My Review of "The Shack"

“Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It is about letting go of another person's throat......Forgiveness does not create a relationship. Unless people speak the truth about what they have done and change their mind and behavior, a relationship of trust is not possible. When you forgive someone you certainly release them from judgment, but without true change, no real relationship can be established.........Forgiveness in no way requires that you trust the one you forgive. But should they finally confess and repent, you will discover a miracle in your own heart that allows you to reach out and begin to build between you a bridge of reconciliation.........Forgiveness does not excuse anything.........You may have to declare your forgiveness a hundred times the first day and the second day, but the third day will be less and each day after, until one day you will realize that you have forgiven completely. And then one day you will pray for his wholeness......” ― William Paul Young, The Shack

Last night Steve and I went to see the movie version of “The Shack.”  It was based on the novel of the same name, written by William P. Young.  Several people wondered what I thought of it.  That’s not an easy question to answer briefly but I will try.

The year was 2008 when I first read this novel.  Like many others, I was skeptical about God--my God--being represented as a woman.  I read the book with my token religious haughtiness at hand, ready to throw the book across the room at its blasphemous words should I find the need to do so.  However, as I delved further into the story of Mackenzie and his struggle to believe in God when his world was falling down all around him, I was drawn into the story of forgiveness, acceptance, and the mighty power of God’s love.  For you see, I too was facing these dilemmas as my father and sister died within four weeks of each other and the devastating effects left behind as I watched what was left of my family implode allowed me to relate to Mack’s feelings of anger, betrayal, and loneliness.

Much has changed in my life since those events nearly nine years ago.  I have grown spiritually as my sweet and patient Lord has worked in me my own ability to forgive those who hurt me the most.  Like the male version of “Papa” told Mackenzie, I too had to let go of some throats.  I too had to release folks from their “crimes”--often several times a day.  I too had to forgive--even though establishing relationship with them was not going to be an option.  Mostly though, I had to realize God was in control of it all and was using it for my good even though for the life of me I could not understand where He was in all of this chaos.

As I watched the movie, my thoughts were more on the present and how this movie would impact me now.  My awareness of God in His many roles has evolved and I was curious to see how this motion picture would depict Him, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  I’ll definitely say it was interesting and-- with an open mind--enjoyable.  For you see, God can be so many things to us, His children, and He is sensitive to our needs as we reach out to Him.  When one has had an abusive father figure, it’s easy to see why relating to God as a loving daddy would be hard to do.  Long ago, The McKameys sang a song that sums this up better than I can:

“Sometimes I try to tell what Jesus means to me, and I find myself searching for words to say just what I mean. Well I never can quite describe how good He’s been to me.  But I know whatever I need that’s just what He is.

He’s my rock and my deliverer, He’s my strength, my God, and my King. He’s my shelter in the time of trouble, yes I look to Him for everything. He can be a mother, a father, or friend and on Him I can always depend, for I know whatever I need that’s just what He is.”

In conclusion, what did I think of the movie “The Shack”?  I think it’s a great conversation starter for those who are curious about the Lord, the real Lord, and not just wanting a pat response about Him when their salvation is at stake.  Too many folks have been hurt by religion and false teachings to want to even think of or try to pursue a relationship with God.  Watching this movie just might give you an opening to tell them who Christ is to you and as you tell your story of how God has redeemed you, you just might encourage them to seek Him out too.  

Let’s pray!

Dear Lord, there are so many ways You use to reach Your children.  This movie has the potential to bring people to You as they search for the one true God.  Lord, so many have been raised to fear You--but not in a reverential way, Father.  Too many think of You as judge, jury, and executioner, just sitting on Your throne, waiting to rend Your judgment on them because they are so unworthy and bad.  As they watch this movie, read the book, hear true stories of You, and see You in a different light, my prayer is that You will soften their bruised hearts and melt the ice around them.  I pray that You will continue to have mercy as they fight the lies and discover just how wonderful You are!  Lord, so many, so so many don’t know what love is.  My prayer is that eyes will be opened to embrace You the way You embraced us first.  Be our Papa, our Abba, our Father for we need You so very much.  In the name of Jesus I pray:  amen.

