While many of my fellow bloggers are sharing about how they have valiantly reclaimed Christmas for the Christ Child or how joyful it is has been to celebrate Advent rather than Black Friday(or Black Thursday, if you have a real problem), this story's tone is a little different. With this in mind, it is as if my life and those in it have no idea what time of year we have entered and disregard paying it homage. Oh, how I wish this was about the topic of Christmas or the beauty of Advent, dear Reader! Unfortunately, if you decide to stay the course just be warned this is a chair-shifting, uncomfortable account of confrontations. You know, the ones that are unavoidable and gut-wrenching. We all have them. We all wonder if we handled things in the right way and manner. If you are like me, you wish you could have avoided them all together. Yes, avoidance. I would like to avoid any and all arguments and disagreements. (Please add that to Christmas wish list!) Moreover, my avoidance provides silence. As a result of avoiding, it became a formula for acheiving some twisted godly spirit of peace. Surely in my view, this is what Scripture means when it says, "You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." In all of scripture I am not more contradictory than a "gentle and quiet spirit." Thus, I am in hot pursuit!
However, the thoughts of turning my cheek and loving my enemies(or those who hurt you) has left me feeling like a puny wallflower with no voice for certain injustices and situations. Y'all, do NOT fall prey to this line of thinking! Jesus never meant for His followers to be silenced in fear of being offensive or offending someone who is in obvious misalignment of God's Word! In fact, Jesus' entire ministry chronicles him being at odds with the religious leaders of his day. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit led me away from this incorrect view of Jesus. With this purpose in mind, I found the courageous, outspoken, warrior Jesus, I longed to remember. In the gospel of Matthew, chapter 23 shows Jesus going toe-to-toe with the Pharisees. Specifically, verse 23 of the chapter states, "What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things." Jesus is very harsh in his depiction of the Pharisees, even telling the crowds, "everything they do is for show." In addition, in this short chapter of Matthew, ten time Jesus ridicules and denounces the Pharisees by calling them "hypocrites" and citing severe warnings of their fates. Boldly, Jesus labels them "Snakes" and "Sons of Vipers" because of the falseness and injustices they portrayed in their lives to society. Clearly, Jesus was not turning his cheek, but boldly proclaiming the Truth.
Likewise, I had a rather unpleasant and uncomfortable confrontation recently. I would have preferred avoiding telling this person the things I had to say, but I had finally been cornered and there was no getting out of it this time. Consequently, I could not ignore the injustices within our so-called friendship and the hypocrisies of her life anymore. Now, before you start picture us going at it, just know, it was civilized. As in the word's of my best friend, I "didn't remove my earrings" or "lose my religion." However, I revealed some very personal accounts and very harsh realities to this person and it was NOT easy! When it ended, I wonder if I had done the most Christ-like thing or if I should have just continued to ignore it and let her wonder, "what was wrong with ME?" It hasn't really fixed anything. She and her spouse have gone on to stir more trouble for me by the text of lies and cold-shoulder I have received from neighbors. Although, it stings, I know the accusations are false and taken out of context. Sincerely, folks, I don't say these things proudly or boastfully, but rather with a heart full of justice and seeking and giving mercy. Truly, some situations are petty and we should avoid them, but where justice has been twisted we are required to speak up.
Furthermore, all throughout Scripture we are given God's proclamation to seek justice. For example, Micah 6:8 warrants us "to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Also, Proverbs 21:3 reveals, "The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices." In other words, I do not believe that God calls us to avoid speaking up against injustices; nor do I believe He wants his followers involved in petty disagreements.
In conclusion, the truth of justice commands us to be bold and sometimes confrontational. We can be confident in The Truth we believe, while being gracious and merciful just as Jesus displayed. Then, we can say, "I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness."(Psalm 40:10)
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Damaged
My mom and I made a quick trip to Garden Ridge today to do a little shopping. I needed a new front entry rug and runner. As we were milling around the store a nice lady asked for our assistance regarding some lampshades for some lamps she wanted to purchase for her family room. Certainly, word must have gotten out of my curtain making skills and creative project abilities. Surely, she mistakenly thought I was an expert! So, of course, I instantly jumped at the chance to help her out. Little did she know she helped me out, in a big way! She mentioned the lamps were broken and in need of minor repair and that THEY WERE ONLY .25 CENTS EACH!!!!! Whoa, we had hit the motherload! All these years shopping at Garden Ridge and I never heard about the damaged rows! I found my little jewels under a pile of broken and dented pieces. Likewise, I purchased two more items for $3.25 and $6.25.
