Up From the Ashes - part 2

"The Phoenix is a mythical sacred firebird. Said to live for 500 or 1461 years, the Phoenix is a bird with beautiful gold and red fiery plumage. At the end of its life-cycle the Phoenix builds itself a nest of cinnamon twigs that it then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young Phoenix arises. The bird was also said to regenerate when hurt or wounded by a foe (hence the expression rising Phoenix-like from ash or ruin), thus being almost immortal and invincible — a symbol of fire and divinity. Although it was also thought that it had tears that produced a healing power (as said in the Harry Potter books)."

There are so many instances of life from death and beauty from ashes. The Phoenix is one example. Another example near and dear to my heart is from my own hometown. I was raised in Exeter, CA where my great grand father, grandparents and later, my parents owned and operated a local Drug Store. It served for decades not only as a Drug Store but local gathering center with its Soda Fountain and hot lunches daily. After my parents retired they sold the building which remained a landmark in the center of town. However, in 1991 a fire destroyed the once beautiful brick building and left a horrendous scar in the middle of town. Shortly after this the town decided to build a park and paint a mural on the remaining brick wall. This was the beginning of what is now one of the most beautiful "painted cities" boasting several murals. Once again, beauty comes from ashes!



In my family's life right now we are experiencing death on several fronts. I fully expect there to be beauty from these ashes because God has promised to work all things together for the good of those who have been called by His name. He turns mourning into dancing. He gives strength for tears. He works everything together for His glory and our ultimate good.
Meanwhile we mourn and we wait, but we wait expectantly for beauty and strength and dancing.