Peace of Hope Gardens

Atlanta is often described as the city in the woods. In essence, the trees have been granted rights to survive and observe the lives of those residing in the city. Productive people and surviving trees coexist in an environment dominated and dictated by man.

But in Jamaica, it seems nature is not content with observation like the magnolias of Georgia. The palms of Kingston cannot tolerate meekness or silence. They earnestly beg every person to bow and believe in a divine God who brings genuine hope.

For God created these 200ft palms that are large and magnificent. They are wild and exclamatory. They demonstrate truth for the people crossing their path within Hope Gardens.

They’ve been created to proclaim Psalm 92 all of their days.

Yes! Look how you’ve made all your lovers to flourish like palm trees, each one growing in victory, standing with strength.
You’ve transplanted them into your heavenly courtyard, where they are thriving before you. For in your presence they will still overflow and be anointed. Even in their old age they will stay fresh, bearing luscious fruit and abiding faithfully.
Listen to them! With pleasure they still proclaim:
“You’re so good! You’re my beautiful strength! You’ve never made a mistake with me.”
Psalm 92:12-15

I have been unable able to deny the beauty of Jamaica and how it reveals the majesty of God. Seeking the untouched corners of the world apart from the man-made certainly reveals His glory. But how much more encouraging when paired with the Word. Palms that look like nothing I’ve ever seen, still only a window into a greater truth revealed by the scriptures.

They’re not just large, but victorious and strong. As I am also in Christ.

They’re not just thriving, but anointed and overflowing from His precious and unending Presence. As I am also in Christ.

They’re not just bearing fruit, but refreshed, full of faith and bearing fruit that is exceptionally pleasing to God. As I am in Christ.

They’re not just full of praise. But shouting without reserve! “God is good! God is my strength in the most beautiful way. I am not a mistake, but a Child of God!”

As I am in Christ.

“And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because now we can experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us! For when the time was right, the Anointed One came and died to demonstrate his love for sinners who were entirely helpless, weak and powerless to save themselves.”
Romans 5:5-6

And so, this experience at Hope Gardens, transported me to one more place. I imagine the crowds on Palm Sunday. Upon hearing of Jesus, bringing palms as a representation of the hope found only in Him.

In my heart, I take these newfound palms. I know them now to be ten times the size. I bring them forth for Jesus who is, yet again, bigger than I could ever imagine. And so I echo their equally passionate shouts, declaring in celebration:

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the King of Israel!”
John 12:13

Peace of Boardwalk Beach

If we are going to live in Jamaica, we are at least going to the beach. The beaches that most tourists frequent are on the northern coast, littered with resorts catered to the American palette. Boardwalk beach may not be one of the top beaches in the world, but it’s the one that’s home now.

Cabanas made from tree trunks and thatch. Our only companions the local fisherman tending to their nets and three stray dogs dozing under our chairs. The coast is thick with dense seaweed; sparking turquoise water just out of reach.

I think I know why the Holy Spirit is likened to wind. The air carried from the Blue Mountains, kissing the white caps of the Caribbean Sea and faithful in its delivery to the southern shore bring peace. There’s something about standing tall atop sand and staring in the face of creation. It’s not glamorous or manicured or worthy of a resort, but it is raw in the way it honors its Creator, unashamed of His design. The mountains faithfully stand, the water continually follows in its pattern and refreshing wind in covenant with the sun to provide balance. I’d say that most of us are more like Boardwalk Beach than we’ll ever look like Ocho Rios or Montego Bay.

After a few hours of much needed grounding and relaxation, we resumed our typical routine of figuring out how the heck to build a life in Jamaica. Later to find out that beach we just found has a nearby saltwater lake. The home of a large population of aggressive, crocodiles. Crocodiles that love the dense seaweed and saltwater where I stood eyes fixed on the horizon, never questioning the ground beneath my feet.

And so, Boardwalk Beach is an even greater metaphor than I even thought. Strong, camouflaged enemies lurk in our midst, seeking to devour us. But in the peace of God, there is authority. In the wind of the Holy Spirit there is boldness. In the face of enemies, there is protection, provision and peace.

For although he was crucified as a “weakling”, now he lives robed with God’s power. And we also are “weak ones” in our co-crucifixion with him, but now we live in God’s triumphant power together with him, which is demonstrated on your behalf.
2 Corinthians 13:4

Sometimes our enemies are magnified and can’t be ignored. Like being in a foreign place, homesick and blinded by selfishness. Sometimes our enemies are like crocodiles that we didn’t even know existed. But in either case, no matter how aware, there is life-saving power in Christ.

The Christian life is not one of no problems. In fact, the beauty of following Jesus is the complete brokenness we all live with. Our need for him is desperate. And the more we recognize this, the greater affection we have. And a greater expectation for Him to show us exactly who He is.

“But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness. ” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9