Below is the link that will enable you to hear the sermon Bo and I preached on Sunday:
http://mortonmemorial.org/sermons.php
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Friendship is an intricate thing.
It has been from the time we were little. Think about it.
For instance, I ran around with the same group from the time I was in elementary school until my senior year in high school, and for the majority of those years, we were either verbally or non-verbally arguing over who was whose best friend.
From what I remember about my childhood experience, it was an understood thing that you had only one best friend. You couldn't have multiples because, well, it defeated the purpose of the term "best" in front of friend if you had more than one.
---
Yesterday I realized I don't have a best friend. Those of you who know me well can probably imagine how this revelation consumed me (because I tend to be a pretty emotional person aaaaand I just over-think things in general on a regular basis. :) ).
I guess, more specifically, I realized that there is not one person in this world who I solely refer to as my best friend who, in turn, refers solely to me as their best friend.
For some reason it really saddened me. I love people. I always have, and I guess the thought of having a best friend that was all mine was appealing. It doesn't help that the stereotypical image of "best friends" is extremely evident in media, both past and present (Bert and Ernie, Laverne and Shirley, Dora and Boots, Will and Grace, etc.).
I think somewhere along the way I got mixed up--I thought that if I didn't have one best friend I was doing something wrong. Maybe I wasn't good enough. Maybe I didn't do all I could. Turns out the only thing that was wrong was the mentality with which I addressed this subject. The friendships I have are not so much about the "me" as they are about the "us."
For one thing, I have a number of people I consider my best friends (There are at least seven that I can think of without having to work too hard.). This is a blessing in and of itself. No matter how long it's been since I've talked with one of these people, I know that as soon as we get together, things will essentially return to the place we left off as if we'd never been apart. Not everyone has these kinds of relationships and I have (at least) seven of them. I need to focus more energy toward my grattitude for having them in my life.
Another thing I realized is that for being so concerned with having a best friend, I sure don't do the best at being one! I don't give near as much time, loyalty, and dedication to my standing relationships as I should in order to maintain a best friendship.
And then I think about the relationships that Jesus had with those around him (You had to know it was going there, right?). From what we see in the Gospels, Jesus not only maintained strong relationships with his disciples but we see throughout the New Testament narrative that Jesus was highly concerned with relationships that stretched far beyond his inner circle because the love that he taught about and lived out called for those kinds of relationships.
Wow. "That's where I'm getting it wrong," I'm thinking to myself as I write this blog out of my head. Not only do I need to do better about maintaining and strengthening the relationships I already have; I need to do better about expanding my desire for close relationships with those who don't fall into my handful of close friends...
With those who aren't even accustomed to having real relationships for whatever reason.
It's a pretty tall order because many of us are not used to doing things that make us uncomfortable but my response to that is pretty simple (and complex. all in one): Are we not called, invited to the uncomfortable in the hopes that all people might know of and experience God's love?
---
After Bo approves, I will be posting the mini-sermons we preached on Sunday. Bo talks about the importance of diligently working toward right-relationship with God and others and how those two things go hand-in-hand, and I talk about some of the nitty-gritty of being in relationships with those who suffer who are outside the inner-circle of our comfort zones.
Thanks for stopping by! In this week of thanks, be sure to let those friends who mean so much to you know how you feel while also working with me to think about ways we can reach out and form relationships with those who need to know the love of God and others in their lives.
Happy week of extra thanks, friends. I hope you are surrounded by those you love :)
It has been from the time we were little. Think about it.
For instance, I ran around with the same group from the time I was in elementary school until my senior year in high school, and for the majority of those years, we were either verbally or non-verbally arguing over who was whose best friend.
From what I remember about my childhood experience, it was an understood thing that you had only one best friend. You couldn't have multiples because, well, it defeated the purpose of the term "best" in front of friend if you had more than one.
---
Yesterday I realized I don't have a best friend. Those of you who know me well can probably imagine how this revelation consumed me (because I tend to be a pretty emotional person aaaaand I just over-think things in general on a regular basis. :) ).
I guess, more specifically, I realized that there is not one person in this world who I solely refer to as my best friend who, in turn, refers solely to me as their best friend.
For some reason it really saddened me. I love people. I always have, and I guess the thought of having a best friend that was all mine was appealing. It doesn't help that the stereotypical image of "best friends" is extremely evident in media, both past and present (Bert and Ernie, Laverne and Shirley, Dora and Boots, Will and Grace, etc.).
I think somewhere along the way I got mixed up--I thought that if I didn't have one best friend I was doing something wrong. Maybe I wasn't good enough. Maybe I didn't do all I could. Turns out the only thing that was wrong was the mentality with which I addressed this subject. The friendships I have are not so much about the "me" as they are about the "us."
For one thing, I have a number of people I consider my best friends (There are at least seven that I can think of without having to work too hard.). This is a blessing in and of itself. No matter how long it's been since I've talked with one of these people, I know that as soon as we get together, things will essentially return to the place we left off as if we'd never been apart. Not everyone has these kinds of relationships and I have (at least) seven of them. I need to focus more energy toward my grattitude for having them in my life.
Another thing I realized is that for being so concerned with having a best friend, I sure don't do the best at being one! I don't give near as much time, loyalty, and dedication to my standing relationships as I should in order to maintain a best friendship.
And then I think about the relationships that Jesus had with those around him (You had to know it was going there, right?). From what we see in the Gospels, Jesus not only maintained strong relationships with his disciples but we see throughout the New Testament narrative that Jesus was highly concerned with relationships that stretched far beyond his inner circle because the love that he taught about and lived out called for those kinds of relationships.
Wow. "That's where I'm getting it wrong," I'm thinking to myself as I write this blog out of my head. Not only do I need to do better about maintaining and strengthening the relationships I already have; I need to do better about expanding my desire for close relationships with those who don't fall into my handful of close friends...
With those who aren't even accustomed to having real relationships for whatever reason.
It's a pretty tall order because many of us are not used to doing things that make us uncomfortable but my response to that is pretty simple (and complex. all in one): Are we not called, invited to the uncomfortable in the hopes that all people might know of and experience God's love?
---
After Bo approves, I will be posting the mini-sermons we preached on Sunday. Bo talks about the importance of diligently working toward right-relationship with God and others and how those two things go hand-in-hand, and I talk about some of the nitty-gritty of being in relationships with those who suffer who are outside the inner-circle of our comfort zones.