That story is enough for me to end my day a happy shopper, but God is never done with me that easy!! So, tonight after I cleaned them up a bit and fix some of the scratches and dents, I posted a picture of my prized finds on Facebook to share the good news. It wasn't until others who were delighted to know how I did it, that it hit me. I simply wrote the word, damaged. And, there it is! They were disregarded because they were damaged. They were counted worthless because they were damaged. In like fashion, I think that is probably how the world views the 160 million global orphans. I think for many different reasons we write them off as worthless. For myself, it was out of pure ignorance. Moreover, it was putting on my blinders and burying myself in my issues and my world and my life! In particular, it was easy to skip over the continuous theme of God's command to care for the orphans. Contrarily, I think others are fully aware but retreat in fear. Specifically, many see orphans, or like in our country, those in foster care, as too damaged. Consequently, they are left hungry, naked, helpless, hopeless and without ever knowing a mother's love.
Thankfully, God has opened my eyes and broken my heart. I fear doing nothing instead of fearing what too damaged means for changes in my life. With this in mind, I will proudly display my "damaged" artwork in the entryway so it will be the first thing that greets all who enter our home. In short, damaged is a scary word, it requires work and a little creativity, but words like poverty, hopeless and unloved are far worse!
That story is enough for me to end my day a happy shopper, but God is never done with me that easy!! So, tonight after I cleaned them up a bit and fix some of the scratches and dents, I posted a picture of my prized finds on Facebook to share the good news. It wasn't until others who were delighted to know how I did it, that it hit me. I simply wrote the word, damaged. And, there it is! They were disregarded because they were damaged. They were counted worthless because they were damaged. In like fashion, I think that is probably how the world views the 160 million global orphans. I think for many different reasons we write them off as worthless. For myself, it was out of pure ignorance. Moreover, it was putting on my blinders and burying myself in my issues and my world and my life! In particular, it was easy to skip over the continuous theme of God's command to care for the orphans. Contrarily, I think others are fully aware but retreat in fear. Specifically, many see orphans, or like in our country, those in foster care, as too damaged. Consequently, they are left hungry, naked, helpless, hopeless and without ever knowing a mother's love.
Thankfully, God has opened my eyes and broken my heart. I fear doing nothing instead of fearing what too damaged means for changes in my life. With this in mind, I will proudly display my "damaged" artwork in the entryway so it will be the first thing that greets all who enter our home. In short, damaged is a scary word, it requires work and a little creativity, but words like poverty, hopeless and unloved are far worse!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
The Cost of Following Jesus
For the last few days I have been thinking of the verse from the Gospel when Jesus says, "the Son Of Man has nowhere to lay his head." It all began while seeing Facebook Friends list their thankfulness for the month of gratitude. As many stated that their gratefulness for the homes and roofs over their head, the verse popped into my head. Like always, it compelled me to dig further. I blame it on the bible study I am currently participating. The study encourages growing more than surface deep through picturing and pondering God's Word. Therefore, I've turned in to a mad woman picturing and pondering, all the while God is changing me, giving me wisdom and knowledge, and adoration for his majesty!
Hence, it beckons me to search why this scripture has stayed with me the past few days and why I must learn more. Somehow, it all became clear today. I have struggled for months trying to figure out this adoption vision and idea of orphan care. Why, I somehow can't escape the ideas? I've asked myself a million times, is it for us? Are we the kind of people who do this kind of thing? We already have children, how will they feel? How would an adopted child feel? How can we accommodate and juggle all of this change? Suddenly, it all makes sense! This verse hit home for me. The entire passage from Matthew 8:18-22 goes like this:
18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.
19 Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
20 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man[a] has no place even to lay his head.”
21 Another of his disciples said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”
22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead."
You, see, as we step in to following God's commands of "taking care of the orphan in their distress," I realized I am just like these religious teachers. I was to stay at the Ritz to good works. I want to be comfortable. Moreover, I been able to ignore the Lord's heart for orphans because I am mom, with a young family and what about them?! Until now, I have felt justified and right in letting others go because I felt exempt due to my beautiful, little charges! Now, don't get me wrong! I know that God's timing is perfect and that I do have great responsibilities to my little family. However, tonight our church's orphan care ministry is hosting a respite event for foster care families. So, I am leaving my children(in great hands with Grandma, by the way) and loving and serving those who have not had the greatest experiences in their homes. I am going to love on children who have never seen a mom or dad who holds your hand when you are scared at the doctor or rocks you when you're ill, who cheers for you at your baseball games or when you bring home an A. I am going to leave my children, who are so loved and so served, to answer God's call to "defend the cause of the orphan." Matthew Henry's commentary puts it like this: "If Christ requires our service, affection even for the nearest and dearest relatives, and for things otherwise our duty, must give way."
