Patterns of Life: A Journey of Reflection and Renewal

Patterns are interesting. I remember learning about physically manifested patterns at a young age. Probably, first, from my Nanaw. She was a quilter. The quilting frame she had set up in her living room always drew me to it, as a young, curious child. All the colors, patterns, and of course, shiny needles, scattered throughout the material. Holding things in place until it could be stitched.

She introduced me to sewing at a young age. She was a patient teacher. I can't say that I recollect how quickly I picked up hand sewing, but I specifically remember her trying to instill in me the sort of "pattern" that the stitches should fall in line with. The stitch on the bottom and top side needed to be close to equal distances, and you wanted to be sure they weren't too big, so as to catch or snag on something once completed, and in use. Then, of course there were the repeating patterns within the material placements themselves. Carefully selected designs and colors, cut to size, and laid out to create a beautifully crafted, intentional design.

Next, came the school lessons. As early as preschool, I can remember learning patterns in our lessons--yellow triangle, red square, yellow triangle, red square, etc. Life seems to bring about the knowledge of patterns at an early age. Patterns are built into everything around us. There are patterns in nature, patterns in mathematics, patterns in architecture, patterns in history, patterns in art and in literature. We are literally surrounded by patterns. The newest of patterns being that of algorithms. We have created the technology capable of reading "our patterns". That's why I often take the time to try to step out of my "interest" in some of the things I see pop up in my "for you page" or "instagram feed", and just observe it as though I am not myself. Asking myself, "does the information I am seeing reflect who I want to be". If my page is filled with negativity, I may intentionally go out and seek positive hashtags to try to help change the algorithm, so that the feed will reflect things I feel I need to see, in order to help me become who I want to be.

If there is one thing I have realized about my life over the last few years, it's that I am directly affected by the things I surround myself with. If I get too sucked into the horrible "doomsday news" that I am seeing frequently in present day, I will find myself scrolling amazon looking for emergency foods like MRE's and dried goods. If I hang out with people that are drinking alcohol and/or excessively indulging in hyper-palatable foods and treats, I struggle, and sometimes fall into joining in--struggling with gluttony or drunkeness. Life is filled with information, patterns of man, and temptations that seem to run in a current or stream. We can either be like a tree planted by that current, taking only what we need from it, and letting the rest flow by us, or we can choose to get swept up in it, and let it control the direction of our flow.

Last night, I fixed myself some herbal tea before bed. I had spent the day fasting foods for the first time in quite a long while. The reasoning was twofold. I knew that over the past few months I had gotten really out of my healthy eating patterns and began conforming to past patterns, that I knew had not served my body well. The consequences were beginning to take their toll in the form of low energy, disturbed sleep cycles, and just a general lack of "zest for life". That being the case, I knew a 24 hour fast would help me push the reset button. Every time I do a fast, I am reminded of the purpose of food. You literally get so hungry, you would consider eating dirt if it would fill the empty space in the stomach. It helps eliminate the urge to eat just because something tastes good or sounds nice. The second reason is that fasting always creates a space that is reliant on God--at least for me. I find that it separates my flesh from my spirit. Reminding me that the "being" that inhabits this body is not the same thing as the body that it inhabits. They are two separate entities. So our "being" doesn't have to conform to the same pattern that our body's nature tries to conform to. We don't have to "be" the pattern that our body tries to take on. We can intentionally choose the pattern we conform to.

The bible is very specific about patterns. Here are a few examples:

1. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." This verse speaks to the idea of not following worldly patterns, but instead seeking spiritual transformation. Recognizing our patterns and observing our "self" or "being" is a fantastic way to begin to see how we might initiate transformation. If you struggle with knowing how to do this, earnestly PRAY. We have a God who SEES us, I testify to that, and if you surrender yourself fully asking Him to step in and observe and LOUDLY point things out to you, you can begin to SEE and HEAR. Then, you are better able to take small "mustard seed" sized actions that begin cultivating growth in that upward spiral, rather than the downward spiral that seems to be the inevitable nature of the worldly pattern.

