Rivercrest Serenity Garden Balloon Ceremony Fall 1999

The Lord is my strength,
and He will make my feet
like hinds feet,and He will
make me to walk upon my high places.-Hab 3:19

Even though I walk through the lowly valley thou art with me.-Psalm 23


After leaving the emotions anonymous meeting that is held in the True North Annex on the property of Rivercrest on Thursday 4/23/09 I ran my finger over the smooth surface of my gold coin which miraculously symbolizes  ten years of wellness in bipolar living since the last hospital stay in July of 1999. I was curious about the serenity garden that was a labor of love dedicated to Rivercrest and the sobriety renewed for the many who made their way through the premier rehabilitation center since its inception dating back to the early seventies. As I walked across the parking lot to visit the serenity garden I saw a red balloon shoot straight up from the midst of the garden and I realized that this is the day of the balloon ceremony and release of a particular burden that has been held for so long; but has been released by the rhythm of new grace of Jesus Christ set within. Many red balloons today will be released that  carry a life altering hope discovered in treatment just like the red balloon is taken further away by the wind and far beyond sight,so to the hope that you hold on to in your heart will continue . From the start of my walk I knew the ceremony was going to exceed my expectations. It was inspiring to see the first release of red balloons into the sky up,up and buoying through the trees far above my head to see. Eventhough the first balloons were swept away something within my heart determined that nothing would ever truly be gone,and everything good must surely stay. I could just make out some distance away through the early morning fog and mist crossing a bridge a little girl in pig tails with a red balloon tied to one wrist and her other hand clinching so tightly to her fathers hand, one last caress before  precious family visiting hours are over during inpatient care. See a red balloon upon great heights of the sky and follow  the red balloon as far as the eye can see. As I crossed the parking lot I noticed how tiny just a  red dot and then out of sight reminding me that the  The very first striking image in the serenity garden are the pathway bricks which share words of personal recovery.  by those who have chosen to tend to the overgrown weed and thicket of thorns that had overgrown in a fallow time of seeking their own;and families who went alongside loved ones who could leave a testament also know the cut that so many times seemed fatal. The first brick read "M,yes it can be done  love mom and dad"  One brick simply read "Change"." I read significance is in Christ alone". "Learn to open up"  "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Also as a true life warning the brick that I cant get out of my head simply read. "Goodbye Jane, Dead alcoholic." As I ventured past the garden entryway I was overcome with a profound peace that I have never experienced in my life. I said out loud this is recovery. I have been renewed. All the split second frames of the scenes of my past played out in my mind,but it was beautific to see God being at work through everything that seemed so cataclysmic yet had occurred to show how much more the love of God abounds. Inside the garden balloons were held at four different stations along the path. Each balloon released has been set by timer so that each balloon is released from the first station and the other balloons will be released at one minute intervals apart from the proceeding lift. I noticed on a wood bench in the garden that had a quote on a golden plaque that said to walk with God is to cultivate a garden. Several of us who met in treatment held hands and gathered in a circle around the waterfall and a stone tablet with the serenity prayer chiseled on the surface God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. As the rays of sunlight at daybreak reflected from the tablet I was reminded of the Mosaic law brought down from the mount of God. I came to understand that a law has been inscribed upon the clay matter of the heart to be set like an immovable stone in a writ of judgment that pronounces our inability to measure up. What a relief to know we could never measure up to Gods standard. We can cease striving and surrender our glaring imperfection. By the resurrection of Jesus any rock of offense that resides within the heart has been forever rolled away because He as very God in human form took upon Himself  every sin and blemish; as He died for each one of us. He was resurrected after three days giving those who believe in Him a new life like his  We are infused with the  absolute fullness of the power of God. . The sin of the world caused Jesus death but he was raised up overcoming all sin that led to his death   and its pervasive ill effects offering infinite forgiveness as Edens perfection has been restored. There is a new command of love and grace established through Jesus Christ and the holy vestments the son of God adorned on the day of battle at the cross for those gathered at the balloon ceremony;and this gift has been known to all peoples. As we release the 40 red balloons symbolic of the fact that in the book of Genesis after forty days the flood waters which had covered the entire surface of the earth receeded and a dove found dry land. In much the same way through repentance the drowning flood of sins curse in our hearts has dried up landing our lives on a steady firm foundation to rebuild our brokenness.  Before the string is cut each one of us gathered has chosen to share an aspect of recovery and renewal that will be carried in the heart forever just as the balloon in the air will continue to travel beyond the ability to be seen.
Hi My name is Abigail
Im only a child.bb
My precious innocence was taken.
Now Im a child once again.
Ring around the rosy
Pocket full of posy.

Hello my name is Travis.
I don't run from pain
because it reveals a refined diamond set within.

My name is Kirsten.
My struggle has been done for me.
My freedom in Christ lies on
the other side of the resurrection of
Christ Jesus.

My name is James.
I will change and embrace the change
Because nothing has to stay the same.
The status quo begs to be dismantled.

Hello Im Gwen.
Im rediscovering the gift of art and drawing
that I just abandoned as a teenager for drugs and alcohol.
I recognize a need for illustrated childrens books
to bring hope to those in troubled homes like I experienced.

My name is Virginia.
You better learn to open up.

My name is Ramauld.
My heart doesn't  have to be confined
to multiple sclerosis and the wheelchair.
I choose to let God shine through my adversity.

The use of the red balloon may seem childlike, but that is just the point you see. The balloon so accurately illustrates the sheer simplicity and ease of the gospel of grace when it fills the heart just like the little red balloon that only knows to soar in freedom with no restraint. Jesus took our sins and shortcomings upon Himself. Breathe deep. Breathe in life saving justification. This is the air I breathe. I came to an awakening through the balloon ceremony that nothing is every really chained down. I walked through the serenity garden having shed my skin. This is the new stuff. I kicked a habit. Shed my skin. Come on help me through. I want to feel the power each and every day.

Let There Be ants

I stopped in my tracks  on my usual nature trek as I noticed a large colony of ants  crossing over a patch of dirt on a worn path surrounding a small lake in the neighborhood. They were industriously busy in formation. This same crossing of ants is focused and determined at work each and every day I pass by on the trail. I can follow an army of red ants on tiny pathways forged on the ground floor amidst blades of green grass several inches high towering above the ants at play. This creaturely activity is  set in motion by the "word" Jesus Christ which brought forth the created order as the divine and spiritual impetus which John speaks about in his gospel. If this divine attention to the tiniest form of life is at work just how much more does God care for us as men and women created in his image?