Thanks for stopping by! In this week of thanks, be sure to let those friends who mean so much to you know how you feel while also working with me to think about ways we can reach out and form relationships with those who need to know the love of God and others in their lives.
Happy week of extra thanks, friends. I hope you are surrounded by those you love :)
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Being in a church leadership role is far from easy. While I have never been employed in such a position, I have had the privilege of watching many mentors and colleagues move through the process. Some have even trusted me enough to share with me the trials and frustrations that come with the administration, guidance, and pressure for church-wide-rejuvenation that is necessary to govern a church body effectively. I know the career path Bo and I have chosen will be far from always-guaranteed smooth sailing. But if we reflect on characters from the bible-Jesus in particular-we find that the struggle is nothing new. We are not called to a life of easy answers, kittens, and marshmallows. We are called to travel the bumpy, confusing and troubling roads of which life often consists.
We are not called to lead others into believing that the moment they allow Christ into their hearts that all of their worries will disappear. I think for those of us who have lived a privileged life (privileged in the sense that we have food to eat, a family who loves us unconditionally, health care, a roof over our heads, heat that works, etc.) up until this point in our lives find that difficult to process. "What heresy is this! How dare you say that Christianity/God cannot right all the wrongs of this earth!"
That's not what I said.
I fully believe God can and will right all of the wrongs that have been committed on this earth because I believe my God embodies the ultimate expression of love and eventual restoration.
What I said was we are not called to preach a message of hope that falsely teaches others that the pains and the hurts of this life will somehow go away entirely should they invite Christ into their hearts. By sharing the Word and Spirit of God with others, we are merely promising that those who will hear us out are not going their road of despair and anguish alone and that all things will eventually be restored by God.
This blog post is what fueled the fire for this discussion about the prosperity gospel this morning:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pastor-rick-henderson/osteen-meyer-prosperity-gospel_b_3790384.html
It's a little long, but it is honestly worth the read. While there are parts where I feel as though the author is treading awfully close to crossing the line between teaching by using examples and condemning the people who use said examples, this article gives some perspective into why it is so important that ministerial leaders do not take the easy way out. It is absolutely unacceptable to promise our congregants that if they do [blank] or give [blank] amount of money, that their lives will change drastically for the better. It is not only unethical (Please see the video included from John Piper about the prosperity gospel--particularly the part that begins at 5:05), but it is false teaching. It is also absurd for us to create false disconnects between us and our congregants--telling them that we have been given some profound gift of prophecy and the like-- in order to give ourselves erroneous credibility and/or power over them.
Our foundation, our tradition, the stories of people who struggled and flourished in their faith before us lies within the bible. Am I one of those who believes the bible is completely infallible? Absolutely not. However, I know that reading it and preaching from within it is a crucial part of what it means to lead Christian congregations because the word is divinely inspired; it still moves and is still relevant to how we understand God and our world today. Yes, it was written by humans who we know to be imperfect; however, taking time to spend with the Word opens a window to where God's presence and Spirit dwell.
We have a better sense of the desperation and longing for hope in our world based on the laments of the psalmist. We better understand the duty to walk with those whom the world shoves to the margins because Jesus walked with those persons in his ministry. We love because John lets us know very plainly that God loved us first. God still loves us and is residing among us.
But when we move to preaching false doctrine because it's easy and we're viewing our call through a lens of what WE can gain from the easy "message" we share...we are stifling God from being made known. We are stifling God from breathing new life-- God's pneuma--into this broken world.
God is here; therefore, there is good in the world. But when leaders in the church put our own agendas ahead of God's, we. are. lost. And the people who look to us for guidance and love and hope and knowledge...they're just as lost as we are, if not more.
No. We are not called to a false sense of easiness in our ministries. We are called to embrace this life, and its reality. Every last bit of the ugly, as well as the good. And by forming relationships with those who are lost where the light and hope of Christ is not so easily noticed, we are able to teach the true message of our God. The message that, "Love never fails." That God is with us and is not some far-away being that we only have the hopes of being reunited with one day. God is here. God is now. And we, ministerial leaders, are called to help those who are afflicted--in our congregations, in our communities, in other states and countries, those across the world--so that the message of being servants, grace, and love envelopes those who cannot find their way out of the hurt.
We are called to form loving, solidarity-standing, rightly-related communities. That means being real with each other. That means acknowledging the bad and working together to help ease the suffering of others. That, in its essence, is what it's all about. If we do not make it our priority to share God's love with others through correct teaching and through authentic relationships, we are not teaching anything substantial. We are not teaching, loving, and being in community the way that Jesus taught us at all.
Jesus himself showed us it's not easy to be a part of (let alone lead) humble and genuine ministry, but the true sharing of love and hope is beyond the worth of the work it takes to make it all come together.
Thanks for your time, friends. Happy Thursday, one and all :)
We are not called to lead others into believing that the moment they allow Christ into their hearts that all of their worries will disappear. I think for those of us who have lived a privileged life (privileged in the sense that we have food to eat, a family who loves us unconditionally, health care, a roof over our heads, heat that works, etc.) up until this point in our lives find that difficult to process. "What heresy is this! How dare you say that Christianity/God cannot right all the wrongs of this earth!"
That's not what I said.
I fully believe God can and will right all of the wrongs that have been committed on this earth because I believe my God embodies the ultimate expression of love and eventual restoration.
What I said was we are not called to preach a message of hope that falsely teaches others that the pains and the hurts of this life will somehow go away entirely should they invite Christ into their hearts. By sharing the Word and Spirit of God with others, we are merely promising that those who will hear us out are not going their road of despair and anguish alone and that all things will eventually be restored by God.
This blog post is what fueled the fire for this discussion about the prosperity gospel this morning:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pastor-rick-henderson/osteen-meyer-prosperity-gospel_b_3790384.html
It's a little long, but it is honestly worth the read. While there are parts where I feel as though the author is treading awfully close to crossing the line between teaching by using examples and condemning the people who use said examples, this article gives some perspective into why it is so important that ministerial leaders do not take the easy way out. It is absolutely unacceptable to promise our congregants that if they do [blank] or give [blank] amount of money, that their lives will change drastically for the better. It is not only unethical (Please see the video included from John Piper about the prosperity gospel--particularly the part that begins at 5:05), but it is false teaching. It is also absurd for us to create false disconnects between us and our congregants--telling them that we have been given some profound gift of prophecy and the like-- in order to give ourselves erroneous credibility and/or power over them.
