Tag Archives: marriage

Mrs. Jesus #5/7: Wood Friday

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Continued from Mrs. Jesus #4/7: Thor’s Hammer Day

Prologue

Jesus wraps his arms around me and lowers me to the mattress
“I’m scared,” I whisper
“I know,” he murmurs, kissing my brow
“Don’t worry. I will always be with you, even if you can’t see me.”

For the comfort of my body
Jesus placed a small cot by the Tree of Life
I gaze up at it as he fastens two roots to the holes in my wrists
My body is not what I’m worried about

The sensation is what I imagine dialysis fees like
Or a blood transfusion
The lifeblood of the tree fills me
As mine pours into it
As my consciously slowly wanders off

To sleep, perchance to dream

The Ex-Wife

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Mrs. Jesus #3/7: Wed-ness Day

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Continued from Mrs. Jesus #2/7: Two’s Day Out

I wake up early to make pancakes for the kids.
Jesus shows up to breakfast a little later than usual.
He kisses me on the cheek.
I don’t look him in the eye.

He gives me a knowing look, but doesn’t say anything.

After dropping the kids off, he comes back home instead of heading to work.
He finds me in the backyard, staring at the mountains surrounding our village.
He stands beside me, gently taking my hand but not speaking.

Finally I turn to him.
He takes my other hand as I gaze up through my lashes into his warm brown eyes.
I speak.

“I want to come work with you.”

He smiles.
Though a tear begins to course down his cheek.
And I can feel the tension in his muscles.

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Mrs. Jesus #2/7: Two’s Day Out

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Continued from Blew Monday

Awakening

“Good morning, sleepyhead!”

I wake up and look at Jesus, startled.

Me: What time is it? Did I sleep in?

He chuckles.

Jesus: Don’t worry about it. I turned off your alarm and got the kids ready for school myself. Your mom will pick them up.

M. Why? Are we going somewhere?

His face suddenly turns sober.

J. Yes. You remember I promised I’d help you understand why I can’t stay here with you all the time?

I nod silently, torn between excitement and dread.

J. Well, today is bring your wife to work day!

I make appreciative noises, like I’m happy about this. Yet I can’t help but notice that His smile doesn’t reach His eyes.

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Divorcing the War on Marriage

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In the conservative Christian circles I live in, we often talk about the war on marriage: how the laws of our culture must uphold the biblical pattern against those who would seek to redefine it.

While that may be true, we seem to be ignoring a painful reality. The church lost that same war decades ago: on the issue of divorce. Maybe we should take the time to understand why before we make the same mistakes all over again.

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Mrs. Jesus #1/7: Blew Monday

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1 Corinthians 7:34 and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the work of the Lord, how she can be holy in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world, how she can please her husband.

The scene is a cozy suburban house from the 1950s. Black and white, like in The Dick van Dyke Show or WandaVision. The door opens.

Jesus: Hi honey, I’m home!

I run into his arms and cling tightly to him.

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Hosea’s Lament

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To the tune of Psalm 22.

Oh Lord! How long must I wait? How long will you leave me in dismay?

The one I love has turned against me. Her teeth rip into my skin. Hard sticks break my bones.

Lord, I am not innocent in your eyes. Who can stand before your perfect justice? Who can measure up to your standards of holiness?

But I have humbled myself before God and man — and woman! I have searched my heart and confessed my sins against those who have wronged me. I have repaid good for evil, and forgiven those who plotted against me.

Lord, look down with mercy upon your servant, who trusts in you. You alone are my hope and salvation. I am like one struck dumb. All my words are turned against me.

Save me O Lord. You are my only hope.

Redeeming Aphrodite: The Sword (Part 2)

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Continued from Part 1.

I follow Jesus through the back wall of the temple, marching straight toward where the goddess awaits.

She is there, unsurprised by my presence.  Beautiful, beyond all earthly beauty.  A slight mysterious smile on her lips.  She is wreathed in a flowing gown that enhances rather than conceals her perfect figure.

“Welcome back, Ernie.  Are you here to worship?” she mouths seductively, as her gown fades to transparent.

I smile grimly, pulling a sword from my belt.

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Reclaiming Eden, Part I: Eve’s Triumph

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The serpent was clever, more clever than any wild animal GOD had made.

He spoke to the Woman: “Do I understand that God told you not to eat from any tree in the garden?”

The Woman smiled and said to the serpent, “Not at all. Actually, God did not tell me anything.”

The serpent was puzzled. “Wait, you mean you think you can eat from any tree in the garden?”

“Yes, that’s right,” she said, humming to herself as she sniffed a flower.

“This is too easy,” murmured the serpent. “Well then, have your tried the fruit from this tree here in the center? It is the best in the garden. In fact, it will make you smarter than your husband, as smart as God! You really need to experience it for yourself.”

The Woman saw that the tree was beautiful, that its fruit was good to eat, and that it would make her wise.

She half-reached an arm towards it…
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