The Messy Middle

where grace and truth reside

  • About
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Speaking

Cross cultural, Faith, Language of Eden, Learning lessons

To upstairs here

We haven’t had a sign in a while (and if you’re newish to The Messy Middle, you can read how my interest in signs got started and more posts here).

train station sign

I love this for two reasons.

1. What is so clear in Chinese sounds so two-year-old in English, reflecting our bumbling attempts to live out our faith. So clear in Eden, so reduced in Eden Lost.

2. There are days when I sound like the Chinese in this sign, clear, helpful and linguistically appropriate. But those are not my only days.

Don’t you just feel like laying down after reading “To upstairs here?” The essence of the message is communicated without extra (though arguably necessary) words. Been there, done that.

Often in that moment when “To upstairs here” is all we’ve got, God meets us with “Be still and know that I am God.” We don’t have to come up with more. Oh the comfort in that reminder. There’s a world of difference between show up and come up with, isn’t there? In those moments when I’ve got nothing more than “To upstairs here” I”m going to think of this sign and breathe and rest and trust.

How about you, had any “To upstairs here” moments recently?

********

I”m open for sign submissions–in any language, but there does need to be a bit of English for me to work with. Took a fun one about moose this weekend. You can submit them to messymiddle@gmail.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

Related

«
»

7 Comments July 9, 2013

About Amy

My name is Amy and I live in the messy middle of life. I have been Redeemed from permanent muck and live with the tension of the Already and Not Yet.

Comments

  1. Suzan says

    July 9, 2013 at 8:31 am

    Couldn’t have said better! Couldn’t come at a better time! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Amy says

      July 9, 2013 at 9:25 pm

      Safe travels and may all your luggage arrive!

      Reply
  2. David Rupert says

    July 9, 2013 at 9:46 am

    And to downstairs there.

    We have choices every single day.

    Reply
    • Amy says

      July 9, 2013 at 9:27 pm

      Clever David! And right on :)

      Reply
  3. Mike says

    July 9, 2013 at 9:14 pm

    Seems like I’m having lots of “To Upstairs Here” days these days. And you know what? I’m okay with that. I’m learning more and more that He’s the one that I can depend on, certainly not me!

    Reply
    • Amy says

      July 9, 2013 at 9:23 pm

      I hear you! And second that sentiment!

      Reply
  4. Jessa says

    July 10, 2013 at 12:39 am

    So glad you mentioned “Be still and know that I am God,” Amy. That’s one of the phrases God repeats over and over and over with me. With each newly-recovered memory, with each tear, with each question. “Be still. I am God (and you are not, child).”

    I think, right now, my head is empty of everything but “To upstairs here.” I feel like the shells locusts leave behind on trees and things, with a gaping hole where my head should be. And I see thousands of beautiful, pristine white stairs all around me. It’s almost a hollywood-ized version of Jacob’s Ladder, with angels ascending and descending. Be still, indeed.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Meet Amy Young

My name is Amy and I live in the messy middle of life. I have been Redeemed from permanent muck and live with the tension of the Already and Not Yet. Read More…

Social

  • View themessymiddle’s profile on Facebook
  • View the_amy_young’s profile on Twitter
  • View amy_young1234’s profile on Instagram
  • View messymiddleamy’s profile on Pinterest
ADD TO FEED READER | CONTACT

welcome, here we

Don't have to choose between extremes. You can embrace life's Messy Middle.

recent posts

  • Becoming More Fruitful is published :)
  • Summer Reading Challenge 2022 is Finished
  • You’re invited to a launch party!
  • Summer Reading Challenge 2022 is here!
  • Top 14 Books of 2021
  • What my book group read in 2021

Archives

meet amy young

My name is Amy and I live in the messy middle of life. I have been Redeemed from permanent muck and live with the tension of the Already and Not Yet. Read More…

explore

  • About
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Speaking

get updates

Copyright © 2023 Amy Young · Customized by A Sacred Journey

{This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more.}