I was reacting, perhaps in confusion, to chapter three and four of Waking the Dead titled The Heart of All Things and Ransomed and Restored respectively. I know with my mind that the heart is central to our beings. It’s a piece of information I perceive with my mind. The mind is created to perceive and process information, e.g. my student has failed his English Test. The heart struggles with this piece of information, e.g. is this cause for concern, should I worry? (J. Eldredge, 2003). Very clearcut roles assigned to each organ. It makes sense doens’t it.

But the Bible says that we do most of our thinking in our hearts. Prov. 23:7 says "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." Now you see the cause of my reaction. Perhaps it’s confusion that has caused me to react, but I know the questions in my head are probably due to the fact that I know Elderidge is on to something and I am trying to grasp ("grassssssp" and not "graaaaps" I get it Min o you speech therapist!) it. It provoked me into thinking. If we do more than feel with our heart, then I think that’s where the mystery of life lies. If Science tells you your mind is an organ that thinks, and heart, feels, then where does that leave this concept "the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Heb 4:12)? Is Science wrong? Is it just a popular nonsensical concept that the mind is our reason and the heart pure emotions? I like the simple conclusion Eldredge purported. "The heart is the dwelling place of our true beliefs… It is the thoughts and the intents of the heart that shape a person’s life… the heart is also where we do our deepest thinking…"

"You will find me," God says, "when you seek me with all your heart" (Jer 29:13). So! This is it! The only way to God is through your heart, coming to Him with a simple trust. Afterall God sees the heart. I remember a quote by Dostoyevsky which ties all of this up. He mentioned that the heart is the battleground between God and the devil. Shall look up the quote when I get home.

I am thinking… Since the heart is the treasure trove, which stores not just emotions, feelings, and therein holds our motives, beliefs, convictions, and (now) thoughts, doesn’t it makes life more exciting? It’s not even about the difference between a Venutian and Martian anymore. God wants to be the keeper of our hearts. In it lies the deepest mysteries of life. I don’t know about you. But I’ve never been more excited by this revelation. It’s a release I believe especially for women who have been for so long been shamed by her ability to feel, for being judged to be emotional creatures (we are created in the image of God who feels). I think in a way I see men differently as well with this renewed perspective. This vision is kinda… refreshing…

I am wowed by this epiphany.