Day Twenty-Six

“Do you see this woman” was the question Jesus asked of Simon while He was visiting with him, and many of the other disciples were also present.  Christ went on to extol her virtues--yes, virtues--while the men around were noticing her extravagance and posture in her worship of the Messiah.

“...for she loved much” Jesus went on to say, as He made known that her sins--which were many--had been forgiven.   Talk about calling a spade a spade.  Jesus didn’t sugarcoat that this woman was a sinner--and not just one of the ones who only sin a little like so many of us.  Hardly.   As much as He made known her sacrifice, He also made the others aware of the fact that she had often fallen short of the glory of God.

Hmn.  Fallen short.  Maybe that explains her place in this story.  She was on her hands, her knees.  She used her hair to wipe Jesus’ feet; her tears to wash them.  She unceasingly kissed His tired feet.  Did she know the path they had trod--as well as the road that was before Him? And His head, that sacred head that was about to be bruised?  Her compassion for Christ, her love for Him, made her the humblest of servants as she gave her very best--physically and financially--to the One before her.

Did she ask for this blessing from Jesus:  did she beg for His forgiveness?  No.  She knew she wasn’t worthy.  She knew she had messed up.  The only thing she could do was try to comfort Him as His greatest trial was soon to be faced.  Even though she had seen Him do miracles in others, she didn’t count herself as one He would possibly save.  Nope.  Not her.  But what she did know was that she had one opportunity to try to at least say “Thanks” for the things He had done for others.  She had met the Christ and her life would never be the same.

“She loved much.”  I wonder what she loved, this mystery woman.  People?  Possessions?  Power?  In those days, women didn’t have much status.  We know her profession was that of a prostitute, one where--for a little while--she was the one in control of the man.  What led her to this employment opportunity?  I could speculate but truthfully, only God knows.  What I do feel is correct is that once she met Jesus, her life was never the same.  Whatever she loved before paled in comparison as she met the Lover of her soul.  And then to hear those words, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” must have startled the dickens out of her!  Her faith?  Where is the evidence of that?  Oh surely, she knew she was lost but this faith that had just saved her:  when did it come into place??

I’m stuck here, friends, so I do what I often do:  ask the hubs for help.  His response?  It wasn’t a given that his family would attend church each week but it was a fairly common experience.  However, he didn’t know that this day--this fairly routine day-- would be the one he met the Saviour.  Steve was just going to church that day.  This woman was just going to a party.  Neither knew their lives were about to be changed by the One Who has the power to forgive sins.  

Okay, let’s backtrack a moment and tie this all up, shall we?  Here was this woman who came to Simon’s party with an alabaster box filled with costly ointment.  We don’t know what her intentions were on the way to the place, but once she got there, once she saw the Christ, all she could do was cry.  Were her tears those of joy at meeting the One she’d heard of?  Were they of shame at her sinful life--and did they fall more fervently once He told the partygoers “her sins were many” and her embarrassment caused them to flow even more heavily?  Lastly, once she heard those words--those blessed words--”your faith has saved you” were her tears ones of unrestrained relief that a faith she didn’t even know she possessed had been accounted to her as righteousness?

“Do you see this woman?” Yeah, I do, in a whole different light than when these words were first read.  I see in her...me.  One who was unclean, had no hope, and whom the world had given up on.  I see in her the unspoken dream of being found worthy by a Man who would see me--me!--and not some version that suited him at certain stage of his world.  I see in this woman me, one who loved deeply (too much some would say), and yet somehow, somehow through all of my angst, through all of my tears, and through the hope that was hidden because I never thought it would see the light of day, I see a woman who was told by her Redeemer that she has been forgiven.  