Our foundation, our tradition, the stories of people who struggled and flourished in their faith before us lies within the bible. Am I one of those who believes the bible is completely infallible? Absolutely not. However, I know that reading it and preaching from within it is a crucial part of what it means to lead Christian congregations because the word is divinely inspired; it still moves and is still relevant to how we understand God and our world today. Yes, it was written by humans who we know to be imperfect; however, taking time to spend with the Word opens a window to where God's presence and Spirit dwell.
But when we move to preaching false doctrine because it's easy and we're viewing our call through a lens of what WE can gain from the easy "message" we share...we are stifling God from being made known. We are stifling God from breathing new life-- God's pneuma--into this broken world.
God is here; therefore, there is good in the world. But when leaders in the church put our own agendas ahead of God's, we. are. lost. And the people who look to us for guidance and love and hope and knowledge...they're just as lost as we are, if not more.
No. We are not called to a false sense of easiness in our ministries. We are called to embrace this life, and its reality. Every last bit of the ugly, as well as the good. And by forming relationships with those who are lost where the light and hope of Christ is not so easily noticed, we are able to teach the true message of our God. The message that, "Love never fails." That God is with us and is not some far-away being that we only have the hopes of being reunited with one day. God is here. God is now. And we, ministerial leaders, are called to help those who are afflicted--in our congregations, in our communities, in other states and countries, those across the world--so that the message of being servants, grace, and love envelopes those who cannot find their way out of the hurt.
We are called to form loving, solidarity-standing, rightly-related communities. That means being real with each other. That means acknowledging the bad and working together to help ease the suffering of others. That, in its essence, is what it's all about. If we do not make it our priority to share God's love with others through correct teaching and through authentic relationships, we are not teaching anything substantial. We are not teaching, loving, and being in community the way that Jesus taught us at all.
Jesus himself showed us it's not easy to be a part of (let alone lead) humble and genuine ministry, but the true sharing of love and hope is beyond the worth of the work it takes to make it all come together.
Thanks for your time, friends. Happy Thursday, one and all :)
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
I will admit that it sometimes takes me a minute or twelve to understand why God is inviting me to attend/volunteer in particular ministerial situations. One such occasion took place this past weekend when Bo and I were asked by the youth leader of our church to accompany her, three other adults, and over twenty youth to a place called Faith Ranch. We accepted the offer to go along, but I had no clue at the time what the purpose was of us attending. I knew, regardless, that I would have a good time with the people present, and we were going to be hanging out in nature. For me, it doesn't get much better than that.
After a long car ride with three young teenage girls talking about everything from "I killed a guinea pig one time when I was six!" to "Poor Khloe Kardashian. She's the fat, ugly one," (This particular part of the conversation will play into a future blog post, so keep an eye out for ways that I think our society is failing to articulate women's worth unless they fit a largely-accepted stereotype for what is considered "beautiful.") we finally reached our destination and the madness ensued. Teenagers racing to the rooms they wanted, a rousing advanced version of hide-and-seek was enthusiastically played, and finally we were off to bed. Despite being exhausted, there was no sleep for this girl, which made for a cranky beginning to the next day.
Breakfast at 8 outside in low 30-degree weather the next morning only added to the crankiness. "Lord," I asked, "what in the world am I supposed to be taking away from this? I'm tired, cranky, and I don't know how I'm supposed to lead small group sessions later today while being both of these things." So, the mild snarky-ness coupled with attempts to be patient and enthusiastic continued through the next few hours until it was time to lead small groups. And wouldn't you know it? I was put with all boys, whom I figured would refuse to talk to me about the importance of taking time to spend with God. Pausing to be with God was the theme of the weekend, and I realized shortly into our time in small groups together that these boys were much more invested than I assumed they would be (That's what I get for assuming), and we were able to have a serious discussion about the opposing forces of our busy schedule and the crucial need to spend time with God.
I think we often (myself included) discount the power of our youth to teach us things about our faith. But I can honestly tell you that the youth of my church helped me to reflect on ways that I was failing to pause in my own life to spend time with God while also remembering why it is so important that I do make time for those pauses throughout my day. Yeah, I was cranky because I was tired and cold, but what if I had made time before my day even began to thank God for the opportunity to retreat to a place that so evidently displayed God's beautiful creation for the weekend? What if that had been my primary concern, rather than finding things to gripe about?
My favorite part of the weekend was stations worship that we set up for the kids to do. It was such a humbling and fulfilling experience to create that space of worship for our youth. Sitting in the dark, looking at the candles burning, finding myself consumed by the music that softly played in the background, watching the youth move through and "pause" their lives at particular stations was really a rejuvenating thing.
I took away from the weekend a much-needed reminder of taking time to spend in God's creation and also the reminder that taking the time to spend with God in general is essential for our functioning as humans, and I think this is especially true for ministerial leaders--not because we are more important but because we are called to care for the spiritual potential and flourishing of others.
I think one of the most enlightening things that I took away from the weekend was the idea that there is an essential connection between ministerial leaders taking time in our own lives to commune with God and providing spaces and words that encourage spiritual growth for others so that they may nurture their relationships with the Holy One. If we want to foster real relationships with those under our care, and if we want to encourage authentic relationships between them and God, we have got to do better about fostering our own relationships with God.
So, my encouragement to all of us who find ourselves responsible for the spiritual vitality of those under our care--whether in congregations or inner circles (both kinds of relationships being incredibly important)--step out from behind the computer screens, TV screens, phone screens and let's spend time growing our relationships with one another, and especially with the Holy One who loves us so, the One who reaches out to and desires a deeper connection with each and every one of us.
After a long car ride with three young teenage girls talking about everything from "I killed a guinea pig one time when I was six!" to "Poor Khloe Kardashian. She's the fat, ugly one," (This particular part of the conversation will play into a future blog post, so keep an eye out for ways that I think our society is failing to articulate women's worth unless they fit a largely-accepted stereotype for what is considered "beautiful.") we finally reached our destination and the madness ensued. Teenagers racing to the rooms they wanted, a rousing advanced version of hide-and-seek was enthusiastically played, and finally we were off to bed. Despite being exhausted, there was no sleep for this girl, which made for a cranky beginning to the next day.