In other words, just for today, I am going to step out in faith that my children are not my priority and that God is calling me to a greater purpose and spreading his hope to "the least of these." Please pray for these kids and pray for all of us that we ooze the light of Christ's love and grace to them!
Hence, it beckons me to search why this scripture has stayed with me the past few days and why I must learn more. Somehow, it all became clear today. I have struggled for months trying to figure out this adoption vision and idea of orphan care. Why, I somehow can't escape the ideas? I've asked myself a million times, is it for us? Are we the kind of people who do this kind of thing? We already have children, how will they feel? How would an adopted child feel? How can we accommodate and juggle all of this change? Suddenly, it all makes sense! This verse hit home for me. The entire passage from Matthew 8:18-22 goes like this:
18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.
19 Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
20 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man[a] has no place even to lay his head.”
21 Another of his disciples said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”
22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead."
You, see, as we step in to following God's commands of "taking care of the orphan in their distress," I realized I am just like these religious teachers. I was to stay at the Ritz to good works. I want to be comfortable. Moreover, I been able to ignore the Lord's heart for orphans because I am mom, with a young family and what about them?! Until now, I have felt justified and right in letting others go because I felt exempt due to my beautiful, little charges! Now, don't get me wrong! I know that God's timing is perfect and that I do have great responsibilities to my little family. However, tonight our church's orphan care ministry is hosting a respite event for foster care families. So, I am leaving my children(in great hands with Grandma, by the way) and loving and serving those who have not had the greatest experiences in their homes. I am going to love on children who have never seen a mom or dad who holds your hand when you are scared at the doctor or rocks you when you're ill, who cheers for you at your baseball games or when you bring home an A. I am going to leave my children, who are so loved and so served, to answer God's call to "defend the cause of the orphan." Matthew Henry's commentary puts it like this: "If Christ requires our service, affection even for the nearest and dearest relatives, and for things otherwise our duty, must give way."
In other words, just for today, I am going to step out in faith that my children are not my priority and that God is calling me to a greater purpose and spreading his hope to "the least of these." Please pray for these kids and pray for all of us that we ooze the light of Christ's love and grace to them!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Adventure Calling
This may sound shocking to some, but I was an adult woman, mother of two, before I rode my first roller coaster! I know, crazy, right!? They are so fun and thrilling. They go fast and make your stomach flip and make you laugh! What's not to love? Well, for a kid like me it was the thought of bad construction, malfunction, heights, the fear of the unknown, and the idea of an uncontrolled train! I think that the process of adoption is much like that. To those who have gone through it, it makes your stomach flip, takes you to great highs and lows, and hopefully you laugh more than you cry. Although, to those on our end, to what heights and what depths will we go, will things malfunction, what surprises await us? For a control freak like myself, these are not exciting words. However, God always seems to know exactly what my heart is saying and he speaks directly to it. This promise from his word is no different. It speaks to the very core of my heart and it comforts me in great and mighty ways.
Romans 8:15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received GOD'S SPIRIT when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father."
Wow! And Amen! This is a promise I desperately needed to hear. The words practically jump off the page. You can throw off your fear and timidity, because you received God's spirit! I have God's spirit! Not some wimpy, frail, pathetic spirit. God's spirit. The same God who parts seas, calms the waves, and brings dead to life! The excitement is building in me just thinking of all that awaits us!
While it may be true, anyone who has known me since I was small child knows, this is a stretch for me. I have never been one for adventure. I HATE surprises, detest change and new stuff, do not seek thrills and find comfort in being in control both of myself and others. Does this make me not fun? Do I not enjoy a good time? No, and of course, I do. I just tend to stick to the safer course. I like the Bunny Slopes. (*As a side note, I should probably mention that God paired me to a spouse who loves coasters, loves the unknown and always takes the back-roads). It is that realization that God has been showing me all along that it can be fun to not know where you are going next! More importantly, I realize the adoption process is anything but the Bunny Slopes! It's more like being blind-folded and trying to go down the Black Diamond courses! Fortunately, we have a Guide. God has met us every step so far, and I am confident that he will continue. He has established his view for orphans. He has shown us his heart for adoption when he adopted us as his very own. He has broken our hearts for the global orphan crisis. Faithfully, he has put people in our lives to serve with, to give us understanding, and to advise us. Most importantly, he has shown us love and grace in ways more sufficient than words can explain!
