Isaiah 61:1-3

beauty for ashes-

 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, 

   because the LORD has anointed me 

   to proclaim good news to the poor. 

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, 

   to proclaim freedom for the captives 

   and release from darkness for the prisoners,

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor 

   and the day of vengeance of our God, 

to comfort all who mourn, 

 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion~

to bestow on them a crown of beauty 

   instead of ashes, 

the oil of joy 

   instead of mourning, 

and a garment of praise 

   instead of a spirit of despair. 

They will be called oaks of righteousness, 

   a planting of the LORD 

   for the display of his splendor.~Niv

The discussion goes on and the words of this scripture seem so literal in reflection of the present trauma the people of Indonesia are facing in these days and many more to come. These have been favorite words from scripture for many reasons, one of which is the promises within. Not only do we see the promises of God to use His people in ministry to others but that He is the healer and freedom for the captives. Never can we forget at the lowest of times or moments that our God is the comfort for all who mourn and that He will return a crown of beauty for the ashes in our lives. One day in place of tears of mourning will be the exchange of oil of gladness. All, the work of our mighty God. His work in the hearts of people will be called oaks of righteousness. They will be a planting of the Lord, a display of His glory! As we live among a people who are not strangers to suffering, I continue to be blessed by the genuine joy in the midst of struggle. They continue to love and serve others in a way that only speaks of God in the hearts of his children. Seeing His servants rise up and serve others, seek to bind up the hearts of the broken hearted is evidence of his splendor. Not only in the traumas of life but also in the more simple times of sharing life with one another; lending an ear or a shoulder in times of need. Listening is a gift. One that is not treasured enough at times. I know I can sit in the lap of my Savior and His heart hears mine. That is indescribable peace and joy that comes when we are still before Him. But this comforting peace is also experienced in the tender understanding heart of a kindred spirit who will also lean in with knowing ear and a word or two of loving encouragement drawn from a road well traveled. It is a treasure of transparency shared between pilgrims on a journey. They indeed see the beauty in the ashes.