the ember

God can bring beauty out of ashes.

Isaiah 61:3

Life can often mimic the power, magnificence and destruction of a fire. That fire can evoke serenity and calmness into the night, providing warmth and offering means of sustainment. In the same breath that fire can rage with fury, and bring down the strongest of foundations, creating unrecognizable devastation. The beauty in the ashes can only be seen after the dust has settled, and the renewed strength within the destruction begins to raise through the ashes like Phoenix Rising – symbolizing transformation in grief and resurrection after loss. 

Quick question…have you ever tried to start a fire without the standard ‘tools’ to easily create and sustain a flame? I must admit, in my many years on this earth, I have never learned to create fire without the use of matches and/or fire propellants. The inspiration was sparked by a conversation on basic survival knowledge, and the challenge was to learn to not only create the flame, but to fuel that flame without the strength of a propellant. 

The backdrop to the challenge was a perfect example of what it means to rebuild after a metaphorical fire in my life; a serene place to call home with a little property and lots of magnificent trees surrounding the 1900’s southern-style, country inspired estate. 

The truth is that fires are an inevitable reality on planet earth. Sometimes those fires are self-started, and other times our foundation is burned down due to someone or something else’s uncontrollable, raging blaze. Nonetheless, within the silvery-charred ashes eventually comes the ability to find hope for the building of a new foundation.

Back to the challenge… The method used was not the primitive rubbing of sticks application but a flint and magnesium fire starter. As we began the process of trying to create the spark it was apparent that the many insignificant sparks could not sustain the fire (initially), and it almost felt as though the conditions needed to be ‘just right’ in order to keep that spark alive and build that fire. For a moment, each time we failed to create the flame, there was a feeling of discouragement. As we kept trying, we learned ways to better use the environment which allowed that spark to turn to a flame, in-turn creating fire. 

The moment we created that fire, it was pure exhilaration! We spent what seemed like forever cleaning up the elements of the storm destruction found on the property by adding tree size branches to the fire and watching them burn with great power and intensity. It was satisfying to watch the elements burn, knowing that we created the flame using only flint, magnesium and dried leaves. Sounds easier than it is… if you have not tried this, perhaps you give it a try!

Here is where the fire reignited for me. But first a little back story…. The last seven-plus years, I have been working on rebuilding a solid foundation and setting up the elements that could withstand the test of time. Those elements included aspects of my earthly job, my passions, spiritual purpose, the people and relationships in my life, and what the premise of my future could look like with all those elements included or not. Within that time, just about every one of the elements was set ablaze. Some elements, including my passions and spiritual purpose which were deep-rooted sparks that never had a chance to fully-ignite (for many reasons) were thankfully set ablaze. 

Other elements such as my earthly job(s) and relationships were burned to the ground. It took me many years during the transformation process to learn that one’s value is not defined by the title/jobs held, the material belongings possessed, or in the relationships and opinions of those individuals that exist in our lives. True self-worth comes from deep within regardless of the circumstances presented. Situations are always temporary and transformation is a constant, continual journey.

Each time the foundation changed, I was reminded that the fire(s) set are either meant to create destruction for an opportunity to rebuild, or meant to offer serenity and calmness with clearer understanding of a greater purpose. In those moments, the ability to be still and practice the art of relinquishing control has been a necessity for survival of mind, body and soul. Even though I could not understand the WHY – during times of patience and practice, the answers would slowly reveal themselves in both mysterious and miraculous ways. 

Back to the initial thought… after stepping back for countless months and relinquishing control of multiple aspects in my life (especially over the last year) to allow the dust to settle while I examined the silvery-charred ashes of the burned foundation; the revelation came to me the day after the challenge! 

Even though it seemed like the fire could only burn in the “right” conditions as the surface appeared to be extinguished by the rain; the next afternoon, as we sifted through the ashes, we stumbled upon one lonely ember that burned with passion deep under the charred destruction. We used that one lonely ember to reignite the flame which turned into a fierce raging fire again, and we did this for three days in a row – finding that one lonely ember to reignite the flames again and again! How amazing is the power of one ember buried deep down in the bowels of buried ash…

What I realized that day, as my inspiration and passion was reignited, is that we don’t always have to show our strength with the fury of a raging fire. Sometimes it is life- giving to allow the outward flames to burn out and appear extinguished and let the dust settle to allow for healing. I am certain that the rage of that burning fire plants embers deep down within the soul that will reignite with passion at just the right moment when the foundation is ready to be rebuilt. 

So, I ask – what are the elements in your life that are burning and/or appear extinguished; and are you allowing the dust to settle at your own time and pace (without self-judgement) along your journey until you are ready to rebuild? Remember love, GOD can (and will) bring beauty from ashes, and HE will not waste your pain along this temporary journey on earth!

LOVE, with all my HEART, 

Natalie

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