Breakfast at 8 outside in low 30-degree weather the next morning only added to the crankiness. "Lord," I asked, "what in the world am I supposed to be taking away from this? I'm tired, cranky, and I don't know how I'm supposed to lead small group sessions later today while being both of these things." So, the mild snarky-ness coupled with attempts to be patient and enthusiastic continued through the next few hours until it was time to lead small groups. And wouldn't you know it? I was put with all boys, whom I figured would refuse to talk to me about the importance of taking time to spend with God. Pausing to be with God was the theme of the weekend, and I realized shortly into our time in small groups together that these boys were much more invested than I assumed they would be (That's what I get for assuming), and we were able to have a serious discussion about the opposing forces of our busy schedule and the crucial need to spend time with God.
I think we often (myself included) discount the power of our youth to teach us things about our faith. But I can honestly tell you that the youth of my church helped me to reflect on ways that I was failing to pause in my own life to spend time with God while also remembering why it is so important that I do make time for those pauses throughout my day. Yeah, I was cranky because I was tired and cold, but what if I had made time before my day even began to thank God for the opportunity to retreat to a place that so evidently displayed God's beautiful creation for the weekend? What if that had been my primary concern, rather than finding things to gripe about?
My favorite part of the weekend was stations worship that we set up for the kids to do. It was such a humbling and fulfilling experience to create that space of worship for our youth. Sitting in the dark, looking at the candles burning, finding myself consumed by the music that softly played in the background, watching the youth move through and "pause" their lives at particular stations was really a rejuvenating thing.
I took away from the weekend a much-needed reminder of taking time to spend in God's creation and also the reminder that taking the time to spend with God in general is essential for our functioning as humans, and I think this is especially true for ministerial leaders--not because we are more important but because we are called to care for the spiritual potential and flourishing of others.
I think one of the most enlightening things that I took away from the weekend was the idea that there is an essential connection between ministerial leaders taking time in our own lives to commune with God and providing spaces and words that encourage spiritual growth for others so that they may nurture their relationships with the Holy One. If we want to foster real relationships with those under our care, and if we want to encourage authentic relationships between them and God, we have got to do better about fostering our own relationships with God.
So, my encouragement to all of us who find ourselves responsible for the spiritual vitality of those under our care--whether in congregations or inner circles (both kinds of relationships being incredibly important)--step out from behind the computer screens, TV screens, phone screens and let's spend time growing our relationships with one another, and especially with the Holy One who loves us so, the One who reaches out to and desires a deeper connection with each and every one of us.
[[Thankful that God is always reaching out to us.]]
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Thankfulness.
I think it's a topic most of us think we prioritize in our lives... Until we take time to notice the suffering that's always taking place around us. What little things are we taking for granted every day?
For me, this semester has been one of emotional frustration--with school earlier in the semester and being so far away from my family and friends. On the good days, I attempt to remember how blessed I am and try to take the time to thank God for the people and "daily bread" with which God so generously blesses me. But I will be the first to admit that there are days of major slacking.
I think it's a topic most of us think we prioritize in our lives... Until we take time to notice the suffering that's always taking place around us. What little things are we taking for granted every day?
For me, this semester has been one of emotional frustration--with school earlier in the semester and being so far away from my family and friends. On the good days, I attempt to remember how blessed I am and try to take the time to thank God for the people and "daily bread" with which God so generously blesses me. But I will be the first to admit that there are days of major slacking.
I noticed this picture floating around on my Facebook newsfeed early last week.Turns out the man mentioned on the flyer above, Rick, had approached a young man in a WalMart parking lot in Knoxville, Tennessee. The young man immediately became skittish when Rick walked up to him without saying anything to hand him this piece of paper. The young man was obviously uncomfortable, and it must have showed on his face because the young man in his post made mention that Rick handed him the flyer and quickly walked off seeming even more uncomfortable than the young man.
Can you imagine? You are deaf. People look at you in confusion or judgment because you don't speak when spoken to. You've had to ask someone to help you make a flyer in the desperate hopes that you will find a job, ANY job to which you are able to keep. Can you imagine the probable embarrassment that Rick experienced going through this entire process? Stories like Rick's make me stop in my tracks and think a little more in depth about what it means to be thankful for the gifts that I don't take the time to consider in my daily routine.
I've had five friends lose either a parent or sibling in the past year. Some of you have probably been there. Whether you have lost a parent or sibling, or whether you haven't, stop for a second and think about your own parents, siblings, or people in your lives whom you cherish. When's the last time you took the time to tell them how grateful you are to have them in your life? When's the last time you told them you loved them? When's the last time you thanked God for the amazing family and friends in your lives? On days that I feel like griping, I am reminded that I have the hope of hugging my parents and my younger sister again in this life, and I am reminded that these friends of mine spend every day of their lives wishing that they could hug the loved ones they've lost just one more time. Changes my perspective entirely.
Thank you, God, for our loved ones who nourish and love us more than we'll probably ever know.
Thank you, God, for our loved ones who nourish and love us more than we'll probably ever know.
I just read about a man who documented his wife's journey through having cancer, from the day they found out to the day she passed away. He did this not only so that it would be documented, but in order to put a face to cancer and the torment that it causes people physically.
http://thefreethoughtproject.com/guys-wife-cancer-unforgettable-3-photos-destroyed-me/
Losing a spouse, a partner, a serious girlfriend or boyfriend, the love of your life. In the times that we get frustrated with our significant others, I pray that we would remember this man and others like him who have lost those whom they love more deeply than some of us can fathom. I pray that we would remember them in order to remind us to be grateful for the relationships that bless us in our daily lives. Even in the frustration, what blessings these people are in our lives.
http://thefreethoughtproject.com/guys-wife-cancer-unforgettable-3-photos-destroyed-me/
Losing a spouse, a partner, a serious girlfriend or boyfriend, the love of your life. In the times that we get frustrated with our significant others, I pray that we would remember this man and others like him who have lost those whom they love more deeply than some of us can fathom. I pray that we would remember them in order to remind us to be grateful for the relationships that bless us in our daily lives. Even in the frustration, what blessings these people are in our lives.
Thank you, God, for those whom we love more than words can express.