“Go in peace” were the last words Jesus spoke to her in this passage.  How wonderful that she could now do that.  How marvelous that I can too!

Day Fourteen

Day Fourteen

"Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.  So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him."  II Corinthians 2:5-8

As Steve and I read this section earlier, we both kind of scratched our heads and wondered who on earth Paul was referring to; who had done this horrendous act that was causing such a stir?  And then we questioned how Paul could be so politically correct as to not offer condemnation to said soul but instead to reach out his hand--while encouraging others--to restore such a brother back to the fold.

I am pretty sure we all know some folks who have really blown it.  Beyond messed up, they did some crime/sin against another or a group of folks that they appear to be in no way, shape, or form deserving of mercy.  Well, maybe down the road--way down the road--forgiveness might be offered but first there must be proper payment for this huge infraction.  Yeah, s/he probably needs to be "overwhelmed by excessive sorrow" first so s/he can truly know the depths of this blight against humanity.  And offer comfort to this individual?  Are you kidding me?  Comfort him when he just blew my world apart?  Offer her sympathy lest she be the one who's discouraged?  Seriously??

Yes.  Seriously.  Though it goes against almost every fiber of our beings, we are to forgive.  To extend mercy.  To offer assistance.  To restore this one who was so broken and confused that they lost their power to reason, to separate truth from fiction.  To open blinded hearts and soften hardened hearts that indeed are overwhelmed with a sorrow that those who don't know Christ Jesus must surely feel in the deepest recesses of their soul where the battle for survival takes place.

And no (in case you were wondering) these words are not easy for me to write and they have been terrifically hard to implement in my life.  I've been through some things that threatened to consume me with the sadness, unfairness, and painfulness that resulted from the wiles of the devil who used--or tried to use--certain situations to tear apart God's children and to make them want to turn away from Him.  I've done my share of questioning why God allowed trials in my life that consumed, embittered, and at times threatened my sanity.  So no, again, I don't say these words lightly.  Read the paragraph above again where I wrote "though it goes against almost every fiber of our beings."  Almost every fiber but not the ones that the blood of Christ has woven together, pieced back into a garment of righteousness, and sewn with so much love that how could I of all sinners dare to not offer that same compassion that God showed me when He sent Jesus to me as payment for my many transgressions?

Ahh, friends, my heart too is so grieved right now over the Orlando Shootings.  I have friends who are gay that perhaps are more easily targeted than my heterosexual friends.  I have friends who "live in sin" with someone for a myriad of reasons that I don't necessarily agree with.  I myself live with someone who is so far from perfect that I wonder how she thinks she can get up each day and write down words to encourage others when she is the one in need of more teaching, more grace, more lessons on forgiveness.  

Let's close with this rephrasing of our passage today, replacing our name each applicable pronoun, shall we?  I'll go first!

Now if Stefanie has caused pain, she has caused it not to me, but in some measure--not to put it too severely--to all of you.  For such a one as Stefanie, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort Stefanie, or she may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.  So I beg you to reaffirm your love to Stefanie.

Ouch.  Can't say that one didn't hurt but putting my name in the place of the one who caused so much harm sure brought it home to me.  May the Lord convict you in the areas of your life where you need it most and may you be surrounded by those who are willing to restore you is my urgent hope for you all this morning.  Tough love, baby?  Yes.  But gentle restoration and comfort by those who have fallen as well brings us all closer to emulating the love of Christ.  Do you concur?

Day Ten

Bless his heart.  Had not enough bad stuff already happened to him today, this week?  I mean, seriously, how much was one kid supposed to take?

It all--well, not all, but at least the latest incident to damage the poor child's calm--happened after supper was almost over.  Ever the warrior, my precious middle gson had his sword at the ready.  PawPaw though, being oh-so-wise and on the lookout for potential disaster (did I mention the youngest gson was in his arms, often ready to take what his brothers are playing with and claim for his own?) found the ideal spot for the sword.  He placed it in an opening in C's chair, still within arm's reach, and ready for him to pick up once his macaroni and steak bites were eaten.

