The Denudation

not content
with the state of
our Intimacy -
an inability to
receive more
always much more than
we can process
the Spirit strips us of
our false securities
whatever is not
God Alone-
props for a
self-sufficiency
unfounded in reality-
through perfectly
tailored  trials -
storms that rage -
ripping away
treasured stabilities
one at a time but
sometimes
all at once
leaving us disoriented...
feeling alone / abandoned
by a faith depersonalized and
stretched beyond capacity 
causing us to yearn for a
relief that doesn't come on
our own terms
neatly protected
under tight control...  
we resist this
tearing away of
self's enthronement
without the light of a
clear vision or the
strength of our previous
self-confidence...
tribulations reveal
our hidden sins /

foundational weaknesses -
now front and center -

fruits of the world...the

flesh and the devil...
anger...
envy / jealousy...
fear / mistrust...
self-pity...
self-centeredness...
self-reliance...
self-will
pride that hides
our faults or wants to 

rebelliously hold on to them...

seeking comfort in the
flesh not the Lord

but a  New Way is proposed -
Dependence / Surrender -
because there is
nothing else that works...
a new-found trust
not tasted or touched
but only sensed
faintly
not all at once
but partially as
we seek Him
faithfully
day by day
yielding our desires
letting go of
knowing better than
Infinite Wisdom
we learn
unsought lessons
necessary for holiness -
a poverty of spirit
to begin with -
producing a tiny opening to
receive a river of
Power from above
rooted in a Love
stripping us of everything

but the Cross
The prime example 

to train us into
Patient Endurance...

Sacrificial Love...

the Sufficiency of Grace in
Courageous Surrender
bearing a Peace and Joy that
surpasses understanding
born through
the process of
Denudation

Reflection/Discussion:
-What is denudation?
-Why does this happen?
-Is this "normal" in the Christian Life? Why/not?
-What is "poverty of spirit"?
-Do you hide your true self? Why? How can that change?
-How can we support one another through this?
-How should we handle this when it happens?
-What is "Courageous Surrender"?