May 3, 2012
"But Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the
Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.'" Matthew 19:14
Last night while helping teach four-year-old choir, the teacher became the student as the children taught me a great lesson in curiosity and compassion. In what typically proves to be an hour of organized chaos (20 four year olds in a class with 3 adults, need I say more?), nearly half of the class paused at some point to inquire about a Band-Aid on one of my fingers. Granted, I was wearing a Strawberry Shortcake Band-Aid to go along with my ensemble, but the care and concern of the children blew me away.
Children aren't afraid to show compassion for other people. To be fair I'll admit that sometimes children so no concern for others, but generally speaking, when kids see someone hurt they want to know what's wrong.
When was the last time you noticed someone wearing a Band-Aid? I'm not talking about an adhesive bandage that you pull from a box. I'm referring to the things we sometimes use to cover wounds which lie beneath the skin.
There are those who choose to wear neon-colored Band-Aids, crying out for attention.
There are those who select camouflage-printed Band-Aids in attempt to hide their wounds.
There are those who prefer Band-Aids adorned with the face of a cartoon character, covering the hurt by pretending to be someone they are not.
There are those who wear jumbo-sized Band-Aids because their injury is simply too large to conceal.
There are those who can get by with Band-Aids the size of a small circle, almost as if the penetration of their soul never occurred.
And then there are those who wear Plain Jane Band-Aids to avoid calling any attention to their needs.
Let us all be like the little children. The next time we notice someone wearing a Band-Aid let us be sure to stop and ask if we can help right the wrong.
Showing posts with label Hope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hope. Show all posts
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
I Will Always Love You
February 13, 2012
"And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is." Ephesians 3:18
When others fail to show you the genuine affection you desire. When you long for a companion but find only callousness. When you feel unloved . . .
I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
When the things of the world fail to satisfy your cravings. When you work longer and harder to maintain an elaborate lifestyle. When its never enough . . .
It is Me who will provide for you (Philippians 4:19).
When you feel as if everyone has left you behind. When you feel as if no one cares. When you feel alone and forsaken . . .
I will never leave you. I will never forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
When the past leaves you feeling worn-out and used-up. When you feel you've hit rock-bottom and there's no place to turn. When you look in the mirror and fail to see beauty and glamor . . .
I see you as a masterpiece. I created you new in my Son to do good things (Ephesians 2:10).
When you've messed up so badly you feel there's no hope, no chance for redemption. When your mistakes become your identity. When you feel stained by sin . . .
I will wash you clean (Isaiah 1:18).
When you feel shamed by the things you've done or by the things that have been done to you. When you've lost hope for restoration. When you feel like succumbing to the worst . . .
I will crown you with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5).
When the cares of this world weigh you down. When the load grows so heavy you can't take another step. When you feel weary and burdened . . .
I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).
The recent death of the queen of pop music grips my heart. I find myself captivated, not by the way she lived, but by the way she died--seemingly alone, hurt, attempting to mask the emptiness with what might have been one too many substances this time. I wonder how many read her story and think, I wish I could slip away too.
Death creates a void so deep we question how we could ever feel complete again. Perhaps the greatest gift of love we can offer is to faithfully lift the queen-of-pop-music's legacy in prayer. May she come to know the fulness of His love which somehow seemed to escape her mother's heart.
"And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is." Ephesians 3:18
When others fail to show you the genuine affection you desire. When you long for a companion but find only callousness. When you feel unloved . . .
I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
When the things of the world fail to satisfy your cravings. When you work longer and harder to maintain an elaborate lifestyle. When its never enough . . .
It is Me who will provide for you (Philippians 4:19).
When you feel as if everyone has left you behind. When you feel as if no one cares. When you feel alone and forsaken . . .
I will never leave you. I will never forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
When the past leaves you feeling worn-out and used-up. When you feel you've hit rock-bottom and there's no place to turn. When you look in the mirror and fail to see beauty and glamor . . .
I see you as a masterpiece. I created you new in my Son to do good things (Ephesians 2:10).
When you've messed up so badly you feel there's no hope, no chance for redemption. When your mistakes become your identity. When you feel stained by sin . . .
I will wash you clean (Isaiah 1:18).
