I have a friend who is so committed to taking care of God’s creatures that she’s the mother, (and sole caretaker), of a Feral Cat Colony. She uses her own money to feed and medically provide for them, which includes having each of the cats spayed or neutered. What I find most fascinating about her feline charges is that they are increasingly affectionate with their human mother. (Feral Cats are usually weary of human contact.) My friend is able to touch, hug and kiss most of the cats in the colony. They recognize her as being the bringer of the light in their lives. They trust that she’ll be at their feeding spot everyday. Rain or shine, she is there and the cats rejoice in her love and care.
Another thing I find fascinating is that this Cat Colony is located in a rural county area. The cats are surrounded by acres of green fields and wooded areas that could lead to unimaginable discovery. Yet everyday, these (wild) cats run to greet my friend as she refills their feeding bowls under their special tree. Even with acres of land at these cats disposal, they willingly return to my friend everyday. Why? Simply put, she fills them. She feeds their bodies and little cat souls.
I remember a neighbor’s comment to me as a young child. I was attempting to feed a stray sniffing around my backyard. My neighbor’s voice boomed through the summer air, “Don’t feed that stray or it will never go away!” I jumped back with fear and let my (almost) friend pass by. I remember being sad over this experience for days to come. Somehow, even then, I knew it was wrong to turn away one of God’s creatures.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35 (ESV)
I find that the majority of people that come to the doors of my little urban church can be classified into two categories: Stray Cats and Scarlet Letters. The Strays are hungering to be fed in the Lord and the Scarlet Letters want a place to feel accepted and loved.
In these times of hardship, we may have strays sniffing around our church doors. We may experience a social outcast looking for redemption and forgiveness. How will we answer their call? Will we show them the love of Christ? Will we welcome them into our family of Christ? Will we feed them? If we do…they just might stay!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Who Do We Serve
Who Do We Serve?
I recently encountered opposition from a clergy friend over helping a known drug addict. This struggling soul came to me for food, and I gladly gave him supplies from the church food pantry. My wayward friend also needed clothes. I had nothing in his size, so I contacted a neighboring church and asked for help. I was sadly turned away, because the man I was helping has been known to panhandle in the community.
“But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won't help him--how can God's love be within him?” 1 John 3:17
Anyone who knows me probably thinks this is the part of the article where I complain about the utter hypocrisy of a “Christian” church refusing to help the poor. To be sure, when this incident first happened three weeks ago, I was very angry. In the spirit of ecumenical partnership, however, I refrained from telling this neighboring church pastor (of a non-UCC church) what I thought of his refusal to help someone in need.
“Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God.” Proverbs 14:31
After having had some time to reflect, I realized the real problem is more than a simple refusal to help. This pastor is not a bad man. His church helps many families and holds several large outreach events each year. Indeed, in this pastor’s church, nothing is planned without his approval. This proves that the spirit of caring for the less fortunate is definitely within the soul of this man. Yet, he still refused to help. Why?
As an outreach coordinator, I have watched our resources shrink significantly. In this stagnant economy, it is simply hard to find resources to help the people we serve. I believe, therefore, that what I really witnessed several weeks ago in that church pastor’s refusal to help had less to do with refusing to dispense and more to do with seeking to preserve the resources that he had. He still wants to help, but he has now come to the conclusion that he needs to decide who is most deserving of his church’s resources. Surely, a struggling widow working two jobs to make ends meet is more deserving than an unemployed drug addicted. Right?
Friends, this kind of thinking is such a slippery slope. Do we really have the option to choose whom we help? The Bible contains more than three hundred verses on the poor, social justice, and God's deep concern for both. In not one of these verses does God give us a means to measure the validity of a person’s cry for help. I believe that no such criterion is provided because it is not our responsibility to judge the merit of another’s need. During this Christmas season, many will flock to our churches seeking our help. If we have the resources that they need, it is our Christian duty to give them freely. It is not our job to judge the lives of those who ask for our help, but it is our calling to show them the gracious love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
I recently encountered opposition from a clergy friend over helping a known drug addict. This struggling soul came to me for food, and I gladly gave him supplies from the church food pantry. My wayward friend also needed clothes. I had nothing in his size, so I contacted a neighboring church and asked for help. I was sadly turned away, because the man I was helping has been known to panhandle in the community.
