My Beautiful Mess

In his book Jesus On Trial, David Limbaugh describes some of the seemingly counterintuitive paradoxes of Christianity that, upon deep reflection, force us to grasp concepts better than we would have if they had been presented in straightforward terms.  He writes, "If...all biblical truth were completely straightforward and comprehensible without the necessity to think deeply about it, we wouldn't learn the principles as thoroughly or grow as much." (p.67)

One of these paradoxes can be found in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.  It is the concept that we are made stronger by our weaknesses.  After asking God to remove a difficulty in his life, Paul wrote that God denied his request, saying to him, "My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness." (CEV)  A related concept found in James 1:2 is that we will find joy in our suffering.  James wrote, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds..." (NIV)  Now what is this all about?  At first glance, we might wonder if James was smoking something... 

I've been hesitant to write about the things happening in my life over the last few months because I've wanted to avoid two things: 1) People interpreting my writing as an attempt to elicit sympathy, and 2) the temptation to become and the perception of being completely self-absorbed.  Neither of these things is appealing to me.  However, it has also occurred to me that if I share what my husband and I have been through and what God has done, others might be encouraged, or perhaps gain some insight as to the treasure that could be hidden inside the difficulties of life.  So here goes...

A few months ago, my husband's health took a confusing turn for the worse, so much so that he was unable to work.  There was a trip to the ER, followed by many tests and doctor appointments, with no answers readily forthcoming.  He now has a documented breathing disability, has had and is recovering from a minor surgery, and is ready to return to work, but cannot for complicated reasons that have to do with his employer.  Did I mention that all this has taken place while my house is in the middle of major renovations?  This situation has had many ramifications, including stress for everyone, health implications, financial implications (medical bills plus loss of income), career implications, anxiety, frustration, depression, changes in roles and schedules, and so on.  It sounds a little bleak, doesn't it?  As I write this, we still don't know if my husband will be able to return to a paid position with his present employer or if his job there is essentially over.  We will celebrate our 20th anniversary on Christmas Eve, probably with many questions still unanswered.

But as my husband and I have reflected back over the last four months, we've found we're profoundly grateful and, dare I say it?  Cheerful?  Even joyful?  Oh, I won't deny there have been other emotions along the way: anger, confusion, frustration, sadness, even grief.  But something else crazy happened along the way.  We began to examine our lives, the choices we were making, and the long-term effects of those choices.  We began to regularly take one another's hands and pray, baring our souls to one another, and taking our concerns and questions to God.  And God began to show us things.  Things we could change to make things better.  Things that were beyond our control that humbled us.  And blessings that we didn't realize we possessed until we faced these difficulties.  We realized that we were growing closer to one another and more appreciative of each other, as well as the people and the many good things in our lives.  And we were depending more on God.  And then God did something awesome for us:  He restored our sense of humor.  We intentionally began looking for the lighter side of things, and we began laughing more.  And finally, we came to the realization that this is season in our lives, a season with a purpose, and a season that will pass, but God's love is and always will be unchanged.  He is there for us always, through thick and thin, and we will be there for each other through this season and beyond.

So as I approach the end of the year and my 20th anniversary, I can say paradoxically that this has been the most awesome year, and I am so profoundly grateful for every difficulty and challenge that has happened in the last few months!  For they have shown me where my treasure lies.  It lies in my relationship with the Almighty, All-knowing Creator who loves me and wants the best for me even when it hurts, and it lies in the relationships I have with my spouse, my children, my family, and my friends.  The rest is just icing on the cake.  Life is better than good.  Life is a beautiful mess in the Master's hands, and I'm not afraid to share it with you!  Song writer Ellie Holcomb says it eloquently:

The Broken Beautiful

I know that I don't bring a lot to the table
Just little pieces of a broken heart
There's days I wonder if You'll still be faithful
Hold me together when I fall apart?
Would You remind me now of who You are?

That Your love will never change,
that there's healing in your name
That You can take broken things,
and make them beautiful

You took my shame
And You walked out of the grave
So Your love can take broken things
and make them beautiful

I'm better off when I begin to remember
How You have met me in my deepest pain
So give me glimpses now of how You have covered
All of my heart ache, oh with all Your grace
Remind me now that You can make a way

That Your love will never change,
that there's healing in your name
That You can take broken things,
and make them beautiful
You took my shame
And You walked out of the grave
So Your love can take broken things
and make them beautiful

You say that You'll turn my weeping into dancing
Remove my sadness & cover me with joy
You say your scars are the evidence of healing
That You can make the broken beautiful

You make us beautiful, oh oh
You make us beautiful

I can identify with Paul's paradoxical sentiments in 2 Corintians 12:9-10 (CEV):

He said to me, "My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness."  So I'll gladly spend my time bragging about my weaknesses so that Christ's power can rest on me.  Therefore, I'm all right with weaknesses, insults, disasters, harrassments, and stressful situations for the sake of Christ, because when I'm weak, then I'm strong.  
...because of Him.

 

 

Ferguson Fear and Hope

To all my African American friends, especially those who have expressed fear for their children in the wake of the Michael Brown tragedy, my heart goes out to you.  I value and treasure your friendship.  You and your children are always welcome in my home and church, and as much as I can make it possible, in every part of my community.  May I offer you a ray of hope?  Yes, we know racism exists in America, and looking at the news, you might be tempted to think it's everywhere.  But the good news is--it's not everywhere!  Don't be overwhelmed with fear.  There are many people who are eager to receive you and your sons and daughters and build positive relationships with you.

