Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Luke 12:48

I leave this evening to fast in the forest for 18 days.

I’ve done juice fasting when I lived in Austin because it was hippy and earthy though in hindsight I must’ve sounded like a pretentious boob back then talking about detoxing on milk thistle, wheat grass and organic carrot juice. The longest I could do it was for a mere three days which you’d understand if you ever had pork ribs at Sam’s barbeque.

Yep this is an experience of a whole other order.

First of all, though I’m leaving to setup camp tonight the fast will officially start Wednesday June 13th at 8am ending July 31st 8am. I hope my math is right anyway. At that time the cell phone and computer get shut off and the only line I’ll have is to Ginger to coordinate rendezvous times for water re-supply. She will also be bringing Hudson to see me so he won’t feel as though I, too, have left him.

I’ll be living in a tent near Wolf River the entire 18 days and subsisting only on water although electrolyte powders are needed given the extreme, constant heat I’ll be exposed to.

The first three days are the most grueling when the hunger pains are the worst after that my body will quiet down.

This is the critical stage and why I am fasting… to quiet myself and listen.

I’ll have with me a moleskin to write my sermons in stone and a camera to record them, too.

My relationship with my faith is deep and profound and it’s as much a part of my journey as the fuzzybutts are. It has blessed me with a righteous mission, has guided me throughout our travels, and enriched our lives with so many wonderful people.

Perhaps I will never understand why after the walk Murphy was diagnosed with cancer but I have at least accepted that that part of my journey has ended.

This is the next stretch and this one I must do alone. And when I return the mission will continue...

12 comments:

Solitude.Peace said...

I usually have something to say and what I say is heartfelt. Though this time is no different all I can say is... I get it. This very moment I understand. Thank you Malcolm, Murphy & Luke

Rebecca said...

May the Lord watch over you.

Sara said...

You have a couple of pretty big furangels watching over their Papi...just stay safe, Luke.

Anonymous said...

Good luck Luke. And still one step at a time. Peace and best wishes. I'll be thinking of you.

Rosie said...

Luke if you see this before you leave.... I hope that these verses will help to encourage and sustain you as you begin your fast..

Psalm 27:1: "The LORD is my light and my salvation;

Whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the strength of my life;

Of whom shall I be afraid?"



Psalm 28:6-7: "6 Praise be to the LORD,

for he has heard my cry for mercy.

7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

My heart leaps for joy,

and with my song I praise him."



Psalm 20:1: "May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.



Psalm 40:11: " Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD;

may your love and faithfulness always protect me. "



Numbers 6:24-26: "24 “‘“The LORD bless you

and keep you;

25 the LORD make his face shine on you

and be gracious to you;

26 the LORD turn his face toward you

and give you peace.”’



.

Kimberly McNeil said...

Don't forget, Luke, even in the Islamic festival of Ramadan they fast from sunrise to sundown. During the nighttime hours it is permitted to take food. You may want to consider this as the body will not last 18 days without some form of sustenance. I know your will is strong, but the body is weak when we try to overcompensate by taking away all forms of fuel. Water will simply extend the inevitable . . . and no one wants that to happen. Please take heed and let the almighty guide you. Love, Kim

Ilene Danforth said...

God bless. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ilene Danforth said...

God bless. You are in thoughts and prayers.

Roz said...

A lot of dogs and people stand with you, and will continue to join you in your original mission. I bid you peace in your heart and in your soul. May the heat be tolerable, and the mosquitoes few.
Love always,
Roz in Fargo

Liz Jones said...

I just saw you and your wonderful dogs on the Animal Planet's traveling companion special. I just want to say that I was very inspired by you and your dogs. My thoughts and prayers are with you...

Anonymous said...

I saw a Dogs 101 re run last night and you were featured so I looked you up. I haven't cried that hard in quite some time. Your story broke my heart. My dog is turning 9 next month and I am absolutely terrified of losing him. Thank you for sharing your remarkable story and doing everything you have done on behalf of dogs everywhere.

vin check said...

Your two dogs just cute! Give me any one ;)