Today I heard a woman I admire admit to a room full of people whom she barely knows that she is essentially estranged from her parents because they do not agree with her sexual orientation. I know relationships with parents are never perfect, but I would be willing to argue that most of us are blessed in the fact that we are loved and supported by those who raised us--through the good times, bad times, and the times when we are brave enough to be honest with ourselves and others about who we are. It breaks my heart to think that someone so wonderful is not fully valued by people who clearly mean a lot to her. Think about all of the people who encourage you to be yourself. All parts of you. Good, bad, deaf, blind, ugly, different, gay, straight, extravert, introvert, passionate, indifferent, nice, rude. Those people who love you, for who you are. And never ask you or expect you to be anyone other than your whole, full self.
Today I heard a woman I admire admit to a room full of people whom she barely knows that she is essentially estranged from her parents because they do not agree with her sexual orientation. I know relationships with parents are never perfect, but I would be willing to argue that most of us are blessed in the fact that we are loved and supported by those who raised us--through the good times, bad times, and the times when we are brave enough to be honest with ourselves and others about who we are. It breaks my heart to think that someone so wonderful is not fully valued by people who clearly mean a lot to her. Think about all of the people who encourage you to be yourself. All parts of you. Good, bad, deaf, blind, ugly, different, gay, straight, extravert, introvert, passionate, indifferent, nice, rude. Those people who love you, for who you are. And never ask you or expect you to be anyone other than your whole, full self.
Thank you, God, for those who love us for who we are and encourage us never to be someone that we are not.
Thankfulness. I'm no biblical scholar, but I can think of many instances throughout the Bible where the authors chose to include stories of thankfulness. A lot of times, it takes something bad happening to trigger that state of authentic thankfulness. But what if we lived in thankfulness? What if it was our essence, every fiber of our being? Spending every free moment thanking God for specific blessings in our lives and using the energy from that thankfulness to be blessings in other people's lives? To help people feel loved, to feel whole, to feel important.
Living an attitude of thankfulness in our everyday lives is nothing short of a challenge. However, I honestly believe if we live in that state of mind, we will be more appreciative of the lives that we have been given and can use that sense of appreciation to give back. To let others know how much they matter to us. To let others know that we are thankful for them. And maybe most importantly, to be mindful to the suffering of those around us who do not have the things and people that we tend to take for granted in our own lives.
Thank you, God, for the gift of life. Please help us to live it to the fullest by forming rightly-related relationships with you and with one another by living a lifestyle of thankfulness and love.
Monday, October 28, 2013
So, for my spirituality class, I'm reading a book called, Writing in the Sand: Jesus and the Soul of the Gospels, by Thomas Moore. And I'm really digging it thus far! It discredits our commonly shallow understanding of the gospels and Jesus' mission to be equivalent with living a moralistic lifestyle. One of the points Moore makes is that in order to live out the "change of vision, healing and love" of the gospels, it's vital that one learns to love one's self. He says,
"If you probe deep enough into this important question of love, you see that you can't love another person unless you love yourself. (I might prefer to say 'love your soul,' because this is not a selfish love that we're talking about.) It also works in the other direction: you can't love yourself unless you have the openness to love another. These two are inseparable, and if it seems to you that you are doing one and not the other, you are probably weak in both."
The concept of loving oneself has been on my mind the past few days. I think about it in my own experiences and in the experiences of those around me. Hence the following (mostly) focused rant:
Don't ever try to be someone other than yourself. I know, I know. You hear that all the time. But I actually mean it. I don't think you should stand for someone telling you that you should be someone other than yourself nor should you stand for letting your own mind make you dwell on that notion. Don't ever try to be someone that is not the person that God made you to be. You were meant to fit one mold--your own. We aren't all created differently from one another for the heck of it. We are created differently so that we can live in a world of diversity where we learn from one another's differences and grow exponentially from that learning. I get that doesn't happen a lot of the time. And that's why I want to take the time to say something now.
Tell it to your children. Tell it to your spouse. Tell it to your siblings. Tell it to your parishioners. Tell it to your clients. Tell it to your best friends. Tell it to brand new acquaintances. You were not made to be like somebody else so that you can get along with them better. You were made like you are to be your own person and to contribute to the world your own gifts, humor, insights, ideas and dreams. Do not be self-conscious to the point where you have no self-confidence. Be self-conscious to the point that you do your best not to oppress others and to make sure that you're doing all you can to give to others your time and gifts to the very best of your ability. Be confident in who you are. Nobody can take your confidence in your identity away from you except you.
You are not more important than anyone else, but you're important. You're not more special than anyone else, but you're special. Effectively living in the present means not taking time to analyze what others think about you. Have you forgotten who you really are due to trying to impress so many other people? Are you so caught in that web of trying to please other people that you can't seem to get yourself unstuck? Ask God to guide you out. God knows you better than anyone else, and God always knows the way back to the light because, well, God is the light.
And on the good days where you do realize that your uniqueness is a gift and you're able to embrace who you are as a person created by God, realize that there are many others around you who are struggling with such a concept. We need to take the time to share with each other that gift of reassurance that we do matter to God and to others. Part of loving God, loving others, and loving self is making sure that the three of these concepts work together fluidly to reveal the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. Notice a theme here? Love. It is vital to the understanding and spreading of the gospel message, to carrying out the mission that Jesus started so long ago.
Point of this post? Be yourself and rejoice in the wonderful creation that you are. Right here, right now. Nobody else is exactly like you. How cool is that? You are the only you there will ever be. No more letting each other hide behind masks of conformity. No.
We must embrace and encourage our individuality so that we might live into our communal efforts for the transformational vision, healing, and love to which we have been called.
"If you probe deep enough into this important question of love, you see that you can't love another person unless you love yourself. (I might prefer to say 'love your soul,' because this is not a selfish love that we're talking about.) It also works in the other direction: you can't love yourself unless you have the openness to love another. These two are inseparable, and if it seems to you that you are doing one and not the other, you are probably weak in both."
The concept of loving oneself has been on my mind the past few days. I think about it in my own experiences and in the experiences of those around me. Hence the following (mostly) focused rant:
Don't ever try to be someone other than yourself. I know, I know. You hear that all the time. But I actually mean it. I don't think you should stand for someone telling you that you should be someone other than yourself nor should you stand for letting your own mind make you dwell on that notion. Don't ever try to be someone that is not the person that God made you to be. You were meant to fit one mold--your own. We aren't all created differently from one another for the heck of it. We are created differently so that we can live in a world of diversity where we learn from one another's differences and grow exponentially from that learning. I get that doesn't happen a lot of the time. And that's why I want to take the time to say something now.
