Introducing "Understory"
"Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out." - Proverbs 20:5 (WEB)
As "Lord Sycamore," I'm privileged-- and a little nervous!-- to share stories and songs with you. Why nervous? Because when I sing songs and tell stories, I'm expressing what's most important to me. I'm broadcasting my aversions and affections for anyone to hear. I'm sharing my heart -- and, frankly, there's a lot of junk in there.
I'm taking the risk because I am loved. Beneath the many conflicting loves in my heart, there is a love I've received by no merit of my own. I believe that though I was by nature opposed to the God who made and judges the world, I have been given a new life, a new heart, and a new destiny. That infinite, unearned gift is mine because I believe that Jesus, who is God's Son and chosen King, died in my place and was raised back to life. He did that because He loves me. I'm making these stories, songs, and blog posts because I think you should know that Jesus loves you too.
I hope that Understory will be a space where, by God's grace, I can "draw out" the purposes of my heart behind the songs and stories I've shared. I apologize in advance for any long-windedness!
I hope also that Understory will be a space where you can connect my stories with your own. There is so much we're all carrying in our hearts. I hope yours will be a little lighter after visiting.
Most of all, I hope that Understory will help you to grow. You can join me in praying that it will as it points you (and me!) to Jesus. I won't disguise the fact that I believe true spiritual life is only found by union with Him through ongoing repentance and faith.
If you've not entered that life yet, please do! Trust in Jesus! He has the power to save you.
"...if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 5:9 (WEB)
And if you have entered that life, stay put! Trust in Jesus! He has the power to grow you.
"As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving." - Colossians 2:6-7 (WEB)
By the way, if you're wondering, why this blog called Understory, there are two main reasons. First: I'll be writing here about the experiences and truths beneath the stories and songs I share. Second: in keeping with the "tree" metaphor of "Lord Sycamore," the lower, smaller region of a forest is called the understory. Like the trees in this region, I recognize that I'm young and that I have a lot of growing to yet do.
Again, it's a privilege to share all this with you! Thank you so much for reading!
- Lord Sycamore