The Ferguson story has been tragic in many ways, but in my opinion the saddest part is its potential to erase good will between people and supplant it with fear.  It has also impressed on me the importance in our lives of personal responsibility and holding ourselves accountable before God and others.  Before God, we are all created equal; no one has an advantage or disadvantage because of their color.  God has created each of us uniquely beautiful.  Although our circumstances may be different, we all have freedom of will.  We all must choose how we will exercise our free will.  When we make good choices to love God, love others as we love ourselves, and follow His commands, His favor and blessings cannot help but to chase us down and overcome us.  We will have valuable, positive relationships with others.  Conversely, when we make poor choices, we will surely reap what we sow.  No matter what your color, if you radiate an attitude of disrespect, the probability of receiving disrespect in return rises.  These are universal principles; they apply to all.

So here is my advice to all--Caucasian, African American, or insert your race here--going through life with a chip on your shoulder, blaming others, and thinking that someone owes you something doesn't get you acceptance or understanding.  Working hard, taking responsibility for your actions, being honest, and trying to improve yourself everyday will take you anywhere you want to go (eventually).  People are looking for these qualities in young folks, and in African American men in particular, and are eager to reward these qualities when they find them!

Can I also say that the Church is your best ally?  Don't just associate with the segregated Church.  Get involved with the integrated Church.  You will be blessed by the openness and love, and this will combat the fear of racism being everywhere.  It is not!  We in the Church, and especially the integrated Church, are eager to love and help our brothers and sisters of every color because we know God loves all of us equally.

Finally, the media is skilled at sensationalizing a tragedy to grab an audience.  They do it like it's their job--because it is!  For every tragedy involving race that attracts the national spotlight, I am sure there are hundreds of stories of love, inclusion, friendship, fellowship, and mutual help between people of different races that are not told by the media.  Don't be fooled.  Teach your children to be wise, but don't teach them to live in constant fear of others!

Suggested related readings: 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Romans 13:1-10

Blessings to all!  Love ya!

Why Vote?

This post is addressed primarily to Christians in the United States...

Did you know that the roots of our representative form of government go back to the book of Exodus?  “Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.” (Deuteronomy 1:13)  When the children of Israel were liberated from Egyptian slavery, Moses instituted a representative form of self-government.  Moses told the people of Israel to “select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.”  (Exodus 18:21)

When we elect our leaders, we should look for people with similar qualities.  Are you registered to vote?  Do you vote in every election?  I hope your answer is “yes” to both of these questions.  There are 90 million self-described Christians of voting age in the United States.  How many of them voted in the 2012 election?  Are you shocked to know that only 39 million voted?  That’s about 43%.  In school we would call that a failing grade. 

So why don’t more Christians vote?  Maybe they think their vote doesn’t count.  In the last mid-term election (2010), the total voter turnout was about 90 million people.  If only 2/3 of the Church (about 60 million people) voted for candidates that embrace their biblical values, the results could be rather interesing.  Keep in mind that many elections are decided by only a couple of hundred votes.  Your vote does count! 

Maybe Christians are discouraged by corruption, or maybe they think politics are dirty and they shouldn’t get involved.  Well, if all the people who hate corruption refuse to get involved, than that puts our government in the hands of people who don’t mind dishonesty and who are willing to do whatever is needed to further their own self-interests.  That sounds like a recipe for disaster, doesn't it?  If you've complained about the corruption, hatred, and polarization in politics, than it's time for you to get involved and spread some love and integrity.  And don't forget, voting is your opportunity to hold your leaders accountable for their actions.  

Maybe Christians don’t vote because it’s not convenient.  Very few things in life that are of great importance are “convenient.”  If you read a little history or talk to some folks in their sixties or older, you’ll realize that there has never been a time in American history when it was more convenient and easier to vote.

Some Christians may think they don't have to vote as long as they obey the scriptural command to pray for their leaders  (1 Timothy 2:1-2).  But let’s think about this:  would it be more effective to pray for Hitler or Abraham Lincoln?  Obviously Abraham Lincoln—because he was a man who sought God and looked for His guidance.  (I seriously doubt Hitler was seeking God!)  Some people don’t look to God for help—atheists don’t believe He exists, and those who are selfish, power-hungry, or genuinely evil aren’t seeking Him either.  As a result, it’s much more difficult to move these folks with prayer.  All the more reason to let your voice be heard when leaders are chosen!   

What if there are no good candidates running for office?  While you’re never going find the “perfect” candidate, there is usually one that is a better choice.  And if there truly are no good candidates running, then maybe it’s time to throw your hat in the ring and run! 

Want to know what’s on the ballot before you vote?  Google your local board of elections.  They usually post your ballot online.  Need some help researching the candidates?  Visit online voter resources like www.ChristianVoterGuide.com.  And finally, remember that we are supposed to be fruit inspectors.  Jesus told us we will know what kind of person someone is by their fruit, or by what they produce.  So don’t listen to what a candidate SAYS; instead, look at what the candidate has done.

I leave you with this quote from James Garfield, twentieth president of the United States:

"Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature…. If the next centennial does not find us a great nation … it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces."  1877