My Soul Magnifies the Lord

And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor on the lowliness of His servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name. His mercy is for those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.’ Luke 1:46–55

God’s heart is to rescue, then lift up the poor and oppressed. His mercy is for those who fear Him; He lifts up the lowly; He fills the hungry with good things, and keeps His promises.

Where do you see yourself in Mary’s song?

Mary’s song over me has been a call to deeper faith, deeper trust, and an acceptance and surrender to the will of God. Like Mary, I am daily, moment-by-moment, called to surrender all expectations and be expectant of what God wants to do. My life is sheltered in His almighty wing.

Though I feel the deep loss of my parents, I equally feel the deep withness of God.

In Advent, we see the intersection of darkness and light, of looking back in remembrance and forward in hope. I appreciate the time to reflect and grieve, while also looking expectantly.

And I’m so grateful for The Parish—a place where Jesus is enough—where I am enough (whether joy-filled or melancholy).

I am so grateful for fellow sojourners who honestly acknowledge and make space for their own barren places, struggles and griefs, all through the lens of faith.

More than any time in my life, I feel the WITHNESS and ABIDING of Jesus.

Though life continues to swirl, I feel the thrill of HOPE found in Jesus, alone. I’m grateful His hope, joy, peace and love aren’t grounded in my circumstances, but in Christ alone. My heart is tethered to the manger and the cross.