Granted that I may still have fear, I do not have to let it dictate my life. Likewise, I am not fearful that God won't be by our side. He is always reminding me every step of the way to our child(ren) that he is the One who started this and he is the One who will finish it! Nevertheless, my fear runs deep. For example, I was the kid who checked out crime reports and stats in certain cities my family wanted to vacation in. I was the kid who watched the news just so I could know how close bad stuff had happened to me. I am the adult who NEVER leaves home without a game plan. I am the adult who makes pros and cons lists for just about everything. I like control, it makes me think I am safe. Don't get me wrong, these are all good qualities; they make me a good, responsible leader. However, what I am realizing more and more in this life, is there are no guarantees and if I am going to truly follow Christ, if I am going to be obedient to his calling for my/our life I am going to have to take some risks! Over and over in the Gospel, Jesus tells his followers "If you cling to your life, you will lose, and if you let your life go, you will save it." Hmmm, I think he's saying, Quit trying so hard to control everything. You are not in control of anything any way! I can continue to be responsible but I don't have to try so hard to make things fit my expectations.
Accordingly, the promise from Romans 8:15 let's me know I don't have try to be adventurous either. If I just willingly follow Jesus' path for me life will be an adventure. I like the way The Message version states it:
This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!
That is empowerment, People! It is this truth and encouragement I must stand on. It is all I have to drag me out of my comfort zone. I can throw off my spirit of fear because it is false and not who God created me to be. In short, we can do great and exciting things because He wills it to be!
Finally, we received a package in the mail today from All God's Children International. We are not finished exploring all of the domestic options for adopting a child but it seems that the international door is unlocked and open for us...please pray for us as we go through this season and we make changes appropriate for being obedient to God's calling! November 6th is Orphan Sunday- a day dedicated to praying for and calling attention to "the least of these." I hope 163 million of them are on your hearts and minds just for today! :)
Romans 8:15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received GOD'S SPIRIT when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father."
Wow! And Amen! This is a promise I desperately needed to hear. The words practically jump off the page. You can throw off your fear and timidity, because you received God's spirit! I have God's spirit! Not some wimpy, frail, pathetic spirit. God's spirit. The same God who parts seas, calms the waves, and brings dead to life! The excitement is building in me just thinking of all that awaits us!
While it may be true, anyone who has known me since I was small child knows, this is a stretch for me. I have never been one for adventure. I HATE surprises, detest change and new stuff, do not seek thrills and find comfort in being in control both of myself and others. Does this make me not fun? Do I not enjoy a good time? No, and of course, I do. I just tend to stick to the safer course. I like the Bunny Slopes. (*As a side note, I should probably mention that God paired me to a spouse who loves coasters, loves the unknown and always takes the back-roads). It is that realization that God has been showing me all along that it can be fun to not know where you are going next! More importantly, I realize the adoption process is anything but the Bunny Slopes! It's more like being blind-folded and trying to go down the Black Diamond courses! Fortunately, we have a Guide. God has met us every step so far, and I am confident that he will continue. He has established his view for orphans. He has shown us his heart for adoption when he adopted us as his very own. He has broken our hearts for the global orphan crisis. Faithfully, he has put people in our lives to serve with, to give us understanding, and to advise us. Most importantly, he has shown us love and grace in ways more sufficient than words can explain!
Granted that I may still have fear, I do not have to let it dictate my life. Likewise, I am not fearful that God won't be by our side. He is always reminding me every step of the way to our child(ren) that he is the One who started this and he is the One who will finish it! Nevertheless, my fear runs deep. For example, I was the kid who checked out crime reports and stats in certain cities my family wanted to vacation in. I was the kid who watched the news just so I could know how close bad stuff had happened to me. I am the adult who NEVER leaves home without a game plan. I am the adult who makes pros and cons lists for just about everything. I like control, it makes me think I am safe. Don't get me wrong, these are all good qualities; they make me a good, responsible leader. However, what I am realizing more and more in this life, is there are no guarantees and if I am going to truly follow Christ, if I am going to be obedient to his calling for my/our life I am going to have to take some risks! Over and over in the Gospel, Jesus tells his followers "If you cling to your life, you will lose, and if you let your life go, you will save it." Hmmm, I think he's saying, Quit trying so hard to control everything. You are not in control of anything any way! I can continue to be responsible but I don't have to try so hard to make things fit my expectations.
