This particular Lewis quote has always been a bit of a core quote for me – something I remind myself of when the world seems bleak and God seems far away. You've captured my feelings on it exactly, and I love the way you broke down the etymology. Lewis was indeed a word buff. In some of his letters which give writing advice to young protégés, he talks about how important it is to choose the exact and precise word. I'm so sure that his word choice would have been intentional here!
This writing touched some tender places within me. Though I’ve never struggled with drugs or alcohol, the longing to escape has been front and center for me, so much so, that I have had very miserable days, and sadly, have made others endure my misery. On occasion, I may use food or a good movie or music to temporarily ease the pressure. But reading this opened my eyes to my real need and the only satisfying answer…Him. It’s Him. Jesus. Tears fall in realizing this. I think it’s hard to let myself be loved. Scary. Vulnerable. Yet the need of it feels “Do or die”.
Thank you for the forthright encouragement. I needed this today.
This particular Lewis quote has always been a bit of a core quote for me – something I remind myself of when the world seems bleak and God seems far away. You've captured my feelings on it exactly, and I love the way you broke down the etymology. Lewis was indeed a word buff. In some of his letters which give writing advice to young protégés, he talks about how important it is to choose the exact and precise word. I'm so sure that his word choice would have been intentional here!
This writing touched some tender places within me. Though I’ve never struggled with drugs or alcohol, the longing to escape has been front and center for me, so much so, that I have had very miserable days, and sadly, have made others endure my misery. On occasion, I may use food or a good movie or music to temporarily ease the pressure. But reading this opened my eyes to my real need and the only satisfying answer…Him. It’s Him. Jesus. Tears fall in realizing this. I think it’s hard to let myself be loved. Scary. Vulnerable. Yet the need of it feels “Do or die”.
Thank you for the forthright encouragement. I needed this today.
🙏🏽Debbie
Oh Debra, what an incredible thing to say. Yes!!! Praising God with you and praying for you. Go further up and further in!
In turning to Him, these words filled my heart:
Crumpled on my bed in a disheveled heap
Why can’t I get up? I have legs and two good feet?
A dark cloud persisting, blanketing me in;
Fog can be so blinding. The downpour, it begins.
Suddenly, I’m four, yet I am far from those years
All this rain today seems like tears of yester-year
Has life’s stormy gale blown me to this unwanted place
where love battered? I argue, “BUT You came with Your grace!”
Hardin’s ’white whale’ attempts quick, to subtly swim in
To lure away, retrospectively, as if an old friend.
But the weight of chest reminds, while pinning me down,
“Follow that foe this time, you will surely drown!”
Fetal position holds me, disabled by much sin.
Jon reminds of Lewis’ words go ‘further up’ and ‘further in!’
Encouraged not to escape, I run to the Lord instead
In my heart I know He’s near me; I feel Him stroking the hair on my head
“In escaping you’ve avoided an area I must touch.
I know it’s super painful.
I’m sorry it hurts so much
“But I didn’t just die for your sins, or the sins done to you;
I endured that cross to redeem, and restore, the you I always knew.
“That day on your bed the enemy thought that he had won
He bragged and boasted in great pride at the destruction he had done
“Distrust planted deeply; hypervigilance took root
Great fear- the fertile ground for pretentious shoots.
“All of these you took on in order just to be,
But none are really you, my beloved don’t you see?
“You can take off all the make-up, remove each drop of paint
You are free to just be my beautiful hearted saint!
“Just cling to me my child as I am healing up your heart,
Let go, trusting my love for you is restoring every part.”
Thank you again.
C.S. Lewis is one of my very favorite authors also!!
Actor Max McLean performs a brilliant one man play as C.S. Lewis entitled Further Up and Further In.
I bet you would love it.
He tours it. We saw it in CA.
I just saw that when I was researching the phrase. You better believe it's on my list now!