When you feel shamed by the things you've done or by the things that have been done to you. When you've lost hope for restoration. When you feel like succumbing to the worst . . .
I will crown you with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5).
When the cares of this world weigh you down. When the load grows so heavy you can't take another step. When you feel weary and burdened . . .
I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).
The recent death of the queen of pop music grips my heart. I find myself captivated, not by the way she lived, but by the way she died--seemingly alone, hurt, attempting to mask the emptiness with what might have been one too many substances this time. I wonder how many read her story and think, I wish I could slip away too.
Death creates a void so deep we question how we could ever feel complete again. Perhaps the greatest gift of love we can offer is to faithfully lift the queen-of-pop-music's legacy in prayer. May she come to know the fulness of His love which somehow seemed to escape her mother's heart.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
The Difference of a Decade
September 11, 2011
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good." Genesis 50:20
Where were you when you first heard the news ten years ago today? News that our people, our country, our freedom and liberties were under attack?
I
received the news while sitting on my living room couch brushing my teeth before work.
I realize the couch may seem an unusual place to brush one's teeth.
However, the clock read 7:45AM (CST), nearly time for me to leave for
the office. A reporter from the Today show announced that someone
had mistakenly flown a plane into one of the World Trade Center towers.
How in the heck does someone accidentally fly a plane into a building, in downtown New York no less, I wondered as toothpaste foamed in my mouth. I ran to my bathroom to spit (you wanted to know where I was ten years ago today didn't you?) and returned to my living room horrified to hear the answer to my question revealed.
Someone doesn't just accidentally fly a plane into a building.
They
train for years, studying the way of the people over which
they wish to rule, learning to master in deception. They conceal their true identity and invade a land they can't call their own. And when their
intended victims least expect it--they attack.
But
friends, as much animosity as we may feel against those who carried out
the attacks on our country ten years ago today, Ephesians 6:12
reminds us that our battle is not "against flesh-and-blood enemies, but
against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty
powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly
places."
Our enemy is the true master of deception (John 8:44). The one who came to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). The serpent who disguises himself as an angel of light
(2 Corinthians 11:14) in a land he will never rightly call his own.
But God.
God says, "What others intend for harm I promise to use for good."
Though I'll always remember the image of the twin towers on September 11, 2001, the picture that burns more brightly in my mind is that of a country which stood united. Many lives were lost that day; spouses were widowed; children were orphaned; traveling by air proves more complicated than it once did. But God used the events of September 11, 2001 to bring about much good in our beloved homeland. Through the events of September 11, 2001, God revealed to this nation our greatest need--a need for revival, a need for someplace (or Someone) in which to place our hope, a need . . . for Him.
As I reflect on the past ten years I realize my life looks completely different than it once did. I can't say God necessarily used the events of September 11, 2001 to change the course of my life. Rather, God used a different event--one the enemy meant for harm--to bring about much good in my life. The event I'm referring to is the loss of my sweet child.
I always assumed I would return to work as a research engineer for a prominent snack food company in North Texas after having children. More of a math and science person, writing and speaking and teaching were not occupations I would have ever considered including on my dossier. But the death of my daughter caused all of my hopes and dreams to fall apart.
Out of sheer desperation I eventually called out to God and asked Him to show me how His promises of goodness would ever hold true for me as a bereaved mother. Not knowing what to do with the rest of my life I asked God to lead the way. As I drew nearer to Him through His Word I realized God had filled me with a desire to reach out to other women enduring hard times. My life looks unlike anything I ever envisioned. On account of my relationship with God and the place(s) He has led me through that relationship, my life is more full and more rich than I ever imagined. God took what the enemy meant for harm and used it for good.
What about you?
As we pause to remember the events which occurred ten years ago today, I invite you to take a moment to reflect upon your own life. How has God used for good what someone else intended for harm? If you've yet to see good result from your struggles, would you consider asking God to lead the way?
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Beautiful Feet
August 17, 2011
"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Check out my guest post running today at www.lanierlanding.blogspot.com. I pray you'll join me in petitioning the Lord for the healing of this little one. Enjoy!