“But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won't help him--how can God's love be within him?” 1 John 3:17
Anyone who knows me probably thinks this is the part of the article where I complain about the utter hypocrisy of a “Christian” church refusing to help the poor. To be sure, when this incident first happened three weeks ago, I was very angry. In the spirit of ecumenical partnership, however, I refrained from telling this neighboring church pastor (of a non-UCC church) what I thought of his refusal to help someone in need.
“Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God.” Proverbs 14:31
After having had some time to reflect, I realized the real problem is more than a simple refusal to help. This pastor is not a bad man. His church helps many families and holds several large outreach events each year. Indeed, in this pastor’s church, nothing is planned without his approval. This proves that the spirit of caring for the less fortunate is definitely within the soul of this man. Yet, he still refused to help. Why?
As an outreach coordinator, I have watched our resources shrink significantly. In this stagnant economy, it is simply hard to find resources to help the people we serve. I believe, therefore, that what I really witnessed several weeks ago in that church pastor’s refusal to help had less to do with refusing to dispense and more to do with seeking to preserve the resources that he had. He still wants to help, but he has now come to the conclusion that he needs to decide who is most deserving of his church’s resources. Surely, a struggling widow working two jobs to make ends meet is more deserving than an unemployed drug addicted. Right?
Friends, this kind of thinking is such a slippery slope. Do we really have the option to choose whom we help? The Bible contains more than three hundred verses on the poor, social justice, and God's deep concern for both. In not one of these verses does God give us a means to measure the validity of a person’s cry for help. I believe that no such criterion is provided because it is not our responsibility to judge the merit of another’s need. During this Christmas season, many will flock to our churches seeking our help. If we have the resources that they need, it is our Christian duty to give them freely. It is not our job to judge the lives of those who ask for our help, but it is our calling to show them the gracious love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Sock Darning Time...
I consider myself an even-tempered, open minded and levelheaded woman. After all, I am the one (of my circle of friends) that everyone comes to, in their time of trial and tribulation. Surely that must make me wise or, at the very least, a good listener. Right? Then why did this “sensible” woman spend the last hour trying to move 10 yards of snow that was more than 12 inches deep, with a tiny wooden broom?
Let me start at the beginning: Here in the east coast we are use to snow. Blizzards, smizzards! We aren’t fazed by a snowstorm. We walk, drive and even run in the dang stuff. Some of us actually like it, especially at Christmastime. So when the weatherman said to expect 12 – 18 inches, I didn’t even bat an eye. When I woke up to 12 inches of snow, I grabbed the dog and headed to the backyard for a little snowy playtime. After my boy and I were properly frozen and ready for a hot breakfast, we happily came into our warm home. Sounds great doesn’t it? What’s not to love about a relaxing morning playing in freshly (still falling) snow, without a care in the world? My boy and I thoroughly enjoyed our peaceful winter wonderland.
After several hours of warming myself by the radiator, I decided it was time to shovel the front walk. As I bundled myself in my hat, gloves, scarf and coat, I went in search of my snow shovel. Well, not really a search because I knew where it was all the time. It was at the top of the basement stairs. No! Oh, that’s right, it’s at the bottom of the basement stairs. No again! Hmm? I must have put it in the storage closet in the basement. Nope, not there! Scratching my head with my oversized gloved hands, I tried to remember where I had last seen my snow shovel. That’s when the realization of my neglect truly hit me. I remembered all of the times I had tripped over it last summer, because I hadn’t put it in its proper place. How many times had I cursed my metal friend because it got in my way as I ran out into the summer sun? I suddenly realized just how carelessly I had treated a much need tool in my life.
With no other option at hand, I grabbed a small wooden broom and attempted to sweep away the mountain of snow that lined my front walk. As I unsuccessfully went about my task, I couldn’t help but think of the other tools I’ve neglect in my life because they weren’t needed at the time. I began to wonder how many skills we collectively have lost, because we decided they had no current value. For some reason the image of an old woman darning socks by the light of a roaring fire filled my mind. Darned Socks? Who does that anymore? It is so easy just to buy a new pair at the local Wal-Mart. I started to count the number of holey socks that are pushed to the back of my sock drawer. Hmm?
