Someone placed a sunflower in the hand of the statue of St. Francis, who’s rooted in the garden outside our church. When I noticed the addition of the flower today, I thought Francis looked lost in wonder, which is how I’ve felt for the better part of four days.
Why so?
It can be traced to a decision to fly to Baltimore this past week to attend the tenth anniversary conference and celebration of the founding of BioLogos, the brainchild and heart of Dr. Francis Collins. After writing The Language of God, which turned into a bestseller and prompted thousands of questions on science and faith, Francis felt a need and call to help folks talk about issues, to realize science and faith are friends, not enemies. Well, it’s working. There were lots of people at the party, eager to learn, to discuss. I’m no scientist but I am curious.
BioLogos, in a word, conveys the two books God uses to communicate with us: Bio is Life, the book of nature and Logos is Word, the Bible. Jud appreciated the mission and irenic spirit of the founder, current leadership and board towards both the curious and ones who felt they had all the answers. Me,too. If you’re curious, google BioLogos.
Listening to Francis Collins (founder of BioLogos and current director of the National Institutes of Health), Jennifer Wiseman (senior astrophysicist with NASA), Richard Mouw (former president of and current professor at Fuller Theological Seminary), as well as other presenters and conference attendees sharing around a table, reminds one why MIND is part of the Greatest Commandment. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your MIND and with all your strength..” (Mark 12:28-31 for context in ESV)
Friday night, while we sang, “How Great Thou Art”, I read both of God’s books.
“O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!”
I’ve emptied my suitcase, but still unpacking images and words from God’s two books and the words, concerns and questions of thoughtful men and women, still “lost in wonder, love and praise.” (from Charles Wesley’s hymn, Love Divine)
Can’t help but think Lent’s a good time to get lost.
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Thanks Jan, for reminding us that “The Heavens declare the glory of God,” and for inspiring us to be lifelong learners about the creation and worshipers or the Creator.
So good! We loved that Jud was part of that discussion – so much is over my head, but it’s helpful to know the conversation is not black and white – like so many other conversations today. The Bible is complicated, and simple, all at the same time. The heavens help. <3
I think you captured their mission well. Now, we simply have to act like we believe it.
Blessings, Dale
One of my absolute favorite hymns! Thank you for bringing this sunflower to my rainy day in Utah.
What a wonder-full surprise for Dale to see you at the conference! What an amazing treat for him! Loved your note, love your blog and the sweetness of our forever friendship! ❤️