Accordingly, the promise from Romans 8:15 let's me know I don't have try to be adventurous either. If I just willingly follow Jesus' path for me life will be an adventure. I like the way The Message version states it:
This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!
That is empowerment, People! It is this truth and encouragement I must stand on. It is all I have to drag me out of my comfort zone. I can throw off my spirit of fear because it is false and not who God created me to be. In short, we can do great and exciting things because He wills it to be!
Finally, we received a package in the mail today from All God's Children International. We are not finished exploring all of the domestic options for adopting a child but it seems that the international door is unlocked and open for us...please pray for us as we go through this season and we make changes appropriate for being obedient to God's calling! November 6th is Orphan Sunday- a day dedicated to praying for and calling attention to "the least of these." I hope 163 million of them are on your hearts and minds just for today! :)
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Woman Stuff
This week in my quiet time God revealed some pretty concrete truths. As a woman, I have some pretty important supporting roles for my husband. (Disclaimer: If you are a modern woman or a self-proclaimed women's lib-er, you should excuse yourself now, cause this is not going to be a bra-burning, women rule the world kind of thought.)
It all started with Proverbs 11:22 "A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout." Now, I have to tell you my husband has been hunting hogs in North East Texas and sent me a picture of a 192 pound piggy he shot this week. It is anything but beautiful! I can't stop thinking of the two contrasting images. A beautiful woman and this ugly animal with a gold ring in its nose rolling in the mud! Furthermore, I know what discretion means...but do I really? So, I went to my trusty, ole' dictionary. Turns out, I do know, but now I have a greater understanding. Webster's defines discretion as: "the quality of having or showing discernment or good judgment : the quality of being discreet : circumspection; especially : cautious reserve in speech."
Instantly, I thought of the beauty industry. I thought of the piles of magazines that crowd my end tables and mailbox teaching me how to be beautiful. Only by the world's standards. To be beautiful to the Lord, I must be discreet and display good judgment. 1 Peter 3:4 tells us: "You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." Don't get me wrong, I love make-up, the latest anti-aging regiments, and fashion as much as the next gal, but without God's definition of beauty I might as well be a pig in the mud, because much like the waste of gold so is all of that beauty seeking!
Ok, so I said truths(this pill is a little tougher to swallow)...the following day, in Proverbs 12:4, I realize God is not done talking to me about my job as a woman. The Amplified Bible says it like this: "A virtuous and worthy wife [earnest and strong in character] is a crowning joy to her husband, but she who makes him ashamed is as rottenness in his bones."
Ouch! Ladies, if we are bringing shame to our husband's because we are not "earnest and strong in character" we are rotting his bones! Fellow women, we are killing our men, just by our character! Immediately, I thought of all the stress my husband deals with in a day; the taxing pressure to always be at the top of his game. Am I part of his stress, due to my sinful character? Moreover, I thought what if we, Christ-following women, just considered what he goes through in a day. How many of you have had the opportunity to work with your husband? How many have actually followed him around like a shadow or had a bird's eye-view of his professional life? I have done it. I have seen the kind of days my husband experiences and I must say, I am impressed. I am impressed that he ever goes back the following day, let alone years! I am impressed that he comes home and promotes me and our children. I am impressed that he helps around the house, at all, let alone ever chips in without being asked! Now, I can hear the cries and moans about babies and endless laundry and chauffeuring your little charges; yes, being a woman and a mom is hard work. On the contrary, perhaps, your husband does not engage with you when he comes home. Equally, he never sings your paises or lends a helping hand. As a result, he leaves you feeling empty and lonely. I sympathize. That is a huge issue for a marriage. Although it may be hard, I ask you to pray for him and pray for yourself to see him with new eyes. Yes, that's my advice, but don't take on too much. Try it, just for today. Because remember, Matthew 6:34, "So don't worry anout tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Likewise, consider what Philippians 2 commands us: "Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. In addition, if we are women of virtue we get to be his crowning glory! (Talk about Trophy Wife!!) Maybe just maybe, this will be beautiful to our husbands as well. I leave you this image and thought: will you choose true beauty and virtue or will you be as wasteful as pig adorned with gold? Try it, just for today!