Okay, maybe you’re thinking darning socks isn’t really a lost skill or tool to cry over. But, isn’t that how all things begin to fall away? We decide what does or doesn’t have value or purpose in our lives. We make our selections and then we mock those who hold onto the things we’ve given away so easily. Maybe that’s because we know we are compromising too much. As a college teacher, I encounter parents who constantly complain about the lack of communication with their children. When I ask about their children’s hobbies or how they spend down time, I’m always surprised by the parent’s reaction. Most of the time I’m shocked to find that the parents have no idea what their children are doing in their own homes. I often hear that children are fad crazy and that there’s no use trying to understand what they like, because it will change the next day. I remembered what one mother had said to me several months ago, “Kid’s fads never last, so why should we spend time trying to follow them?” I knew that was wrong at the time, but it wasn’t until this morning that I knew why! Just because you or I don’t readily see something’s value, doesn’t mean it is valueless or worthless!
The same thing holds true for those things that are seasonal or short-lived. Ice cream is our summertime treat, but it is valued all year long by the ice cream maker. Without the summer sales explosion, the ice cream maker wouldn’t survive through the winter. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, lived 33 short years upon this earth, but His teachings continue to change the world. For those of us who still seek Him, we use that short 33-year life as a building block on which we shape our Christian lives. Short-lived? Yes! Was His life worthless or without value? NO! Most of us wouldn’t even consider thinking, let alone saying something so ridiculous. As Christians we would lift swords and raise our collective voices if someone tried to take away our right to believe and follow Christ. Yet, we make judgments about other people’s beliefs and lifestyles without even blinking an eye. How hypocritical of us!
Perhaps it’s time for all of us, all of humankind, to dust out our sheds and look for our old tools. We each were born with skills (or tools) that were given to us by our creator. Some of us were lucky to have family who helped us perfect those tools and some of us had to learn the hard way on our own, and still some of us are just learning that we have unused skills. Humankind was created to love and learn by harnessing the tools of each other’s skill sets to traverse this world together. Somewhere along the way we forgot the great spirits that live inside of us, and sought the worldly instead of the spiritual. We’ve thrown away the things that mattered only to live in a world that doesn’t see value in humankind.
Today, I saw the value of an old snow shovel, the moment I needed it and it was gone from my sight. I don’t want that to happen to my humanity as well. I’m taking inventory of the things I’ve overlooked or devalued. God has given me plenty of downtime to do this, since the snow is still falling and we’re currently up to 18 inches. (I really miss that old snow shovel!) I plan to spend this time evaluating my behavior and working toward honoring the blessings I’ve been given. Instead of throwing away the tools I’m currently not using, I’m going to exercise those skills by sharing them with someone else. I guess what I’m saying is, I’m going to try to be the human being God intended me to be. Oh, yeah and I’m going to learn how to darn those holey socks that are shoved way in the back of my sock drawer. :-)
Peace,
Imabeliever
Let me start at the beginning: Here in the east coast we are use to snow. Blizzards, smizzards! We aren’t fazed by a snowstorm. We walk, drive and even run in the dang stuff. Some of us actually like it, especially at Christmastime. So when the weatherman said to expect 12 – 18 inches, I didn’t even bat an eye. When I woke up to 12 inches of snow, I grabbed the dog and headed to the backyard for a little snowy playtime. After my boy and I were properly frozen and ready for a hot breakfast, we happily came into our warm home. Sounds great doesn’t it? What’s not to love about a relaxing morning playing in freshly (still falling) snow, without a care in the world? My boy and I thoroughly enjoyed our peaceful winter wonderland.
After several hours of warming myself by the radiator, I decided it was time to shovel the front walk. As I bundled myself in my hat, gloves, scarf and coat, I went in search of my snow shovel. Well, not really a search because I knew where it was all the time. It was at the top of the basement stairs. No! Oh, that’s right, it’s at the bottom of the basement stairs. No again! Hmm? I must have put it in the storage closet in the basement. Nope, not there! Scratching my head with my oversized gloved hands, I tried to remember where I had last seen my snow shovel. That’s when the realization of my neglect truly hit me. I remembered all of the times I had tripped over it last summer, because I hadn’t put it in its proper place. How many times had I cursed my metal friend because it got in my way as I ran out into the summer sun? I suddenly realized just how carelessly I had treated a much need tool in my life.
