Be Still
I was born into a family of Hoosiers. In case you aren't familiar with that word, it is the term for a native of Indiana. Apparently, as people approached a house on horseback, they would call, "Who's here?" These two words, twisted by the unique accent of the area, produced "Hoosier."
Growing up, I didn't think I had an accent to my speech. I thought everybody spoke like we did in the Mid-west. Now that I've lived outside of Indiana for longer than I lived in it, I know differently. We Hoosiers have all kinds of interesting words. For example, my grandma told me once about how she went to Alaska and took pictures of dozens of iggles, all waiting by the river for the salmon to swim by. She talked for a good five minutes before I figured out that iggles are actually eagles.
And then there is the capital of Indiana. That's always an easy one on the fourth grade states and capitals test, right? The capital of Indiana is Indianapolis. Hoosiers are probably better known for practicality than creativity. But in my family, there was an entire generation that pronounced that city In-din-ap-lis. I guess there were just too many vowels to say them all.
My all-time favorite Hoosier word is nibby. As in, Don't read my mail; that's just being nibby. Or, used as a verb, Tell her to nib out of my business. It means putting your nose where it doesn't belong. After I realized that not everyone knows about this awesome word, I started doing a little survey. Turns out, only people in or near Delaware county know this word. And I have the good fortune of growing up in Delaware county's seat, Muncie.
Well, my grandma had one other term that has been on my mind often these past days and weeks. When I had a hard time sitting still in church, or when I tossed and turned in my bed, she would gently rest her hands on my shoulders or knees and whisper in my ear, "Be still." If I was crying too hard or getting worked up about something that didn't go my way, she would use those same words: "Be still." She wasn't being harsh or unkind, she was simply trying to help me settle down. Take a deep breath. Relax.
And those are the words that I need right now. We are living in uncertain times. I am in an uncertain place. There are a lot of unknowns in our future - probably in yours, too. But in my spirit, in my heart, I need to just be still. God has ordained these days; He is not surprised by our current situation, or by our response to it. He is in control. So I - we - need to let Him work it out as He wants. Our place is to rest in Him.
The song, Be Still My Soul, written by Katharina von Schlegel in the 1700's, has been an encouragement to me in recent days. As I was doing a little research, I learned that this hymn was a favorite of Eric Liddell, as well. You may recognize his name from the movie Chariots of Fire. He was a runner and a likely candidate to medal in the 1924 Olympics. When the gold medal race was scheduled to be run on a Sunday, he refused to participate, believing that the day was to be set apart to the Lord. Later, he became a missionary in China. During World War II, he was imprisoned there. It is said that he taught this stirring song to the China Inland Missionary children there. Take the time to slowly read through these words and allow them to lift your spirit, too.
"Be still, my soul! The Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul! Thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul! Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul! The waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul! When dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul! Thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
Be still, my soul! The hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointments, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul! When change and tears are past;
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
Be still, my soul! Begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well-pleased eye.
Be still, my soul! The Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine."
Just as I can still feel my grandma's hands on my restless body and hear her quiet words in my ear, I can also feel the Savior calming my racing thoughts, turning my eyes to focus on Him, and whispering to my anxious heart,
Be still.