Tell it to your children. Tell it to your spouse. Tell it to your siblings. Tell it to your parishioners. Tell it to your clients. Tell it to your best friends. Tell it to brand new acquaintances. You were not made to be like somebody else so that you can get along with them better. You were made like you are to be your own person and to contribute to the world your own gifts, humor, insights, ideas and dreams. Do not be self-conscious to the point where you have no self-confidence. Be self-conscious to the point that you do your best not to oppress others and to make sure that you're doing all you can to give to others your time and gifts to the very best of your ability. Be confident in who you are. Nobody can take your confidence in your identity away from you except you.
You are not more important than anyone else, but you're important. You're not more special than anyone else, but you're special. Effectively living in the present means not taking time to analyze what others think about you. Have you forgotten who you really are due to trying to impress so many other people? Are you so caught in that web of trying to please other people that you can't seem to get yourself unstuck? Ask God to guide you out. God knows you better than anyone else, and God always knows the way back to the light because, well, God is the light.
And on the good days where you do realize that your uniqueness is a gift and you're able to embrace who you are as a person created by God, realize that there are many others around you who are struggling with such a concept. We need to take the time to share with each other that gift of reassurance that we do matter to God and to others. Part of loving God, loving others, and loving self is making sure that the three of these concepts work together fluidly to reveal the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. Notice a theme here? Love. It is vital to the understanding and spreading of the gospel message, to carrying out the mission that Jesus started so long ago.
Point of this post? Be yourself and rejoice in the wonderful creation that you are. Right here, right now. Nobody else is exactly like you. How cool is that? You are the only you there will ever be. No more letting each other hide behind masks of conformity. No.
We must embrace and encourage our individuality so that we might live into our communal efforts for the transformational vision, healing, and love to which we have been called.
You matter. Starting today, please don't ever doubt that fact again.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
[[I've just been thinking today about all of the amazing men I have in my life. My father, my husband, grandfathers, uncles, cousins, my guy friends from college and now in grad school, guy friends I grew up with..the list goes on and on. Thinking about all of these great guys reminds me that not every guy treats every girl the way that the wonderful men in my life do. So, I just wanted to take a minute to thank them and all the other kind men out there.]]
A letter to all the gentlemen:
Whether we've had the chance to engage in conversation or not, I'd like to send an open "thank you" out into the universe to all of the gentlemen. To all the gentlemen who keep their eyes to themselves when a woman passes them in public. To all the gentlemen who have helped open a door when I clearly didn't have a hand to make it happen. To all the gentlemen who talk to me like I'm an actual person/adult and not like a child or someone else who could not possibly understand what you're talking about. To all the gentlemen who appreciate me for the fact that I can hold a real, in-depth conversation about meaningful topics. To all the gentlemen who encourage me to be who I am despite how the rest of the world might try to discredit my personality, my body, or my ideas. To all the gentlemen who joke around with me and do not attempt to keep our relationship in a bubble of safety so as not to hurt my feelings. To all the gentlemen who do acknowledge that I have feelings and are mindful of them without treating me differently than "one of the guys." To all the gentlemen who don't make sexist jokes. To all the gentlemen that actually believe in gender equality. To all the gentlemen who love the women in their lives, care for them with all of their being, and treat other women that they randomly meet on the street, in a store, in a homeless shelter, at a gas station, at a church, at a bar, at a school like you've known them all your life. Thank you.
Thankful for you today!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
I think it's important to have dinosaur dreams.
When I think about dinosaur dreams, it most often means for me remembering the world of make-believe where my friends and I used to reside when we were smaller. Not only remembering it but trying to embody the idea that it's okay to dream; it's okay to follow your dreams. I think it should be encouraged, actually!
I understand there are limits to these dreams. Some people are physically unable to follow their dreams due to restrictions from social location; others cannot follow their dreams due to health concerns for themselves or those under their care that are far more pressing; and still others are prevented from following their dreams because of stereotypes placed on them by the dominant culture. But I wonder about those of us who do not have such restrictions. What if us following our dreams gives others the opportunity to follow dreams of their own? Not so that we can get some sort of self-satisfaction from helping another person. That's just what we're called to do in our daily walks with Christ. To love, empower, and care for the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of those who are trapped, who need hope, who desire the warmth of the light and love of Christ but cannot find it.
Sometimes it is pertinent that we take the time to put aside our own self-doubt, get rid of the notion that what anyone else in this world thinks of us actually matters, and follow the dreams to which we are called. If for nothing else so that we may fulfill our duty, our call, and our longing to help other people. Not thinking of this kind of help as a charity case, but by thinking of it as an opportunity to form relationships with people who desire to know that they do matter and that they are loved.
This life is not concrete. Many of us have the ability to move, grow, explore, and make small changes that make this world a little brighter. When we follow our dreams, we remind ourselves and others that this life is not all there is. We have hope in life eternal; we have hope in unveiling the Kingdom of God on earth a little at a time; and we have hope that God's presence can be known to all people.
What if you knew for a fact that choosing to follow those dreams that have been on your heart and mind weren't just dreams...that they are a calling? A calling and an invitation to work with God to reveal the Kingdom, the light, and the hope? Would you take the chance? Would you trust that God will have your back every step of the way?
While questions like these are BIG and sometimes scary to address, I wonder what our world would be like if we did think big; if we did attempt to fully align our minds and hearts with God to follow the dreams that we have been given.What could God accomplish in this world if we remained open to seeking God and God's desires for our lives?
10 Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. 11 Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! 12 Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home. 14 Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying. 16 Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else. Instead, associate with people who have no status. Don’t think that you’re so smart. 17 Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good. 18 If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. --Romans 12: 10-18
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Well, I'll be completely honest. I had planned to write on something completely different around 9:00 last night, but this morning I got to work and watched the following video:
I felt a lot of things while watching this video-- mainly inspiration driven by this couple's faith-filled, true-love-meets-determination attitude with which they live their lives and carry out their marriage and also a sense of my ungratefulness for the healthy and happy marriage I am blessed to be a part of.
I think a lot of the time when I get bogged down with school and other life stresses, the first thing to go on the back-burner is our marriage. I think part of that is fueled by a mentality that says, "Our marriage can handle anything, and Bo loves me no matter what!" And I honestly believe both of those to be true; however, taking the time to nurture a marriage and grow in your relationship with that other person is crucial. That's important for any relationship!