With no other option at hand, I grabbed a small wooden broom and attempted to sweep away the mountain of snow that lined my front walk. As I unsuccessfully went about my task, I couldn’t help but think of the other tools I’ve neglect in my life because they weren’t needed at the time. I began to wonder how many skills we collectively have lost, because we decided they had no current value. For some reason the image of an old woman darning socks by the light of a roaring fire filled my mind. Darned Socks? Who does that anymore? It is so easy just to buy a new pair at the local Wal-Mart. I started to count the number of holey socks that are pushed to the back of my sock drawer. Hmm?
Okay, maybe you’re thinking darning socks isn’t really a lost skill or tool to cry over. But, isn’t that how all things begin to fall away? We decide what does or doesn’t have value or purpose in our lives. We make our selections and then we mock those who hold onto the things we’ve given away so easily. Maybe that’s because we know we are compromising too much. As a college teacher, I encounter parents who constantly complain about the lack of communication with their children. When I ask about their children’s hobbies or how they spend down time, I’m always surprised by the parent’s reaction. Most of the time I’m shocked to find that the parents have no idea what their children are doing in their own homes. I often hear that children are fad crazy and that there’s no use trying to understand what they like, because it will change the next day. I remembered what one mother had said to me several months ago, “Kid’s fads never last, so why should we spend time trying to follow them?” I knew that was wrong at the time, but it wasn’t until this morning that I knew why! Just because you or I don’t readily see something’s value, doesn’t mean it is valueless or worthless!
The same thing holds true for those things that are seasonal or short-lived. Ice cream is our summertime treat, but it is valued all year long by the ice cream maker. Without the summer sales explosion, the ice cream maker wouldn’t survive through the winter. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, lived 33 short years upon this earth, but His teachings continue to change the world. For those of us who still seek Him, we use that short 33-year life as a building block on which we shape our Christian lives. Short-lived? Yes! Was His life worthless or without value? NO! Most of us wouldn’t even consider thinking, let alone saying something so ridiculous. As Christians we would lift swords and raise our collective voices if someone tried to take away our right to believe and follow Christ. Yet, we make judgments about other people’s beliefs and lifestyles without even blinking an eye. How hypocritical of us!
Perhaps it’s time for all of us, all of humankind, to dust out our sheds and look for our old tools. We each were born with skills (or tools) that were given to us by our creator. Some of us were lucky to have family who helped us perfect those tools and some of us had to learn the hard way on our own, and still some of us are just learning that we have unused skills. Humankind was created to love and learn by harnessing the tools of each other’s skill sets to traverse this world together. Somewhere along the way we forgot the great spirits that live inside of us, and sought the worldly instead of the spiritual. We’ve thrown away the things that mattered only to live in a world that doesn’t see value in humankind.
Today, I saw the value of an old snow shovel, the moment I needed it and it was gone from my sight. I don’t want that to happen to my humanity as well. I’m taking inventory of the things I’ve overlooked or devalued. God has given me plenty of downtime to do this, since the snow is still falling and we’re currently up to 18 inches. (I really miss that old snow shovel!) I plan to spend this time evaluating my behavior and working toward honoring the blessings I’ve been given. Instead of throwing away the tools I’m currently not using, I’m going to exercise those skills by sharing them with someone else. I guess what I’m saying is, I’m going to try to be the human being God intended me to be. Oh, yeah and I’m going to learn how to darn those holey socks that are shoved way in the back of my sock drawer. :-)
Peace,
Imabeliever
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Not The Day I'd Planned...
Well I had big plans today! I was going to write and work on my presentation for next week’s workshop, but I didn’t. I slept until 8am, although I didn’t get out of bed until 10am. I wish I could say that I spent the two hours just communing with the Lord, but I didn’t. Today has been a day of sweet reflection and restful thoughts. I haven’t been actively praying, but I’ve been prayerful. I can’t really explain what today is or what I felt when I awoke this morning. Not sadness or happiness, not anything really.
I got out of bed and made my way to the couch, where I sat for another hour. I picked up one of the many books that I’ve yet to finish and read a few chapters. Nothing earth shattering or life changing came from the experience. Then I migrated to the computer, where I read my email, checked today’s news headlines and sent a tweet or two to Twitter.
