Swimming with God

“There are so many things you do not yet know, but amidst it all you can still know peace.” - Morgan Harper Nichols 

I planned to publish a post about being in bloom & intentionality. I jotted down the the lessons I learned to share with you all yet I did not have peace about publishing it. My last post was in December & I surely didn’t plan for a three month hiatus. God put me on pause to reflect on the past year & to be still in His presence.

In the stillness, God continuously reminded me that His Spirit gives me peace. That even when I cannot comprehend what’s happening around me, I have peace. That it is important to remind others that they can know & experience peace. 

When I think of peace, I envision a sea of turquoise & teal enveloping me in a warm embrace. These rich, calming shades of blue-green all swirling together to create a soothing sound that my thoughts can dance in without worry or fear. 

In my final year of undergrad, I produced & directed a dance film called Swimming With God. It was inspired by Warsan Shire’s poem Trying To Swim With God. What I derived from the poem was a woman seeking peace in the midst of uncertainty and despair. Now I could be absolutely wrong in what the meaning behind the poem is & trust, I’ve spent years searching for what Warsan meant with her words.

For twenty one year old Allison, the poem conjured up visuals of being still, stilling the world around & what that means in searching for peace. I was filled with uncertainty at that time. Uncertain if I’d be able to finish my degree due to lack of funds as well as what life would hold after uni. Uncertainty can breed worry which brings along restlessness & discord within the soul. 

I entitled my work Swimming with God because I believed (and still believe) that Peace is found in communing with God constantly. Resting in His presence, which provides protection, while trusting Him to act in a way that is beneficial for me. The film is a visual representation of choosing to rest in God’s presence. 

Psalm 37:7a says

 “Rest in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him.” 

The Hebrew word  דָּמָם damam translated as rest in the passage means to be silent or be still. It tickles me to think of the act of swimming typically requires one to keep their mouth closed until it is necessary to intake air. Being silent is crucial so I can hear what He has to say because His words bring healing, guidance and clarity.

How will I know what to do or what to say to others if I never still the noise around & within me?

Waiting is in no way passive. The Hebrew word  חוּל chuwl  translated as wait, means to twist or to dance. To dance is to move, to writhe one’s body while exploring the space around them. Just like what one does with swimming.

To wait is an act of strengthening; a dance that reveals more of who God is & who He has called me (& you) to be in that season.  

So even in this season of noise that seeks to deafen and drown, be reminded that Peace silences and supports in the sea of the unknown. 

What does Peace look like for you?
What does it feel like? What does it sound like? 

Let me know in the comments below & check out Swimming With God :)

Until next time...