February 2025 Letter

Lilias Trotter

Welcome to February, a month of cold, snow, and (usually) no signs of spring here in the Midwest. I know many people struggle through February, but I have always liked it (probably because it’s my birthday month). Whether you like February or not, it is upon us.

frozen glory*
by stephanie nygaard

moonlight illuminates
frozen glory, my soul
shivers, though not from cold
but awe…

the specter of holiness 
hovers, a breath present
in the frigid glow
and warming my heart
by invitation

*thank you to my mom, who came up with the phrase "frozen glory"

I have been enjoying a book that I received for Christmas called Parables of the Cross by Lilias Trotter (1853-1928). She was a British painter and Protestant missionary who traveled to Algeria.

I have created what is called a found poem based on her writings. A found poem is made by reordering someone else’s words and phrases and presenting them in a unique way.

A Found Poem by Stephanie Nygaard Inspired by Parables of the Cross
by I. Lilias Trotter

In your soul, doubt is
alive and strong. Resolve
to put off the old man.
Close the door. The old leaf’s
fate is sealed.
The leaf-stalk begins 
to silt up.

A new leaf shall live;
so with your soul.
A moment’s reversal 
and sap begins to flow; its mysterious
delivering possible to you
as God’s light shines in.  

There is a wonderful documentary about her life called Many Beautiful Things that is worth watching.

There is also a picture book about her called Lily: The Girl Who Could See by Sally Oxley, Tim Ladwig, and Miriam Huffman Rockness, which I hope to read and own someday.

Feathers of Grace
by Stephanie Nygaard

The few flakes 
falling
ask me to look
and look again
at what is obvious
behind the veil.
Feathers of grace 
provide a soft
landing
even when I want 
to rest on rocks.
What a disservice 
I do to my God
when I project 
earthly fears
instead of faith.

Wishing you a warm February. May you look for God’s wonders in this last full month of winter.

With love,

Stephanie