2. Exodus 25:9 - "Make this tabernacle and all it's furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you." Here, God instructs Moses to follow a specific pattern for the construction of the tabernacle, highlighting the importance of divine patterns in worship and religious practice. The world teaches us tradition in the form of worldy patterns. Tradition is defined as the transmission of customs, beliefs, or practices from one generation to another. It often involves cultural or familial rituals, ceremonies, or habits that are passed down over time, helping to maintain a sense of continuity and identity within a community or family. Traditions can be religious, social, or personal, and they often play a significant role in shaping the values and norms of a society. I find it interesting that we as humans look to those around us to show us patterns in the form of tradition--be they social, cultural, religious, personal etc. Our identity has been strongly woven into conforming to the pattern of the space that we inhabit. I love this verse because it is a testimony to the power of the words of God being spoken directly to a man, Moses, as Moses opens himself up to the influence and direction of His creator, maker, designer, master and King. God instructs Moses on the exact structure and dynamics of the tabernacle and it's functions. He enlightens Moses, as Moses chooses to see and hear God. What is so fantastic about this? Our body is the modern day tabernacle or temple. The literal space with which God has to reside in both structure and function in the world we inhabit--if we so choose to allow Him to reside with us. THAT IS A REALLY COOL THOUGHT--at least in my mind. We don't have to look to outside influences-- be they our social institutions, educational institutions, cultural constructs, or religious institutions--to instruct our being. We just have to invite God into our space, taking the time to hear and see Him in our everyday life. He lives within the nature He created, and we can ask Him to allow us to see that life-- in the kind words of a stranger, in the consistency and faithfulness of the sun rising every morning, in the yearning of a child to be observed as they show you a new thing they have learned. God speaks life, in kindness, like that stranger. God is faithful, like the sun. God desired community and relationship in the same way a child does, after all, what is life if not observed and regarded. Life is only existential when experienced by two witnesses, don't you think?

3. Philippians 3:17 - "Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do." This verse encourages believers to follow the pattern of life demonstrated by Paul and other faithful Christians. What I love about this verse is that it shows how the "fruit" that was the life of Jesus, turned the pattern of the world upside down. He conformed to the exact pattern designed by God to reap a harvest of new life and renewed living. Where our previous patterns had been the downward spiral, He came and gave us the pattern of the upward spiral, the spiral of Kingdom life--abundant life. As with any fruit, the fruit must die, in order for the seeds to be exposed from that fruit to produce new life. That is exactly what happened with Jesus. His death, continued in life through His apostles, like Paul. Manifesting from the gift of the seed, aka Holy Spirit. After all, if nothing else spurs growth on, death and the grief that ensues can be one of the most impactful and catalyzing features of that process. It catapults the inner man, as we face the recognition that this life isn't all there is. That this body isn't the end goal. That there is another space that our being is meant to reside and it's not in the decay and brokenness of this "simulation" that we have labeled world or earth. Jesus proving through His resurrection that there is life outside of the constructs of this world and it's patterns.

4. 2 Timothy 1:13 - "What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus." Paul advises Timothy to adhere to the pattern of sound teaching he has received. Sound teaching is an interesting thing to discern. Much like I would begin to crave dirt to fill the empty space in my stomach during a fast--due to the pains and experience my body feels during that time--my mind and "being" has an emptiness and a loneliness at times. I find that the things I use to fill the emptiness is easily brought to my attention if I look to my algorithm's suggestions in my "for you" page or "suggested content" pages. If those things fill me with fear and other "sensations", or create accusations--feeding negative thought patterns, or causing negative self-judgement-- rather than speaking grace and life giving words. Or if they tempt bodily desires, then, it's likely not the patterns of sound teaching. I am lending myself to patterns of the world and not truly discerning the truth behind the veil of the "simulation" of the encoded pattern of this world. Again, this is something that I testify to--God being able to step in and transform us, when He is invited, as we ask Him to come into this "house" of our body and surrender ourselves--HE WILL SPEAK LIFE.

I remember when I first began trying to surrender and conform to God and hear Him over the voices of the world that so loudly spoke to me in my mind. One thing that seemed to help more than most things was listening to music that spoke life into my person/being. One song that I LOVED during this time and honestly, still do, is "May you Speak" by WYLD Feat. Montell Fish. I am going to post the lyrics at the end of the blog. I never really knew how much power that words had until I started helping lead worship at our church a few years ago. It was at that point in time, that I came to recognize the power in the words of worship songs. As I would sing things like, "great is your faithfulness", I knew, as a "leader of worship", I had to connect with those words-- to the point of them being a testimony to my life and experience with God, rather than the fear I felt being up on stage in front of people. Because, if I allowed my perception of the experience to be dictated, and driven by my projected perception of the people observing me, it would ruin the purpose and intent of the worship all together, which is to place God at the center-- to take that moment and revere Him, and focus our heart and mind on Him. Observing not myself and my experience in that moment with my sweaty palms and elevated heart rate, but observing solely Him in that moment. I think that is what the verse means when it says "He will keep thee in perfect peace, him whose mind is stayed on thee." Peace comes when we step out of our own experience here in this world. Rather than being caught in it's current of sensations, emotions, and traditions, that are inevitable with it's experience, but rather choosing to reside with our being "outside" of our bodily and worldly experience, because we place our being in the presence of God and so we might "be" about, what He is about. Which has our best interest and design at heart. He is peace. When we "step out of this body" and into His presence, within the space of His kingdom, then we reside in peace. Worship, fasting, prayer, meditation and believe it or not, sometimes exercise are all ways that I use to step out of my "body" and into his presence, because they require me to look to a strength that is beyond me, that strength I find when I surrender. to Him in moments of weakness, when the resounding words "I can't", or "I'm just too tired" or insert any other prevailing "non-truth" that the accuser will whisper into our ears, because the truth is, this body will keep going until the day, He as my creator says, it has hit it's expiration.

