Gratitude....again

I learned a new word this morning.  While reading a reflection from Brennan Manning I came upon the word "lagniappe".  The word has its roots in New Orleans creole and it means "a bonus, gratuity, tip, an unexpected or indirect benefit". (Dictionary.com)

Manning was an ex-priest, author and philosopher who died a rough death this past April, plagued by his addiction to alcohol but still holding on to his faith.  I can't say that I fully embrace everything he wrote but there are enough gems in his work to keep me coming back.

Today he talks about the need for the awareness of our innate poverty. Coming from the foundation of his faith he writes, "......that we were created from the clay of the earth and the kiss of God's mouth, that we came from dust and shall return to dust, pulls away the mask of prestige, of knowledge, of social class, or of strength- whatever it is we use to command attention and respect". That statement could be a real downer and it flies in the face of today's strong focus on our inflated (in my opinion) need for self-esteem, but I have learned the tough lesson through this journey that total dependence on self and trust in the "I can do anything on my own" philosophy just doesn't work at all times and in all situations. Cancer has shown me my absolute inability to handle this burden by myself and it has only strengthened my hold on God's hand.  He has not failed me....not once.

So, it's back to "lagniappe".  "Life is lagniappe.  We are faced with the possibility of genuine humility. I am convinced that without a gut-level experience of our profound spiritual emptiness, it is not possible to encounter the living God."-Brennan Manning (Reflections for Ragamuffins)

I heartily agree.

On the health front:

Let the countdown begin!  In slightly more than 24 hours I'll be having my PET scan.

Please pray that everyone concerned will be amazed by the fact that there is no sign of cancer😊