And then?  BAM!  One wrong move and the sword somehow wound up being nearly extracted, hitting my sweet and unprepared love in his arm, making a sting that made him feel as though he had been attacked.

"PawPaw!"  he cried, and his eyes were so full of tears, wrath, and anger. "This is all your fault!"  Rubbing his arm and eyes, he glared with the fury of a thousand jungle beasts at Steve, who was trying not to laugh and cry at the same time as he felt C's pain but also at the hilarity of--once again (nearly always?)--being blamed for when something goes wrong.

We tried explaining to him that he couldn't blame others when situations turned on him.  We told him how the sword had sat there for many minutes without it bothering him so how could it possibly be PawPaw's fault?  I told him he couldn't blame him for this accident.  Through his rivers of tears and pain and frustration at being "attacked" again, he cried out "I don't even know what "blame" means!"

Oh my heart!  This forty-pound, five-year-old, wee bundle of all things great, good, and lovable was disconsolable until it all made sense and sank in his tiny little brain.  Brushing aside his tears, smiling once again, and ready to play, he took off to join his brother in the circle of fun when only a couple of minutes later BAM!  Another accident caused him to explode in a fit of fury as he felt the sting of a board brushing against his back as his brother had innocently thrown it without paying good attention to where it might land.  C was ready to fight, to scream, to pound out his indignation but there was Granny, once again, stepping in to explain that it was indeed an accident but that W did need to go further than his off-the-cuff "Sorry" and show his brother some real concern.  He went over to him, arms outstretched, the "I'm really sorry.  Will you forgive me" spiel on his lips.  But poor little C had had a rough week, as mentioned above.  He'd been "I'm sorried" one time too many, had too many "accidents" that needed forgiven, and it was the night before he was to graduate kindergarten and his emotions were stretched to the max.  

As W's arms enveloped his younger brother's, Con Man's were outstretched as well.  The difference though was when contact was made, he began "beating" his brother's back, trying to make him feel some of the pain he had just experienced.  Again telling him it was an accident, I interceded, and the fight went out from him as he heard the truth, as he felt his brother's contriteness and his need to reconcile.  They hugged as they so often do and squeezed and began to giggle and wrestle and went on about their business.  Once again fellowship was restored and the hurt forgotten.

Today's verses kind of deal with this.  Read them with me, from Colossians 3:12-13:

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

These kids have already forgiven each other so so many times--with many more to come in the future, I have no doubt.  How I admire their willingness to acknowledge the hurts, the infractions, the sins, and to deal with them.  Compassionately.  Kindly.  With meekness when they know they are to blame for the other's pain.  With patience when they see that the other needs to kick and scream a little before restoration takes place but bearing with that other one, and then allowing the forgiveness to run its course.  Although they don't realize this life lesson they are not just learning but practising, they are setting the stage for future "accidents" and "on purpose" events that they will have to make the choice to forgive or to harbor bitterness in their souls.  

May they always choose forgiveness is my prayer.  They teach me so much!  Thank You, God, for my grandsons.  Through them, I learn so much about Your love for me.  May I be more childlike in my faith and walk with Christ is my hope, asked in His name.  Amen.

Day Seven

Today (finally!!) we get into the topic of forgiveness that this month-long study was going to be about.  Excited?  Me too!

In Sunday School this past week, we discussed the different versions of the Bible and which ones are the most alike.  As I read these verses this morning, I took note of the "seventy-seven times."  Thinking it must be a mistake, because I had always remembered it being "seventy times seven" I did a little research.  I wish I could explain simply what I found out but it's all Greek to me, plus a little Latin and in truth, I just sit here shaking my head, knowing what I read made sense yet still not in easy terms to relate to another.  So, like the point that Jesus Himself was making, it honestly doesn't matter how many times those brothers and sisters of ours sin against us, we are to forgive every time.