Two hours later, I felt my stomach complain for lack of food, so I ordered Chinese food. I sorted through the weeks “snail” mail while I waited for the food to be delivered. Thirty minutes later, when the food arrived, I decided to watch a movie. I remembered that I still had my mother’s copy of Mama Mia. I settled back on my comfy couch, ate my favorite Chinese food and mindlessly watched the television set.
Ninety-five minutes later, I cleaned up the living room and washed the dishes, all as I hummed ABBA songs. I noticed the kitchen clock on the wall. “It’s almost 3:30pm and I’ve yet to really do anything!” As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I pushed it away. Not because I felt guilty, because honestly I felt nothing. I was sort of apathetic, which is the complete opposite of my personality. If anything, I’m usually focused on a hundred things, while trying to juggle all those little red balls in the air that someone threw my way.
I decided to play doctor and do a self-evaluation: Feeling Depressed? No! Feeling Unhappy? Nope! Feeling Guilty? Definitely Not! Feeling Stressed? Not in the least! Wait that’s it! I’m not feeling stressed! WOW! I think I’m so used to running at a hundred miles an hour, fighting deadlines and working around time constraints that stress has become a constant companion. An old friend if you will. So today what I’ve been feeling is what? Relaxation? And then it hits me, this is the first Saturday that I’ve had nothing pressing to do in nearly 6 months. I hadn’t even realized that I was missing this. This nothingness. This timelessness. Today was about moments: small moments of just breathing in my own little corner of the world. Over the last 6 months I’d forgotten what it means to just relax. I could get used to this!
It’s nearly 6pm and I feel content, as I write this message to you. Maybe I’m writing it to myself as well, so that I don’t forget the importance of a day like today. A deep sigh of restfulness fills my body, as I plan my agenda for tonight. As I think about the evening laid out before me I remember that I have laundry to do, a sick friend is waiting for me to attend to his needs, and the lawn should be cut before it gets too dark….
Even as my mind dances around the hundreds of things that need my attention and I start to juggle all those little red balls of other people’s expectations, I feel a little calmer than I normally would. Today was a subtle day of sweet relaxation and I am thankful.
“Be still before the LORD…” Psalm 37:7
I got out of bed and made my way to the couch, where I sat for another hour. I picked up one of the many books that I’ve yet to finish and read a few chapters. Nothing earth shattering or life changing came from the experience. Then I migrated to the computer, where I read my email, checked today’s news headlines and sent a tweet or two to Twitter.
Two hours later, I felt my stomach complain for lack of food, so I ordered Chinese food. I sorted through the weeks “snail” mail while I waited for the food to be delivered. Thirty minutes later, when the food arrived, I decided to watch a movie. I remembered that I still had my mother’s copy of Mama Mia. I settled back on my comfy couch, ate my favorite Chinese food and mindlessly watched the television set.
Ninety-five minutes later, I cleaned up the living room and washed the dishes, all as I hummed ABBA songs. I noticed the kitchen clock on the wall. “It’s almost 3:30pm and I’ve yet to really do anything!” As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I pushed it away. Not because I felt guilty, because honestly I felt nothing. I was sort of apathetic, which is the complete opposite of my personality. If anything, I’m usually focused on a hundred things, while trying to juggle all those little red balls in the air that someone threw my way.
I decided to play doctor and do a self-evaluation: Feeling Depressed? No! Feeling Unhappy? Nope! Feeling Guilty? Definitely Not! Feeling Stressed? Not in the least! Wait that’s it! I’m not feeling stressed! WOW! I think I’m so used to running at a hundred miles an hour, fighting deadlines and working around time constraints that stress has become a constant companion. An old friend if you will. So today what I’ve been feeling is what? Relaxation? And then it hits me, this is the first Saturday that I’ve had nothing pressing to do in nearly 6 months. I hadn’t even realized that I was missing this. This nothingness. This timelessness. Today was about moments: small moments of just breathing in my own little corner of the world. Over the last 6 months I’d forgotten what it means to just relax. I could get used to this!