Today, I am reminded-- even more than usual-- of how truly blessed I am to have Bo in my life. In the short year and two months that we've been married, we've already been through quite a bit together. But I wouldn't trade my time and our experiences for the same thing with someone else for anything in this world. This man is my best friend, my confidant, the person that is literally there for me no matter what he has going on in his own life. He always manages to put me first. I am so grateful to be part of a love like that. And part of being grateful is taking the time to actually thank God for our blessings and tell Bo that I'm grateful for him and that I love him--what a concept! I'm learning more and more that when my attitude and mindset is one of thankfulness, I am better able to cope with the craziness of life; I am better able to see and attend to the needs of others; and most importantly, I am better able to love with all of my being. And Bo, of all the people I interact with on a daily basis, deserves that kind of love, the kind of love that lets him know how much I truly care for and am thankful for him.
So, join me today in taking some time today to be grateful for all of the wonderful relationships in our lives, and be sure to let those people know how much they matter to you. We're not promised tomorrow, so I suggest we
Share love and gratefulness with one another today.
Monday, October 21, 2013
I don't know if you've ever had
anything taken from you, but it's not a fun experience. Last night I got on
Facebook to find that one of my Facebook "friends" had posted one of
my pictures (that I posted three+ weeks ago) on her page with the caption,
"It's a beautiful Sunday! I love fall!"
Needless to say I was confused
and annoyed, and I will admit that I let it bother me more than it should have
for a little while..until I got into the shower. (Now that might seem like a
strange statement to some, but those who know me know that my reflection/thinking/praying
time happens most frequently in the shower.) I continued to think about the
person posting the picture as their own: Why would they do this? What made them
decide to do this? Why did this person "take" from me?
This thought process--for
whatever reason--led me to the give-and-take that comes with all relationships.
Some of us give everything we have to every relationship we're in while some of
us are not wired in a way that calls us to give all we have or maybe we've even
been hurt by relationships in the past where we gave and gave and gave and
received nothing in return, only to end up broken-hearted.
I have been in those
relationships where I thought I gave everything I had and did my best to always
ask for very little because I thought that was my role in the relationship, to
be the person that makes the other person feel good about themselves and life
in general. It's funny that I can remember myself being on that end of previous
relationships because there is one very important--in fact the most
important--relationship that I am currently in where I am in fact the one who
most often takes and takes while tending to forget to give in return to the
other party. The relationship to which I'm referring is the one between me and God.
Now hear me when I say I know
that I do not have to do anything to "earn" my salvation or "do
works" to receive the grace that is freely given to me and all others who
choose to accept it; however, I do think it is important to spend time with God
as a means to a healthy relationship with God, as well as healthy interactions
with others. So, when thinking about the give-and-take of relationships last
night, I realized God is getting gypped in our relationship! I am constantly
griping to God about things, turning my concerns over to God, and asking things
of God (which is all fine and good in my opinion because God wants us to be
real), but it hit me like a ton of bricks last night that I am not giving to
our relationship as much as I should. I'm not giving to God like I would try to give to someone else in any other relationship. Instead of trying to focus on giving to
God, I take for granted the gifts, graciousness, and guidance I'm given and go
right on taking.
No, there's no universal
prescribed amount of time that is suggested by theologians or ministerial
leaders for spending with God, but think about it: When was the last time you
took the time to just "be" in the presence of your Higher Power?
Think about the peace that you felt tingling through your limbs as you
experienced the Spirit there with you. For nothing other than those moments of
peace, reassurance, and rest with the Divine should we do our best to make time
for the Divine in our daily lives. And that might involve talking to God, but
when's the last time we LISTENED to God? When's the last time we sat and called
God's presence into our awareness? When's the last time we sang/meditated on
the idea from the age-old hymn:
I need thee, O I need thee; every
hour I need thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.
We do need God. I do, at least.
God is the reason I make it through the rough days, but God is also the reason
I can rejoice. My family, my husband, my friends, food to eat and a roof over
my head...all of these things remind me that God is near. They also remind me
that there are many who do not have these blessings and that it is our duty as
believers who are called to love others, form relationships with and provide for
those in need so that they might know God is near to them as well. Some of us
have it easier than others--we can acknowledge God's presence in our lives
because we don't "want" for anything. Our needs are met; therefore,
our eyes are more aware of the love and presence of God in our lives. In order
for the Kingdom of Heaven to be noticed here on earth, it is vital that we genuinely
love and care for one another; it is vital that we GIVE to one another!
We are called to reveal the Kingdom, in whatever
capacity we're being led. We don't help people in need and form
relationships with people in need to be "good Godly people;" we do it
because we have been created to love and for love, and we are meant to spread
that love (i.e. the love of God) to everyone who has not been able to see,
feel, and experience it for themselves.
God is always near; whether we
take the time to spend with God, to be thankful in the gift of God's presence
in this world, or whether we are so wrapped up in worldly things that we lose
our God-senses, that we stop acknowledging that God is here and that God is working in
each of us... no matter what, God is always near. We will continue to take from God, and God will continue to give to
us. This gift of God's giving is not given to us so that we may keep it to ourselves and be comfortable in where/who we are as people; no, this gift is meant for something much
greater. It is meant to be exponentially extended, to be shared with everyone-- all people everywhere.
Suddenly having something as silly as a
picture taken from me does not seem nearly as significant as it was last
night. I do plenty of taking of my own, and I am loved indefinitely by my
Creator despite of it. I pray that we would move into a season of serious
giving of time and energy in our relationships with God and also with one another. How can we work
together to find the good, to make evident the presence and the peace of God
dwelling among us?
How can we better give to God&others?
How can we better love God&others?
Friday, October 18, 2013
Death is a subject that cannot be easily discussed. Shoot, we just see the word death, and some of us can feel ourselves shutting down emotionally, desperately attempting to escape conversation about such a thing.
I will be the first to admit that I have had few personal experiences with losing loved ones. I lost both of my grandfathers within a month of each other my senior year in high school, lost a family friend whom I loved and admired earlier this year, and Bo's grandfather passed in August. While the grieving processes of these deaths were difficult to experience, I found some peace in the fact that these individuals, for the most part, had long lives full of faith, adventure, and families who loved them so deeply.
I think the hardest thing for me to grapple with throughout those times of grief was those who were left behind. How were they really doing? How would they continue with life now that such a big piece of it was physically missing? How would they deal with their own grief and sadness?