Every time?  Are you kidding me?  Do you know what s/he did--and it's not the first time, either?!  I can't keep being a doormat.  I can't keep being lied to. I I I.

And there it is, friends:  I.  Me.  Me me me.  

Um, can I ask you a question or two without sounding like a smarty-pants blogger?  How many things have you done wrong in your life?  How many times have you messed up and hurt someone else?  Lastly, who did this sin most affect?

On our way home last night, Steve told me about an epiphany (for lack of a better word.  Hey, I'm just impressed he knew what this one meant!) he had yesterday while pondering this issue of sin.  He set up the scenario--using the grandsons, of course--and how if one of them took the other's toy that he'd made for himself at a Lowe's Workshop and then broke it, who should he apologize to:  the toy or to the brother?  Being that God created us--man--then when someone does harm to that object--man--whom should be apologized to?  Who needs to be asked to forgive:  God or man?

Remember the story of David when Nathan accused him of his sin?  Remember David's response?  "Against thee only have I sinned!" he cried out to God in Psalm 51.  I must admit:  I always had trouble with this passage.  For you see, like David, I was shaped in my mother's womb through sin and brought forth with iniquity raging in me.  How dare David say he had only hurt God when so many more lives were at stake?  

Um, lives, or feelings, Stef?

Lives!  Of course lives.  Feelings too.  

Oh, so now you know the mind of Me?  Am not I The Potter and you the clay?  Maybe Stef, My dear child, you should go back and read Isaiah 45 and Romans 9:20.

Sigh.  Okay, God.  You win.  Again.  And again.  Seventy times seven You will always be right and I will be the one who needs to prostrate herself to You when I fall and when I fail.  Oh Lord:  it is indeed against You whom I have sinned against.  And while I still feel reparations should be given to the earthly injured parties, I see the truth of Steve's epiphany, of Your Holy Word, and the example You set before me to follow.  Like Peter, I want to impress You and often forget that that can be a source of pride in my life.  While it is not contrary to ask my brother to forgive me when I sin, I see that this is an after-effect, a consequence to a poor choice that I make each time I choose flesh over pleasing You.  Help me, dear Father, to be a vessel of honor and glory to You and when I stumble, please keep picking me up.

I will, My love.  I will.

Out with the old

Here it is, the last day of May.  I've written to you all before that I love the "firsts" of things, such as new months, places, jobs, and so on because they give us a chance at starting over: of doing things right this time.  Today, though, I want to concentrate for a few moments on the "lasts" of things, because who of us is promised tomorrow?  Mmn hmn.  Exactly!

I've been discouraged lately in some areas of my life.  Stagnant.  Rebellious.  Distant.  Disheartened.  Mad, even.  I wrote recently about losing a dear friend, Betty, my "Number One Facebook Supporter" of this blog.  Although technically she hasn't passed yet, the doctors say she won't regain consciousness.  When I visited with her last week, I believe she heard my words, felt my touch, and mostly, I trust that she sensed my presence and the love I feel towards her.  I also mentioned losing my friend Lisa several weeks ago.  Although we weren't as close in the end as we were in certain times, the impact she made on my life gave me much inspiration and many topics to write about.

Between the two of these losses, I could easily bury my head in the sand and stay there, content in my misery and sense of loss.  I could burrow in the comfort of my Pretty Purple Room as I ponder the sense of what it's all about anyways.  I could never pick up a pen, touch the keyboard, or voice my thoughts via videos and just let myself be overwhelmed with the futility that must resemble that of which Solomon felt when he penned his thoughts on the vanity of life in the Book of Ecclesiastes.  However, like Solomon wrote, there is a time and a season for all things.  And the time to keep silent has passed!

