I was in class yesterday afternoon where we started talking about the economic situation in the United States. There were 3 of us in the dialogue: 1 from the US (me), 1 from Peru and 1 from Indonesia. Their perspective on the situation was really eye-opening for me. "This crisis for Americans is the way I've lived my entire life. So what's the big deal?"
I sat with that statement for quite some time, especially in light of the fact that my husband, the founder and director of a non-profit social service agency is really feeling the cuts being made everywhere. As people lose jobs and banks stop lending, social service agencies are among the first to be pushed out. As the rich realize that they'll be short a million or two, there's yet another child going without food, yet another family forced to live on the street, yet another teen caught in the trap of street to jail.
Is bill paying the worst that can happen? No. Is losing a job the worst that can happen? No. Worst than the current economic situation we face is the blighted condition of our faith. At risk is not the financial situation of the world. At risk is our souls. Placated for far too long on the fat of injustice and social ills, our souls have become wastelands -- toxic.
For my part I can no longer focus on my IRA, lack of savings, pay freeze or overdue mortgage. I must refocus on God and what God has asked me to do. Now is the time to witness my faith. Now is the time for us to join one to another and "devot[e] [ourselves] to the teaching of the apostles and to communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers." Acts 2:42
01 May 2009
18 April 2009
Be Brave Now
Late last night/early this morning I watched the pilot episode of the NBC series "Kings." The series is a modern day telling of 1,2 Kings focusing on the spiritual development of David. Anyway, David has attained heroic status after slaying "Goliath" -- the name of a military tank. While at his dying brother's side, David confesses that he is not a hero at all, but someone who was surrendering when things turned out in his favor. He continually exclaimed, "I wasn't brave at all." His brother's reply, "Be brave now."
As I contemplated that statement I was struck by the stance we must all take on in this world today. Today, chaos reigns king and we Christians, sisters and brothers of Jesus the Christ must "Be brave now." We must stand with feet firmly planted on the bedrock of God's Holy Word in order to withstand the rainstorm of bullets that attack us in the street and in our homes. We must "Be brave now" so that Christ's Peace is what comes to reign. We cannot allow circumstances, people and even our own doubts to be obstacles to the JOY of Resurrection.
"BE BRAVE NOW"
As I contemplated that statement I was struck by the stance we must all take on in this world today. Today, chaos reigns king and we Christians, sisters and brothers of Jesus the Christ must "Be brave now." We must stand with feet firmly planted on the bedrock of God's Holy Word in order to withstand the rainstorm of bullets that attack us in the street and in our homes. We must "Be brave now" so that Christ's Peace is what comes to reign. We cannot allow circumstances, people and even our own doubts to be obstacles to the JOY of Resurrection.
"BE BRAVE NOW"
16 April 2009
The Black Hole of Faith
Ever feel like you're going through the motions...all the things you do are so devoid of feeling that you wonder why you continue? I call that the Black Hole of Faith. It's when you believe in God in and through the routine. You know, the times when you just can't get your praise on; the times when you just can't find the good; the times when you're so confused and you can't hear a word from God. As a matter of fact, things are so silent, so dark, you realize you're in a black hole-- a place of nothingness. No motivation. No direction.
When you realize you are there, be still and know that God is there too.
When you realize you are there, be still and know that God is there too.
31 March 2009
Desert to Dessert
Everyone seems to make room for dessert. Whether dessert is jell-o, a slice of pie, a scoop of ice cream, a piece of chocolate, etc., very seldom do we turn dessert away. Truth be told, many of start our meals with dessert. Not willing to wait til the end of a meal, we move the good stuff up front. In keeping with moving the good stuff to the front, I want to challenge us to move into the desert before we celebrate Easter (dessert).
By spending some time in the desert, we allow the barrenness to lay bare/expose our barriers, weaknesses, frailties, faults, etc., so that we may better deal with them. The desert helps us to strip away defenses and masks that would otherwise have us lying to ourselves, others and God. In a big way, the desert serves to detox our spiritual self, removing from us the impurities that inhibit the taste buds, thereby dulling the magnificent taste of the dessert.