The reason my mind traveled to this subject this morning was due to a page I recently "liked" on Facebook, "Praying for Phoebe Fair." I have gotten into the habit of following pages concerning children with illnesses. I feel as though there is something bigger being built up concerning this subject and my call, but for right now, I'm just "like"-ing the pages so that I might remember to pray for these families who need all of the prayer and support possible. I noticed a post from earlier this morning, and as I began to read, I quickly realized where the story was headed.
I learned that three year old Phoebe Fair had passed away on October 5, 2013. As I read through her mother's postings on this Facebook page, I was reminded that Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness Day was only a few days ago. What pain Phoebe's mom, as well as countless other parents around the world, must have felt as they remembered the losses of their little ones on that day.
How do those parents cope with such loss, such frustration, and suffering? How do people cope with losing any family member--a spouse, a parent, a sibling, a best friend? More importantly, how do WE walk through the mess of grieving with those who hurt? Death is not a pretty thing. Grieving is not a simple process. But we have hope in the gift of life after death, and we also have hope in the community God has blessed us with to carry us through our valleys of anguish to our eventual mountains of peace.
I know the grieving process isn't easy. I've watched several go through it in the past year alone. I've also watched the overwhelming coming-together of families and friends from far and wide to be at the sides of those who grieve. When thinking about the weight of grief, my mind immediately travels to Jesus mourning with Mary and Martha over the death of their friend, Lazarus. While we are encouraged by the reminder of hope in the story that we will all eventually be reunited with those we love, I think Jesus' actions in this particular story are very moving and eye-opening as to how we should walk with those who grieve here and now.
Jesus, led by the light to which he refers in John 11:9&10, returns to Judea to be with Mary and Martha despite the skepticism of his disciples. How often do we let the uneasiness of death get the best of us? How often do we let our own feelings of awkwardness in dealing with a situation so deep as death keep us from ministering to those who so desperately need to be reminded of the warmth, the light, and the love of God in their present situation?
Everyone grieves differently, and I, personally, am often left at a loss for words or actions to help others through their time of mourning. However, I've found that taking the time to pray before speaking and to trust before acting that I am led in a direction where God's presence can be felt. And I think those are our main concerns as Christians--to love and trust in God, to let others know they can never be separated from the love of God, and to also let others know that they are not alone-- not only let them know, but show them.
Jesus was real. Jesus wept (John 11:35). But Jesus did not shy away from dealing with life's most difficult situations because they were so massive. Jesus walked the road with the sick, the marginalized, the dying, and the mourning for no other reason than to make sure they knew that they were loved by God. I pray that we can have that same courage and mentality in our daily lives. Think of the light and the love that would burst forth in this world if that was always our main focus.
My heart, prayers, and thoughts are with those who are mourning today. Praying for God's comfort, presence and love to envelope you and for eventual peace to overtake you in ways you didn't know were possible.
I will be the first to admit that I have had few personal experiences with losing loved ones. I lost both of my grandfathers within a month of each other my senior year in high school, lost a family friend whom I loved and admired earlier this year, and Bo's grandfather passed in August. While the grieving processes of these deaths were difficult to experience, I found some peace in the fact that these individuals, for the most part, had long lives full of faith, adventure, and families who loved them so deeply.
I think the hardest thing for me to grapple with throughout those times of grief was those who were left behind. How were they really doing? How would they continue with life now that such a big piece of it was physically missing? How would they deal with their own grief and sadness?
The reason my mind traveled to this subject this morning was due to a page I recently "liked" on Facebook, "Praying for Phoebe Fair." I have gotten into the habit of following pages concerning children with illnesses. I feel as though there is something bigger being built up concerning this subject and my call, but for right now, I'm just "like"-ing the pages so that I might remember to pray for these families who need all of the prayer and support possible. I noticed a post from earlier this morning, and as I began to read, I quickly realized where the story was headed.
I learned that three year old Phoebe Fair had passed away on October 5, 2013. As I read through her mother's postings on this Facebook page, I was reminded that Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness Day was only a few days ago. What pain Phoebe's mom, as well as countless other parents around the world, must have felt as they remembered the losses of their little ones on that day.
How do those parents cope with such loss, such frustration, and suffering? How do people cope with losing any family member--a spouse, a parent, a sibling, a best friend? More importantly, how do WE walk through the mess of grieving with those who hurt? Death is not a pretty thing. Grieving is not a simple process. But we have hope in the gift of life after death, and we also have hope in the community God has blessed us with to carry us through our valleys of anguish to our eventual mountains of peace.
I know the grieving process isn't easy. I've watched several go through it in the past year alone. I've also watched the overwhelming coming-together of families and friends from far and wide to be at the sides of those who grieve. When thinking about the weight of grief, my mind immediately travels to Jesus mourning with Mary and Martha over the death of their friend, Lazarus. While we are encouraged by the reminder of hope in the story that we will all eventually be reunited with those we love, I think Jesus' actions in this particular story are very moving and eye-opening as to how we should walk with those who grieve here and now.
Jesus, led by the light to which he refers in John 11:9&10, returns to Judea to be with Mary and Martha despite the skepticism of his disciples. How often do we let the uneasiness of death get the best of us? How often do we let our own feelings of awkwardness in dealing with a situation so deep as death keep us from ministering to those who so desperately need to be reminded of the warmth, the light, and the love of God in their present situation?
Everyone grieves differently, and I, personally, am often left at a loss for words or actions to help others through their time of mourning. However, I've found that taking the time to pray before speaking and to trust before acting that I am led in a direction where God's presence can be felt. And I think those are our main concerns as Christians--to love and trust in God, to let others know they can never be separated from the love of God, and to also let others know that they are not alone-- not only let them know, but show them.
Jesus was real. Jesus wept (John 11:35). But Jesus did not shy away from dealing with life's most difficult situations because they were so massive. Jesus walked the road with the sick, the marginalized, the dying, and the mourning for no other reason than to make sure they knew that they were loved by God. I pray that we can have that same courage and mentality in our daily lives. Think of the light and the love that would burst forth in this world if that was always our main focus.
My heart, prayers, and thoughts are with those who are mourning today. Praying for God's comfort, presence and love to envelope you and for eventual peace to overtake you in ways you didn't know were possible.
"You are the one who lights my lamp—
the Lord my God illumines my darkness."
the Lord my God illumines my darkness."
Psalm 18:28
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