In the earlier verses mentioned, it's illustrated how patterns can be seen in behavior, teaching, and even in the construction of sacred spaces, reflecting their significance in spiritual life and practice. So, what patterns are you conforming to that is constructing your sacred space? Is it a pattern that you have looked to the world to learn? What behaviors do you know need adjustments in your life? What teachings have you been listening to in your socials, shows, friend group and book readings--were they sound teaching? Ask yourself what fruit you feel those teachings are producing-- is it fear, anxiety, anger, lust, or is it kindness, patience, self-control and perseverance?

Self observation is a powerful tool, but asking God to step into the space where your "being" resides, asking Him to separate the space that is "your body"--with it's wants and desires, emotions and sensations-- and that "being or spirit" within you, is an even more powerful tool. Why? Because, through Jesus, fulfillment of scripture and the law was brought. He unlocked the key to all flesh through His perfect obedience to the Father's call and word. Because of this unlocking, He CAN now reside in the same space as our being, within our body--when invited, in each moment--in the living. This body can become His sacred space. Hebrews 4:12 introduces this concept: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." When we allow His living, active (as in presently!!) words to penetrate us, it can divide our spirit or being from this flesh. It gives us power over this body, rather than the opposite where the body takes power over us. Our own flesh creates our biggest battle, Jesus knew this, because He Himself experienced it, but overcame. Now we too can overcome. How? Through moment-to-moment invitation, active listening, and keeping our minds stayed on Him through the process.

Because having the creator and designer of the "simulation" that we are inhabiting come cohabitate with us and share this experience that is life, is the most ideal scenario for navigating both this body and the world we are surrounded by-- even in the brokenness of a virus infested code that patterns our "simulation". Listen, His words and instructions for operating are graceful, peaceful, life-giving, and they provide us with light to see in this dark, veiled space we inhabit. They are the "anti-virus" that counteracts the infected, decaying "simulation" that we inhabit. Don't believe me? ASK HIM, and BELIEVE when you do, so that the transformation and renewal of your mind can begin.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself would be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. Romans 8:18-21

May You Speak (Feat. Montell Fish)

Father God, I just ask you right now,

to let an awareness of your presence be made known all around the world.

This world is full of turmoil, God.

Let a peace that passes all understanding, just reign in the hearts of your people.

May we express that peace everywhere we go.

When words fail me,

May you speak, may you speak.

When words fail me,

May you speak, may you speak.

May you speak unto our hearts up in this darkness,

when these times is gettin' hard and the world is full of problems

and the rain just keeps on fallin', but your reign is never stoppin'.

So we praise you in the mornin'

Like a wake up, and a robin.

Peace awakening our soul,

Holy Spirit take control.

Let your peace flow in our soul,

and all our worries let 'em go into your arms where they belong.

Because we searchin' for a song to sing,

unto the King of promises, our praise is what we oughta bring.

And we don't need no now elate it,*** (see notes after lyrics for info on this line)

we need a peace that passes understanding,

the beauty of our Savior.

Cause He gives it to all, who heavy laid in His rest.

Just rest in the Father's arms, remember that we are blessed.

When words fail me,

May you speak, may you speak.

When words fail me,

May you speak, may you speak. (repeat x 2)

May you speak, may you speak.

May you speak, may you speak.

When words fail me,

May you speak, may you speak.

Father God, I just come to you,

On behalf of your people, and I just ask for,

a peace that awakens, Oh God.

That awakens our hearts, Oh God, to your presence, Lord.

A peaceful disruption, Oh God, that even in the midst of ourselves,

we would turn to you and say "God, you are here, and Your peace is with us, Oh God"

And that we would walk, with smiles on our faces, because we know that this earth is only a temporary home, it's nothing compared to our eternal home of peace.

Full Awakening.

***I couldn't find the written lyrics for this song anywhere online, so I had to listen and type them up myself and this line was one that I was unsure of exactly what the words are. So, please see the following explanation of what the lyrics might be and how they relate to the message: it seems like the line "And we don't need no now elate it" might be intended to convey a sense of not needing something superficial or temporary. Given the themes of peace, understanding, and spiritual fulfillment in the song, the phrase could be something like "And we don't need no now-related," suggesting a rejection of worldly or immediate concerns in favor of deeper spiritual peace. Another possibility could be "And we don't need no now or later," emphasizing the idea that true peace is not bound by time. Ultimately, without the official lyrics, it's a bit of a guessing game, but these interpretations align with the song's themes.

I think any of them work really nicely and honestly convey the message and intention of the song, so, you choose!