Where the road runs out... be the Dolphin Christ

Back in the land of Oz last night - and back to work/reality today.  All through the past few days since my Dolphin encounter on Saturday, I've had the words of this song running through my head... and I found it this afternoon, on Jason Garoncy's Blog:

http://jasongoroncy.com/2010/02/19/be-the-sailors-friend-be-the-dolphin-christ/

I can remember singing this in Aotearoa at a Baptist Assembly in Dunedin... beautiful song.

Where the road runs out by Colin Gibson

Where the road runs out and the signposts end,
where we come to the edge of today,
be the God of Abraham for us;
send us out upon our way.

Lord, you were our beginning,
the faith that gave us birth.
We look to you, our ending,
our hope for heaven and earth.

When the coast is left and we journey on
to the rim of the sky and the sea,
be the sailor’s friend, be the dolphin Christ;
lead us on to eternity.

When the clouds are low and the wind is strong,
when tomorrow’s storm draws near,
be the spirit bird hov’ring overhead
who will take away our fear.

Jason's front page also had this challenging artwork depicting the Last Supper  by Raoef Mamedov... I find it equally captivating and challenging.Raoef Mamedov's 'The Last Supper.' 

Our youngest son, Jonathan, was welcomed into membership at Mitcham Baptist last Sunday - a proud day for us as he continues his journey of discipleship.  We have never seen him as 'suffering' from Down's Syndrom and celebrate with him his many abilities.  He is and continues to be much more than 'a person with a disability.'  He is Jonathan - literally 'beloved of God.'

One commentator has written of Mamedov's work of art:

Sure, many people have interpreted this iconic image, but none made quite like this. Using models with Down's Syndrome, Raoef Mamedov forces us to question what our ideas of 'normal' are and whether to perceive people with the condition as 'sufferers.