As I finished reading the Book of Isaiah this morning, there were a few passages that stood out to me but the one posted in the picture illustrates my wandering thoughts today:  "You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent."  It was as though God Himself was encouraging me, telling me to keep at it.  Whether my audience is vast or is only one soul, is it not important--vital, even--to share the things God reveals through me in all circumstances?  I think so!  Those who are meant to read it and be touched by it will be.  We can't all be like-minded all of the time but sometimes...Sometimes can't we just agree that our Lord is worthy and greatly to be praised?  I don't want the rocks to do my job for me.  Thus, the days of being hardened are over!

Yeah, I like new beginnings and tomorrow I am going to start a new form of blogging for a month, thanks to an invitation by SouthernSavers.com.   Here's the link, for those of you who may want to join me:  http://www.southernplate.com/2016/05/june-scripture-writing-plan.html.  The challenge is this:  to write down a  passage of scripture each day and to ponder it.  Hey:  even for a slacker like me, that's not too hard!  The topic is on forgiveness and I certainly can continually glean more on this issue since it's such a necessity in my daily living.  My hubby is going to do it with me and hopefully between the two of us holding one another accountable, we will stick to this 30-Day Challenge and learn much.  But, for those of you who may not have such a handsome accountability partner, I offer to you...me.  Join me here tomorrow as we walk our way through the Bible and draw closer to understanding just what forgiveness is all about.  Plus, if you join me and my ol' man has for some reason slacked off, you can keep me on track!  You know what happens when I wander!  

Let's pray!

Dear Lord God, as I contemplate the past couple of months and the losses I have faced, I apologize.  I'm sorry for taking my eyes off of You and withdrawing into myself.  You are all too familiar with sorrows Yourself, Father, and I should have run to You instead of hiding in myself.  Yes, there are seasons in life and some of those aren't the fun ones that we'd prefer go through.  As I purpose to (once again) do better, I ask that You send me some folks to keep me on my toes.  Thank You for the kind words from Sarah, Kathleen, Ressie, Joy, and from Veronica Shah that helped to encourage me as I shuffled about in my despair.  Lord, I need lots of pats on the backs.  I need many words to uplift me and to validate me.  But mostly Father?  I need to stay focused on You and keep my eyes ahead and not behind.  Thank You for another opportunity to do it right.  In the name of Jesus I pray:  amen.

Still keeping score?

transgression:  an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense.

sin:  an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law.

Synonyms (not to be confused with cinnamons) are a wonderful gift for us writers.  When about to overuse a word, if we will just be diligent, we can soon find one that means nearly the same but doesn't overwhelm the reader with repetitious words.  Plus, it often affords us with a better, more fitting expression.

Mark 11:25 tells us:  "Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions." 

Notice first the word "forgive."  It is defined as a verb, meaning:  stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake.  Also it means to cancel a debt.  

Next, notice the word "against" which is defined as in opposition to.  I think we are good with the other words so, let's proceed to rewrite this verse with these different synonyms, shall we?

Whenever Stefanie stands praying, Stefanie is to stop feeling angry or resentful towards anyone who offended Stefanie or made a mistake involving Stefanie, so that Stefanie's Father in heaven will also cancel Stefanie's debt for Stefanie's immoral acts that Stefanie committed against God and His laws.

Ouch.

It's one thing to make someone mad, hurt his/her feelings, or offend them but to do this against God, to do this against the One Who gave me life, Who chose me as His own, Who forgave me of all of my own filthiness?  Well, that's quite another, now isn't it?  I would be mortified beyond measure should you all be able to see my past errors, the atrocious thoughts I have had, to hear the mean things I have said, and the deeds done in the flesh?  Ooh, I shudder to think what you would think of me should you know all--or even just a few--of the ways I have shamed myself, my family, my friends, and most importantly my God.

If--and I assure you that He did--God can forgive me so easily of my wrongdoings and lawbreaking, then surely I can do no less.  For you see, God didn't so easily forgive:  it took the death of His Son Jesus to make the way for this ol' gal to be redeemed.  All He asks of me is to let go of my pride and little feelings.  I don't have to see my child beaten for things she didn't do.  I don't have to sit by as my child is spat upon and mocked for things the world just didn't understand.  I didn't have to sacrifice my daughter for a world full of rebellious, selfish, ungrateful, and unholy people such as me.  Nope.  I just have to follow His example.  And surely even someone as simple as me can do this, right?  