Create a desert for yourself. Don't make it the traditional one (heat, sun, dryness) if those things bring you comfort. But chose the space that makes you uncomfortable, that propels you into vulnerability. Sit quietly for at least 15 minutes meditating in that place. Seek to purge your spirit of obstacles and barriers. Open yourself to the possibility of a new you.
Then you don't have to make room for dessert. You will already have room.
By spending some time in the desert, we allow the barrenness to lay bare/expose our barriers, weaknesses, frailties, faults, etc., so that we may better deal with them. The desert helps us to strip away defenses and masks that would otherwise have us lying to ourselves, others and God. In a big way, the desert serves to detox our spiritual self, removing from us the impurities that inhibit the taste buds, thereby dulling the magnificent taste of the dessert.
Create a desert for yourself. Don't make it the traditional one (heat, sun, dryness) if those things bring you comfort. But chose the space that makes you uncomfortable, that propels you into vulnerability. Sit quietly for at least 15 minutes meditating in that place. Seek to purge your spirit of obstacles and barriers. Open yourself to the possibility of a new you.
Then you don't have to make room for dessert. You will already have room.
30 March 2009
Another Level
Below is another gift from someone.
I am your loving Heavenly Father, and you will always be My dear child. That relationship will never change--but how we relate to each other will go through seasons of change as you grow and mature. Some of the ways that I have met you in the past were never intended to be permanent ways for us to interact together. As you grow in Me and as your ability to perceive in the spirit increases, I will begin to reveal more of Myself to you. And at times, that will require a change in how you relate to Me--and even in how you seek Me and where you find Me.
As you grow in Me and as you come to better understand My Holiness, some things that used to be permissible in your life will no longer be allowed. I never abided in some of the places where you went to look for Me--I was simply meeting you where you were because I desired to be found by you. But as you grow to become more like Me, I will hold you to a higher standard. At times I will require a higher level of dedication and obedience from you, and I will require a higher level of holiness from you. I will ask you to behave more like Me and to act more like I do. I will start asking you to refrain from some things that you did not even realize displeased Me when you were at a lower level of spiritual maturity. And at times I will no longer be found in some of the ways that you are used to meeting with Me.
The transition times from one level of maturity to another may seem frustrating at times. But as your relationship with Me matures, I will bring you to a higher place where there is more opportunity and where you shall taste of Me in a much greater measure.
So again I say to you, dear one, do not fret as our relationship begins to grow and mature. When you cannot find Me as easily in the old ways, press in and seek Me all the more. I will lead you and teach you and show you how to find Me at the next level. As you get to that place, you will experience a greater level of My presence and I will show you more of My glory and reveal more of Myself to you. So come, dear one, press into Me and grow and mature in our relationship together.
I am your loving Heavenly Father, and you will always be My dear child. That relationship will never change--but how we relate to each other will go through seasons of change as you grow and mature. Some of the ways that I have met you in the past were never intended to be permanent ways for us to interact together. As you grow in Me and as your ability to perceive in the spirit increases, I will begin to reveal more of Myself to you. And at times, that will require a change in how you relate to Me--and even in how you seek Me and where you find Me.
As you grow in Me and as you come to better understand My Holiness, some things that used to be permissible in your life will no longer be allowed. I never abided in some of the places where you went to look for Me--I was simply meeting you where you were because I desired to be found by you. But as you grow to become more like Me, I will hold you to a higher standard. At times I will require a higher level of dedication and obedience from you, and I will require a higher level of holiness from you. I will ask you to behave more like Me and to act more like I do. I will start asking you to refrain from some things that you did not even realize displeased Me when you were at a lower level of spiritual maturity. And at times I will no longer be found in some of the ways that you are used to meeting with Me.
The transition times from one level of maturity to another may seem frustrating at times. But as your relationship with Me matures, I will bring you to a higher place where there is more opportunity and where you shall taste of Me in a much greater measure.
So again I say to you, dear one, do not fret as our relationship begins to grow and mature. When you cannot find Me as easily in the old ways, press in and seek Me all the more. I will lead you and teach you and show you how to find Me at the next level. As you get to that place, you will experience a greater level of My presence and I will show you more of My glory and reveal more of Myself to you. So come, dear one, press into Me and grow and mature in our relationship together.
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