Embracing the Shadows: Understanding Our Journey Forward (05/31/'24) -Statement

Embracing the Shadows: Understanding Our Journey Forward Shadows always come from the past, casting their whispers into our present lives. Our visions are not born from the light of the future but emerge as reflections shaped by the darkness of our history. Gatsby's fervent cry, “Can’t repeat the past?” echoes through time, capturing his desperate search for the shadows of his former life. His wild gaze and trembling hand reach out to grasp the past, much like shifting sand, always just out of reach. In our own lives, shadows lurk within the walls of our memories, forming a constant murk that shapes who we are. Every dream and quest we undertake arises from the unrest of our yesterdays, reflecting our mirrored selves shaped by past experiences and ignited by our inner flame. The past, like a ghost, never truly leaves us. It weaves itself into the fabric of our present, creating visions that reflect the might-have-been. Our perceptions of the future are born from these yesteryears, emerging through the shadows of our past and illuminated by our tears. Can we truly grasp what has gone? Gatsby's hope becomes a fervent song, resonating with the belief that in the shadows, truth hides. It is within this blend of past and present that we find our true selves, embracing the shadows to understand our journey forward. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 31, 2024)