Let's pray!

Ah Lord, I can hear it now:  easier said than done.  And You and I both know, Father, how uneasy this has been for me during my fifty-one-years of life.  And also, You and I know that some infractions are easier to let go of than the ones that have left the lifelong scars that are so evident still on my tattered heart.

But Lord, even the worst of these harms against me cannot compare to the sufferings of Christ on my behalf.  Were our records placed beside each other, were our wrongs done to us compared as though some score were being kept, mine would be so small when likened to the one of Jesus.

Sigh.  Forgiveness is so hard for me, Lord!  But I guess that's because I personalize it (hard not to when I am the one who was hurt and/or victimized) instead of looking at the bigger picture and examining why these things were allowed in my life and what lessons I took from them.  So, as I keep standing for You, Lord God, my prayer and my plea is for You to toughen my soft skin, cleanse my mind of past deeds that still want to jab at me, and to make me more like Jesus.  Compel me to love without judging.  Help me to accept without prejudice.  Teach me to embrace no matter the dirt or evident the grime.  Develop me into Your servant of peace and not one who stirs up strife.  With Your help, Father God, I can be better.  I'm trusting in You to perfect me.  In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.  Amen.

That's what friends are for!

Many years ago at the little country church I attended, altar calls were the norm.  Most every service the invitation was given, as well as the opening up of the altar for those who just needed to come and pray.

One Sunday morning, to my surprise, this woman whom I considered to be a pillar of the church, stood up, looked my way, nodded at me as if to say "Meet me there," and headed that way.  Thinking she must want me to pray with her over something, I arose and went to the front of the church with her, got to my knees beside of her, and then listened to her apologize to me over some hard feelings she had had over me.  Dumbfounded, I could only stare as she continued speaking in a tone of authority.  She apologized and said we were to go on because it wasn't even hardly worth speaking of.  Being young in the faith, I agreed, we prayed, hugged, and...we went on.

How simple it was!  She made no bones about being wrong for her negative thinking but...but she also was so assured in her faith and--I guess--in me as well that she knew this matter would be resolved without any fanfare.  She knew her Bible, knew her God, and knew this was the thing to do to maintain fellowship with Him and with me as well--even though I was unaware of her harsh feelings over an incident that I cannot even recall.  

What was the result of this action?  Well, as I mentioned, I was younger in the faith then than I am now so it showed me the way to live the Bible, to live the verses that were being taught, and to be a doer of the Word instead of just a hearer.  She taught me something that day that had to do with forgiveness, sure, but she also taught me that I could rely on the older women in the faith, not necessarily just in age because she and I were similar in our birth years. 

As children of God, we are commanded to look out for one another in many ways.  My pastor is beginning to teach the church those ways on Sunday mornings through the book of I Thessalonians should you desire to know more.  For those of you who don't live nearby, you can watch the videos of these teachings at https://www.facebook.com/clarkschapel.baptistchurch

In conclusion, this issue of forgiveness is tough--but only if we let it be.  Why not choose instead to deal with things that have caused discord and do it in a matter-of-fact method instead of holding grudges and losing out on fellowship and peace?  Yes, I do know some things are harder to let go of than others because this is an issue I have struggled with for decades now.  But, when I look back on this episode of my life, perhaps had I allowed myself to be mentored to more, studied the Word of God more thoroughly, and realized how important some people are to me--more so than the hurts I was holding onto--my life might have been more peaceably lived.  Instead of the weight of these burdens around my neck, on my back, and stifling my heart, perhaps I could have lived that joy-filled life of abundance that God has promised to me when I follow His commands.  

Let's pray!

