiths to be true, and that each had their own understanding of those traditions, we became one community when we broke bread and drank the cup in remembrance of Christ.

Passing to one another the emblems, we understood the importance of creating community and the serving of one another.

The invitation to that vulnerability is precisely what a world filled with violence, division, and uncertainty must experience in order to move us closer to being the Kingdom of God.

May we all experience the presence of God, in an uncommon, vulnerable way, that moves us closure to one another.

Stay in God's grip!

​G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

"Neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nothing already in existence and nothing still to come, nor any power, nor the heights nor the depths, nor any created thing whatever, will be able to come between us and the love of God, known to us in Christ Jesus our Lord"
~ Romans 8:38-39

When my children were young, I used to love to hold their hands as we walked. I can remember coming to a crosswalk at a city intersection, and I would ask us to hold hands as we crossed.

Holding hands would be something we would do when we were afraid of something, and then sometimes, holding hands, "just because."

The hands of Christ, although wounded and broken, provide for us certainty and strength in all circumstances. It doesn't matter your age or situation, there is always a pair of hands reaching out to keep you safe.

The touch of another, the holding up of someone, and the reaching out to provide care for others, are all living illustrations of how God holds each of us.

I'm grateful for the times that God hasn't let me go, when I have attempted to run, when I only needed to walk. When the hands of God have picked me up and brushed me off when I have fallen. I am grateful that God has held me, "just because."

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

"And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me."
~ 1 Corinthians 11:24


Year's ago I decided to drive up to my great grandmother's home when I had a weekend free from work and college. The cloudy winter sky soon turned dark as I rounded the turn on Elizaville Road near Lebanon, Indiana, and entered the familiar circle drive.

As I walked in the back door, the smell of pork chops greeted me, along with a familiar smile as my great grandmother was happy to see this unexpected guest.

"Do you have company?" I asked.

"I do now," she responded.

When I walked into the dining room, the table was set for two.

As we sat down to eat, she was telling me about how she knew she would have a guest that evening, and that she would set the table in the dining room, not in the kitchen where she normally would sit to eat her meals.

I always felt welcomed at her home, but on this night, I felt extra special.

We held hands as she prayed, thanking God I had arrived safe on this winter eve, for the welcomed guest, and for the food that she had prepared.

I was a welcomed guest at the table.

For so many faith traditions, the table is a place where all of God's creation should find tbat they are welcomed.

Of course I know that some faith traditions have conditions to that invitation. Some of them focus on baptism, membership and a variety of other things.

While Christ invites us to simply "remember," our ability to offer hospitality at those times can look like a number of things.

Today's Sunday morning gatherings still represent segregation, division, and closed arms to those that are different from us.

One of the things I miss most about serving a congregation is being the one who welcomed others to the table. Many times in my life, I have thought of the night my grandmother welcomed me, like an unexpected guest, who was really expected.

Her ability to welcome the stranger was something, we as her family, were taught to be agents of hospitality.

It has not always been possible, not because of me, but because of others who made the unexpected guest unwelcomed.

I have also experienced that from others as well.

The table prepared by God will offer hospitality always. Even in the 23rd Psalm while sitting at a table with enemies, God annoints the gathering, and blesses to the point that a person's cup overflows.

I'm thankful that in scripture, and in my life, I have been welcomed as the stranger, guest, and one who has extended the invitation to take and eat in remebrance of the One who will always welcome us.


Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

"My soul is full of longing
for the secret of the sea,
and the heart of the great ocean
sends a thrilling pulse through me."
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I love poetry. Some people just know how to capture a moment, or a feeling, and take the reader into their very soul.

We are all walking illustrations of God's expressions. Each are emotion, web and flow, of a gesture of who God is.

While in college a professor once told me that in my writing to be kind to the reader. "Write so that the reader doesn't have to struggle to understand what I am saying."

Sometimes I wish that the writers of some books in the Bible had heard those words, but that's when the need for God's spirit begins to be understood a little more.

There are just some things about this world that can be confusing at times.

I try to wait to look at the newspaper, or listen to news headlines until I at least have my first cup of coffee. With some of the things in the world today I have to be somewhat alert to try to even comprehend the actions of others.

It's both confusing at times and/or heartbreaking. In Ephesians the writer proclaims that we are God's workmanship. The word in Greek is "poemia." We get the English word, "poem" from this word.

Whenever I read this scripture, in my head I refer to humanity as God's poem, created by God, to do God's will.

Each of us are special. Connected by lines, and together serve as an illustration for others and one another, of God's creativity, but also beauty.

We are sonets and pericopes, strings of prose, that create an image that others may see as the image and Spirit of the Creator.

There is beauty, and a promise... live your life in hope, and realize that each of us are part of a living illustration of who God is.

​"You are God's poem created in Christ Jesus, to do great works, prepared for each of us ling ago."
​~ Ephesians 2:10

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2017