It all started with Proverbs 11:22 "A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout." Now, I have to tell you my husband has been hunting hogs in North East Texas and sent me a picture of a 192 pound piggy he shot this week. It is anything but beautiful! I can't stop thinking of the two contrasting images. A beautiful woman and this ugly animal with a gold ring in its nose rolling in the mud! Furthermore, I know what discretion means...but do I really? So, I went to my trusty, ole' dictionary. Turns out, I do know, but now I have a greater understanding. Webster's defines discretion as: "the quality of having or showing discernment or good judgment : the quality of being discreet : circumspection; especially : cautious reserve in speech."
Instantly, I thought of the beauty industry. I thought of the piles of magazines that crowd my end tables and mailbox teaching me how to be beautiful. Only by the world's standards. To be beautiful to the Lord, I must be discreet and display good judgment. 1 Peter 3:4 tells us: "You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." Don't get me wrong, I love make-up, the latest anti-aging regiments, and fashion as much as the next gal, but without God's definition of beauty I might as well be a pig in the mud, because much like the waste of gold so is all of that beauty seeking!
Ok, so I said truths(this pill is a little tougher to swallow)...the following day, in Proverbs 12:4, I realize God is not done talking to me about my job as a woman. The Amplified Bible says it like this: "A virtuous and worthy wife [earnest and strong in character] is a crowning joy to her husband, but she who makes him ashamed is as rottenness in his bones."
Ouch! Ladies, if we are bringing shame to our husband's because we are not "earnest and strong in character" we are rotting his bones! Fellow women, we are killing our men, just by our character! Immediately, I thought of all the stress my husband deals with in a day; the taxing pressure to always be at the top of his game. Am I part of his stress, due to my sinful character? Moreover, I thought what if we, Christ-following women, just considered what he goes through in a day. How many of you have had the opportunity to work with your husband? How many have actually followed him around like a shadow or had a bird's eye-view of his professional life? I have done it. I have seen the kind of days my husband experiences and I must say, I am impressed. I am impressed that he ever goes back the following day, let alone years! I am impressed that he comes home and promotes me and our children. I am impressed that he helps around the house, at all, let alone ever chips in without being asked! Now, I can hear the cries and moans about babies and endless laundry and chauffeuring your little charges; yes, being a woman and a mom is hard work. On the contrary, perhaps, your husband does not engage with you when he comes home. Equally, he never sings your paises or lends a helping hand. As a result, he leaves you feeling empty and lonely. I sympathize. That is a huge issue for a marriage. Although it may be hard, I ask you to pray for him and pray for yourself to see him with new eyes. Yes, that's my advice, but don't take on too much. Try it, just for today. Because remember, Matthew 6:34, "So don't worry anout tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Likewise, consider what Philippians 2 commands us: "Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. In addition, if we are women of virtue we get to be his crowning glory! (Talk about Trophy Wife!!) Maybe just maybe, this will be beautiful to our husbands as well. I leave you this image and thought: will you choose true beauty and virtue or will you be as wasteful as pig adorned with gold? Try it, just for today!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Random Thought
I am currently in a women's Bible study at church. My assignment for the last week was concentrating on Jesus Christ being the center of my life and Lord of my life. It suggested that "just for today" I let Him be Lord and center of my life. I thought, one day. Are you kidding me? One day, that's it! I can do just about anything for one day. Oh, I can trust Jesus completely for 24 hours. I can not be anxious for 24 hours, eww, umm, wait! Do you mean not worrying or being anxious about tomorrow or next week, or next year? I can try, I guess. Matthew 6:34 MSG, says it like this: "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Pondering these words "just for today" and the aforementioned scripture got me thinking...maybe that's it! Perhaps, it is not about planning out the next 10 years, or 5 years, or even the next 6 months! It is about what God is showing me and revealing to me right now, right in this moment, in this day. He loves us so much he wants us present for the live show. We don't have to watch the black and white re-runs or wonder what is coming. All we have to do is focus on him for this day and everything else will fall in to place. I realized that I have been spending all of my time anxiously(and excitedly) waiting for the next step in my life, but I am missing all the in-between stuff God wants to take the time to show me right now! He is using this time to quiet and calm my spirit and showing me how to rest in His. All of the vision He has given me will be accomplished because it's His vision to accomplish, not mine. My family and I are on this journey of hope and love. I don't know where it will take us or where we will go from here. For those that know me well, you know, this is a huge leap of faith for the girl who ALWAYS has an itinerary. I hope you can join me as we live it out and journal it here. So, I ask you, will you join me as we live centered in God's will just for today?
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