ash1
—noun
1. the powdery residue of matter that remains after burning.
4.ashes.
• deathlike grayness; extreme pallor suggestive of death.
• ruins, especially the residue of something destroyed; remains; vestiges
• mortal remains, especially the physical or corporeal body as liable to decay.
It will all burn. Even if it lasts for a while, it will eventually decay. Returning to the dust and ash from which we all come.
Sometimes death sneaks up on you, is forced upon you, or in some other form, takes you immediately, without warning. You’re just ash again. And you can’t even stop to beg for mercy.
Sometimes it creeps in gradually, slowly seeping in, unnoticeable. You can see the residue of love and happiness that is left behind, but you see it too late and you realize your soul has been ash all along and you wasted your life away, hiding from the truth.
Depressing post. Maybe.
Unless you know the legends about ash.
In the book of Isaiah God says he will offer a crown of beauty rather than one of ashes to his people. Not a bad trade, but you must wear the ash first to be redeemed by the beauty.
And then there is the Phoenix. How many stories and hopes and metaphors and pictures I have held fast to regarding this mythical bird?
At the peak of its life, it faces its greatest trial and bursts into flame. It becomes a smoldering pile of ash. And that seems to be the end of of its beautiful, colorful existence. But it is not. No it is far from it.
The Phoenix rises as champion of her own life. Having overcome all challenges and hardships. It is reborn, more glorious than ever.
My life, my whole world feels like it is burning around me, shouldering piles of ash everywhere. Some from outside forces, some self-inflicted. But I am desperate to let it finish its work, refine me, and make me stronger.
I am determined to rise from the ash and be reborn, better than ever before.