It’s nearly 6pm and I feel content, as I write this message to you. Maybe I’m writing it to myself as well, so that I don’t forget the importance of a day like today. A deep sigh of restfulness fills my body, as I plan my agenda for tonight. As I think about the evening laid out before me I remember that I have laundry to do, a sick friend is waiting for me to attend to his needs, and the lawn should be cut before it gets too dark….
Even as my mind dances around the hundreds of things that need my attention and I start to juggle all those little red balls of other people’s expectations, I feel a little calmer than I normally would. Today was a subtle day of sweet relaxation and I am thankful.
“Be still before the LORD…” Psalm 37:7
Friday, November 21, 2008
Struggling with Judgments
It is hard not to judge! I struggle with this often. I think of myself as an open-minded person, yet I still find myself judging people. I think the problem is that I'm convinced they deserve my judgment, just as I have taken their judgments over the years. It's the "good for the goose, good for the gander" principal. Right?
I'm so sure of myself and then God sends me a message like this:
“Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself.” Romans 2:1-11 (Paraphrased)
I hear God speaking to me clearly, yet I still resist. Isn't judgment “sometimes” righteous? Again (unhappily) I receive His answer, "Yes, but only when it comes from Me!"
This is not the answer I want to hear. I find myself still trying to plead my case:
Don’t we need to scream our objections, until the world is exactly the way it should be? Isn't that how great change has happened? Consider women's suffrage, civil rights and religious freedoms! The docile crusader types like Gandhi didn’t lead all of those fights. There were plenty of David’s riding into battle, screaming their judgments at the top of their lungs.
It’s apparent that my heart and soul aren’t in agreement. I know that God is telling me to follow my soul…and I'm trying!
I love mankind, I do! But at times I hate the way we treat each other. There is one person in particular that continues to come to mind. I’m angry at her selfish actions and I sometimes find myself judging her. At those times, I just hold her in prayer until I feel compassion for her again. I guess that's all any of us can do, when we find ourselves struggling.
“It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect.” Psalm 18:32
I know that I’m not strong enough to let my judgments go, and that’s why I have to turn to Jesus. I’m constantly asking God to give me the strength to love as He loves. Yet, everyday I feel as though I’ve failed, and I find myself on my knees once again. Will I ever get this right? Will I ever learn to stop judging?
Today, during my morning prayer, I heard God gently answer, “You can only give what you can receive!”
Wow, I finally got it! I’m having trouble judging others, because I judge myself too harshly. My “self” expectations are frequently disjointed and over enthusiastic. Apparently, I’ve been expecting others to live up to my standards, not God’s. I really didn’t like finding this out about myself.
God had every right to treat me like the jerk I was being, yet He whispered to me sweetly. Again, I’m reminded to treat others as I want to be treated. Thank God He is consistent and doesn’t treat me as I deserve. So, today I made a decision. I’m going to shake off my inner jerk and rejoice in the love of the Lord. As for the judging, I’m trying to leave that to God, even though... it is hard not to judge!
I'm so sure of myself and then God sends me a message like this:
“Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself.” Romans 2:1-11 (Paraphrased)
I hear God speaking to me clearly, yet I still resist. Isn't judgment “sometimes” righteous? Again (unhappily) I receive His answer, "Yes, but only when it comes from Me!"
This is not the answer I want to hear. I find myself still trying to plead my case:
Don’t we need to scream our objections, until the world is exactly the way it should be? Isn't that how great change has happened? Consider women's suffrage, civil rights and religious freedoms! The docile crusader types like Gandhi didn’t lead all of those fights. There were plenty of David’s riding into battle, screaming their judgments at the top of their lungs.
It’s apparent that my heart and soul aren’t in agreement. I know that God is telling me to follow my soul…and I'm trying!
I love mankind, I do! But at times I hate the way we treat each other. There is one person in particular that continues to come to mind. I’m angry at her selfish actions and I sometimes find myself judging her. At those times, I just hold her in prayer until I feel compassion for her again. I guess that's all any of us can do, when we find ourselves struggling.
“It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect.” Psalm 18:32
I know that I’m not strong enough to let my judgments go, and that’s why I have to turn to Jesus. I’m constantly asking God to give me the strength to love as He loves. Yet, everyday I feel as though I’ve failed, and I find myself on my knees once again. Will I ever get this right? Will I ever learn to stop judging?
Today, during my morning prayer, I heard God gently answer, “You can only give what you can receive!”