"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Check out my guest post running today at www.lanierlanding.blogspot.com. I pray you'll join me in petitioning the Lord for the healing of this little one. Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Deciding the Impossible
August 16, 2011
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope." 1 Thessalonians 4:13
"We'd like for you to consider placing a DNR order on your daughter's medical chart."
DNR.
Do Not Resuscitate.
As a new mama, those were the hardest words I'd ever had to hear.
How do you decide the impossible? How do you gather the strength to approve the removal of a life-support system? How do you give an order that grants permission for your loved one pass from this world into the next? How does one sit and watch their beloved struggle to breathe while taking no action to intervene?
Through the power and hope of Christ and Christ alone.
The day my daughter passed away in my arms my faith in God became more real to me than ever before. Suddenly my life--and the life of my child--depended on it. At times my faith wavered. I contemplated God's sovereignty. I questioned how a loving and compassionate God could allow my daughter to die. But in the end I recognized that only God's promises stand the test of time. The raw exploration of my faith chipped away the parts of my foundation which were built on false beliefs, and led me to the place of true, authentic faith in Him.
I believe there is a God. I believe God's Word--every bit of it. I believe God sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins. I believe that by professing faith in the atoning work of the cross we will live life eternal in Heaven with God and His Son and with others who have professed the same faith in Christ. I believe that in Heaven there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain (Revelation 21:4).
It is my faith that gives me hope. It is my confident hope that gives me the courage to decide the impossible.
My daughter was sick. Very sick. Though I'd have given anything for the chance to care for her here on this earth, it was obvious her little body would have required immense medical support to survive. When doctors asked us to consider placing a DNR order on her chart we knew there was no right or wrong answer. My devoted childhood pastor advised us to consider which option would lead us to a place of peace. Would we find peace amidst our vicious fight to save our daughter? Or would our peace lie in allowing her to return home to her Maker?
Though it was the hardest decision I've ever had to make God faithfully led my husband and me to a place of peace. And on August 24, 2005 our beloved daughter did indeed pass from the loving arms of her mama into the scarred hands of her Savior.
I wrote in greater detail about our decision in my first book. I write today to simply encourage those who face similarly impossible decisions. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him (Romans 15:13).
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope." 1 Thessalonians 4:13
"We'd like for you to consider placing a DNR order on your daughter's medical chart."
DNR.
Do Not Resuscitate.
As a new mama, those were the hardest words I'd ever had to hear.
How do you decide the impossible? How do you gather the strength to approve the removal of a life-support system? How do you give an order that grants permission for your loved one pass from this world into the next? How does one sit and watch their beloved struggle to breathe while taking no action to intervene?
Through the power and hope of Christ and Christ alone.
The day my daughter passed away in my arms my faith in God became more real to me than ever before. Suddenly my life--and the life of my child--depended on it. At times my faith wavered. I contemplated God's sovereignty. I questioned how a loving and compassionate God could allow my daughter to die. But in the end I recognized that only God's promises stand the test of time. The raw exploration of my faith chipped away the parts of my foundation which were built on false beliefs, and led me to the place of true, authentic faith in Him.
I believe there is a God. I believe God's Word--every bit of it. I believe God sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins. I believe that by professing faith in the atoning work of the cross we will live life eternal in Heaven with God and His Son and with others who have professed the same faith in Christ. I believe that in Heaven there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain (Revelation 21:4).
It is my faith that gives me hope. It is my confident hope that gives me the courage to decide the impossible.
My daughter was sick. Very sick. Though I'd have given anything for the chance to care for her here on this earth, it was obvious her little body would have required immense medical support to survive. When doctors asked us to consider placing a DNR order on her chart we knew there was no right or wrong answer. My devoted childhood pastor advised us to consider which option would lead us to a place of peace. Would we find peace amidst our vicious fight to save our daughter? Or would our peace lie in allowing her to return home to her Maker?
Though it was the hardest decision I've ever had to make God faithfully led my husband and me to a place of peace. And on August 24, 2005 our beloved daughter did indeed pass from the loving arms of her mama into the scarred hands of her Savior.
I wrote in greater detail about our decision in my first book. I write today to simply encourage those who face similarly impossible decisions. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him (Romans 15:13).
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