Dear Lord, thank You for this memory of Tammy Williams and how she affected my spiritual walk when I was still a toddler in the faith.  I pray that her example will stand firm in my mind as I stand before You, realizing that no good comes from holding onto bitterness.  May I choose the good things instead, Father, as I mature ever more in Your Word is my prayer.  Amen.

Stop telling me what to do!

Can I ask you a question?  Do you like to be told what to do?  I mean it!  Do you like it when you mention you are having a problem and your friends give you advice that tells you the best way to handle things?  Or (and this one may be more true for men) when you are at a restaurant and can’t decide which entree you want, does some “helpful” soul tell you that “you really should try this” and enforce their tastes onto you?  What about politics?  Have you decided yet whom you are going to vote for as the next president or are you waiting for the pundits and “experts” to tell you whom the best choice is?

Many of us wander about, not taking the time to think for ourselves, and we rely on others to make the important decisions in our lives.  What college we should attend, where the best place is to buy clothing, which vacation spot is the best to go to for a quick three-day weekend are things many folks expect others to have the answers to.  

I’ve often said (and even without being sarcastic) that women just like being told what to do.  Stay with me, girlfriends!  We like knowing what is expected of us.  We like guidelines.  We like knowing the particulars so that we may meet and exceed those expectations and stay focused on the task at hand rather than trying to read a mind and figure out what is really being demanded of us.

Yesterday on my private Facebook page, I wrote these words:  

While I think it's great that the Pope has told his clergy that Catholic

Priests can forgive women and doctors for abortions, I find so much

more satisfaction and relief that my Saviour Jesus Christ has already

paid this debt, forgiven me of my sins, and that His in the only mercy

I need to rely on. Although it is nice when man forgives me when I

mess up too, being forgiven by my Jesus is where my assurance lies.

As I reflected on them throughout the day and part of the night, I realized I might sound a bit pious and that was not my intent.  I also thought about how many folks, how many sheep (if you will) are just waiting to be shephered and told what to do, how to do it, and when to do it.  Does that make sense?  A lot of folks nowadays are being told that they deserve to be happy, deserve to be successful, and so on and there are many self-help gurus out there explaining to them how this is to be done.  Blindly, they follow these people as they go from one weight-loss program to one self-help seminar to get-rich-quick schemes and so on and so forth.  But even deeper than that, some of us are taught at an early age to hold grudges, to be racist, to not trust anyone.  We are taught that there are certain people you just don’t mess with, that there are some sins you just don’t forgive, and we are taught all kinds of misleading things and because we are too lazy to find out the truths for ourselves, we blindly follow this example until one day we look up and are being shown a different way, one that perhaps makes us question why we believed such nonsense to begin with.

Do we need the Pope to tell us when we can forgive?  Do we need the government telling us only certain people can practice their first and second amendments rights?  Do we need doctors prescribing pills for us to ease our frazzled minds when instead...when instead friends, we can just listen to our own Shepherd?  We can take the time to be still and listen for that still small voice which will guide and direct us in the paths we should travel.  If we will turn to Jesus, don’t you think He will give us the wisdom to make decisions that will not only affect our tomorrows but also whatever crisis we may be experiencing today?  I’ve heard His 401K Plan is out of this world.  I’ve also heard that He gives a peace that passes our understanding so no need to take a pill for that.  And forgiving others?  Why, He showed us the greatest example of that when He Himself took our faults, sins, and miseries upon Himself at Calvary.  

So, in conclusion, if you really feel the need to be told what to do, why not do it from The One Who knows best?  Why not follow the steps of Jesus as He, by example, showed us how to live?  

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

Dear Lord, today as so many of us wander about, not knowing which route to take, my prayer is a simple one:  may we know You?  May we stay in the palm of Your hand?  May we listen to You and know that You know us better than any other and certainly better than we know ourselves?  

Thank You for eternal life, daily love, and infinite grace.  You are amazing, Father, and there is no one that comes even close to You!  In Jesus’ name I ask that we all love You as You have loved us.  Amen.