Wow, I finally got it! I’m having trouble judging others, because I judge myself too harshly. My “self” expectations are frequently disjointed and over enthusiastic. Apparently, I’ve been expecting others to live up to my standards, not God’s. I really didn’t like finding this out about myself.
God had every right to treat me like the jerk I was being, yet He whispered to me sweetly. Again, I’m reminded to treat others as I want to be treated. Thank God He is consistent and doesn’t treat me as I deserve. So, today I made a decision. I’m going to shake off my inner jerk and rejoice in the love of the Lord. As for the judging, I’m trying to leave that to God, even though... it is hard not to judge!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Media and the Presidential Election
I know the situation in our country seems a bit bleak, but God’s grace is sufficient.
My household and my church were divided over our recent election. (Divided in our opinions, not in our demeanor.) I would say, conservatively, it was a 60/40 split. Most of the church supported McCain, as was the case with my family. This lack of agreement and difference in opinion led to many spirited discussions. Thankfully, for the most part, we were able to maintain our tempers and debate in a respectful manner. I wish I could say the same about the media.
The media’s bias single-handedly whipped this country into a frenzy over the election. With the misinformation and negative spin that the (so called) news agencies fed to the public about both candidates, we’re lucky that we didn’t have rioting in the streets on Tuesday night. If it sounds like I’m exaggerating, let me explain. I’m a media and marketing professional who teaches in a private college specializing in the communication and broadcasting field.
Over the last three months, I had my class analyze three decades of Presidential Political campaigns and the media's coverage. What we found was shocking! There has always been a rivalry between the political parties, but as the media became more entrenched in the electoral process that rift became a gapping, ever widening crevasse. We are no longer living in the days of non-biased reporting by trustworthy news anchors. The importance is on the shock value of a story, not it’s accuracy. The days of Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite are long gone!
My point, as longwinded as it may seem, is simply to say, “don’t believe the hype!” Things may seem bleak, but it is never as bad as the media reports. There is plenty of Good News in this world, but that doesn’t sell, so it is hardly ever reported. God’s grace is sufficient! If we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, His plan will soon be revealed. I really believe that we are moving into change! Maybe not the political change that some have spoken about, but a transformation is coming. As more of us embrace the God with-in us, we will be the change that happens to this world. For years there has been an imbalance! The darkness has outweighed the light, but I believe that is slowly changing. Every day I see people turning away from the worldly to embrace the Godly. We will prevail! We have Jesus! His love abides and His grace is sufficient.
My household and my church were divided over our recent election. (Divided in our opinions, not in our demeanor.) I would say, conservatively, it was a 60/40 split. Most of the church supported McCain, as was the case with my family. This lack of agreement and difference in opinion led to many spirited discussions. Thankfully, for the most part, we were able to maintain our tempers and debate in a respectful manner. I wish I could say the same about the media.
The media’s bias single-handedly whipped this country into a frenzy over the election. With the misinformation and negative spin that the (so called) news agencies fed to the public about both candidates, we’re lucky that we didn’t have rioting in the streets on Tuesday night. If it sounds like I’m exaggerating, let me explain. I’m a media and marketing professional who teaches in a private college specializing in the communication and broadcasting field.
Over the last three months, I had my class analyze three decades of Presidential Political campaigns and the media's coverage. What we found was shocking! There has always been a rivalry between the political parties, but as the media became more entrenched in the electoral process that rift became a gapping, ever widening crevasse. We are no longer living in the days of non-biased reporting by trustworthy news anchors. The importance is on the shock value of a story, not it’s accuracy. The days of Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite are long gone!
My point, as longwinded as it may seem, is simply to say, “don’t believe the hype!” Things may seem bleak, but it is never as bad as the media reports. There is plenty of Good News in this world, but that doesn’t sell, so it is hardly ever reported. God’s grace is sufficient! If we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, His plan will soon be revealed. I really believe that we are moving into change! Maybe not the political change that some have spoken about, but a transformation is coming. As more of us embrace the God with-in us, we will be the change that happens to this world. For years there has been an imbalance! The darkness has outweighed the light, but I believe that is slowly changing. Every day I see people turning away from the worldly to embrace the Godly. We will prevail! We have Jesus! His love abides and His grace is sufficient.
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