aLIVE.

Sometimes we just need to be recharged. We lose energy. It's all been drained. Used up. Our "battery life" quickly falls from "green" to "red" in a matter of moments. The energizer bunny is no longer beating his drum.

If the heart is beating, there is life within. Nevertheless, we can reach the point of having no interest. No passion. Apathy and indifference set up camp in the deepest parts of our souls. Or maybe it's just a feeling of defeat.

At times, the heart even seemingly stops beating altogether. We quickly forget what it is for which (or for Whom) we're living... Or forget that we are even alive at all.

There is something about hearing another's heartbeat that is inspiring. We can so easily forget this distinct and irreplaceable "sound of life." But when we hear it, something begins to awaken within us. There is no other sound like it. We so often struggle with the issue of purpose... But why is it that we have an unmistakable feeling of desire and urgency to help those who cannot help themselves? It doesn't take much for a fire to be set aflame within our spirits. We are driven towards justice and compassion. There it is... look closely, that is called...

Purpose.

That strong, deep passion to reach out and get beyond ourselves.

Maybe that's our problem. Our focus on our "quest for purpose" keeps our eyes fixed greatly on "me, myself, and I"... when really, our purpose is waiting in the eyes of those who are burdened and hurting.

Our heartbeats awaken one another.

To newfound purpose. To forgotten dreams. To a place of openness. Trust. Brokenness. Transparency.

And... Dependence.

But this is a unique form of dependence. This dependence bears its roots in broken soil. You see, soil must be broken, or stirred up, in order for life to be planted... or replanted.

As the Body of Christ, we are called to be "one in spirit" (Philippians 1:26-28, ESV). I have always understood that concept... Yet, I had not had the opportunity, until recently, to truly experience the miracle of unity of spirit, heart, and purpose. There is a reason, a vital reason, why Jesus stated that unity was and is essential. He knew that there would be times when our heartbeats would slow... and even become so soft, that we would no longer be able to hear the precious sound... at least, on our own.

That's where the unity comes in.

Because although we sometimes forget the sound of our own heartbeats, they are not silent.

They simply just need someone--anyone--to take the time to hear them. To listen intently for any sign of life.

Because it's there.

God is never early and never late. He knows full well when our hearts will be ready for awakening and who it is that He can and will use to "jump start" our flat-lining spirits. Sometimes, we just aren't quite ready to "wake up." Our hearts become comfortable. Stuck in the comfort zones of apathy and complacency... Surrounded by the walls of distance and self-protection. We tell ourselves that we will never be in a position to hurt... or to feel ever again. But what we don't realize is this...

Unless one truly feels, he cannot truly live. And he definitely cannot live to his fullest potential... as God intended for him to live (John 10:10, ESV).

Abundantly alive.

And so eventually, our hearts begin to beat as one. If that isn't a display of unity through the power of the Holy Spirit, I'm not sure what is.

When our hearts beat together, it's a beautiful sound.

So answer me this:

Are you truly and sincerely...

Alive?

♥ ♫